Berkely, CA Council Votes that Marines are not Welcome

[Redleg]

Uhm....

Soldiers are citiens, yes. But the armed forces organization aren't citizens, they're a part of the state.

This is different then your earlier comment - which I noticed you failed to address. So are soldiers less then citizens because they serve the state? You have blurred your point because of your earlier comments. Saying that armed forces recruiters should be burned at the stake is a comment directed at the individual. The above statement is even more contradictory since you failed to address the previous statement. Recruiters serve the state but they are also citizens. Advocating the destruction of a individual because of a job that they perform because it serves the state is a violation of that individuals rights as a citizen.

Notice the verbage of the statement by the City Council. They target not only the service - ie the recruiting station, which is the government but the individuals themself because their assigned duty is that of a recruiter.

This is the discintion that the City Council has blurred with their statement. If they would of just addressed the recruiting station then they might have a point, delving into defining the recruiters as unwelcome guests targets the individual. I would find the City more hypocritical in their stance if they take money from the Federal Government - (which about every major city in the United States does).

I find it amazing that an individual who believes in individual freedoms fails to notice the idiocy of the city council in their statement.

[Redleg]

I didn't say less, I said different.

A soldier has many rights that a civilian does not, and a civilian has many rights a soldier does not. A soldier's status as an individual is very limited. A civilian has the right of dissent. In fact, the highest quality one can have as a civilian is the right to say no to authority. That right right does not exist for a soldier.

This is actually incorrect. A soldier has less rights in regards to military authority. A soldier has the exact same rights as any citizen when it regards civilian authority outside of the executive office. The city council can advocate that the military recruiting office not be present in its city. It can not however violate the individual rights of the citizen regardless if they wear a uniform or not.

If the president himself tells Joe Citizen to "Drop and give me twenty-five, maggot!", that fella can tell the president to shove those twenty-five where the sun don't shine. If a soldier responds likewise, he goes to jail. That is the difference.

Correct - again this ability only applies to the executive office as commander in chief. If Senator Clinton told the soldier to drop and give me twenty five the soldier can politely refuse since the Senator is not in the command authority chain of command.

By the by, a US soldier has the right to fully socialized medicine paid for and administered solely by the state. A civilian doesn't. I look forward to a five-hundred word thesis on that one.

Simply put the socialized medicine is based upon a military chain of command and responsiblity. Any citizen can join and enjoy the same system if they are willing to serve their nation.

When you take the pay and the danger involved in being a soldier - socialized medicine is not really a great big benefit with being a soldier. Such a stance demonstrates a fundmental flaw in your understanding of the hazards, responsiblities and duties of the soldier and the organization that must support that soldier.

Soldiers that are enlisted also get three meals a day and free rooms while they are in garrison. Are you attempting to equate those systems to the issue of Free speech?

Not a very good attempt Beriut.

[Beirut]

This is actually incorrect. A soldier has less rights in regards to military authority. A soldier has the exact same rights as any citizen when it regards civilian authority outside of the executive office. The city council can advocate that the military recruiting office not be present in its city. It can not however violate the individual rights of the citizen regardless if they wear a uniform or not.

I think we're saying the same thing in a different way. A soldier does have rights that a civilian does not and vice versa. I never said a civilian authority could deny a soldier his individual rights, only that a civilian government can deny a military body the right to be where it wants to be.

Correct - again this ability only applies to the executive office as commander in chief. If Senator Clinton told the soldier to drop and give me twenty five the soldier can politely refuse since the Senator is not in the command authority chain of command.

That's what I said.

The point was that a soldier can be jailed for dissent whereas (technically) a civilian cannot.

Simply put the socialized medicine is based upon a military chain of command and responsiblity. Any citizen can join and enjoy the same system if they are willing to serve their nation.

We prefer to think that all citizens should enjoy this right.

When you take the pay and the danger involved in being a soldier - socialized medicine is not really a great big benefit with being a soldier. Such a stance demonstrates a fundmental flaw in your understanding of the hazards, responsiblities and duties of the soldier and the organization that must support that soldier.

I have as good an understanding of the debt society owes to its soldiers as any civilian puke. I simply view health care as a human right due every citizen.

Soldiers that are enlisted also get three meals a day and free rooms while they are in garrison. Are you attempting to equate those systems to the issue of Free speech?

No. Never did.

Not a very good attempt Beriut.

On the contrary, t'was a wonderful attempt.

Don't misunderstand my intention here, I'm not dissing the military in the slightest, my point is only that in a democracy, local government has the right to refuse federal government actions it deems not in keeping with local standards (unless those standards violate the constitution). Also, that in a democracy, the military must be subservient to civilian authority.

[Zim]

Now I'm all sad you apparently didn't read my last post.

Local government has not attempted to kick out the recruiters. They've issued a statement saying they are "unwelcome". There could be many reasons for this, maybe because the recruiters are breaking no laws (I find this likely since the city is looking into whether its laws against discrimination can be used against the Marines, so obviously they ), maybe they fear a loss of federal funding, or any of a number of other reasons. Whichever one it is, as it stands all they've done is try to boost the morale of the protesters and attempt to make the recruiters feel unwelcome in the hope that they will leave.

Where in those links did the local government try "limiting the actions of the federal government within that local jurisdiction when they think those actions are contrary to the public good". It seems other than making the Marines feel unwanted, everything they've done has been to weaken limits on the protest group (i.e. giving them a parking space in a public street, something no other organization or individual in Berkely has, if link #1 is right). I don't have as much time as I'd like to look into things like this, so it's entirely possible I missed something. I'd be quite interested in seeing what action by the Marines the City Council sees as against the public good, and what they are trying to do about it.

Personally I suspect this will either eventually die down and everyone will forget about it (until the next war) or the Federal Government will just pull the recruiting station out if it's really so unwelcome, and then everyone will forget about it.

If the recruiters are armed forces personel in uniform, aren't their rights limited by armed forces law and not the constitution? I would think their status as individuals are very limited as they are (just) arms of the state.

I don't agree with barring a Marine Corps recruitment center from operating, but I see no problem with a local government limiting the actions of the federal government within that local jurisdiction when they think those actions are contrary to the public good. It's a bold example of bottom to top democracy.

Put simply, anytime a local government can kick out the federal army by a democratic process and the army actually leaves, it's proof postive that things are working exactly as they're supposed to. The day the army does not have to leave is when you have a big problem and you become one of those countries.


Though they have the right to protest, no, they should not be allowed to block other people from entering the recruiting station.

[HoreTore]

This is different then your earlier comment - which I noticed you failed to address.

I didn't address it because you imply things I don't mean. As kukri said, the army recruiter isn't citizens, they're a military body, and as such they must obey the whip of its masters.

[Beirut]

Now I'm all sad you apparently didn't read my last post.

I'm sorry if I made you all sad. I did read your post. I simply got caught up in the fray with my good friends CR and Redleg. (They like to whoop on me because I'm a godless communist hippie. I can't blame them really.)

[Redleg]

I didn't address it because you imply things I don't mean. As kukri said, the army recruiter isn't citizens, they're a military body, and as such they must obey the whip of its masters.

You might want to re-read your own statements - since I used the exact words that you used. Again you claimed that recruiters should be burned - that is a comment directed at an individual who happens to work for the state. And you might want to re-read Kukri's statement - I dont believe he stated that recruiter's sare not citizens.

Have fun HoreTore you are rather confused about what it means to be a citizen and a soldier at the same time. You do not give up your rights as a citizen just because you enlist in the Military. I have always found that those who believe you do are sorely mis-informed about the reality of military service.

Beside I dont know of any soldier, sailor, marine or airman that was ever whipped by their master. I know soldiers who obeyed orders because of an obligation to serve by the oath of enlistment. And I know a few soldiers who refused to obey orders that were not lawful. So to claim that a soldier must obey the whip of its masters is another ill informed statement.

Unless of course your speaking of the soldiers in the "Communist" countries such as the USSR.

[Redleg]

I think we're saying the same thing in a different way. A soldier does have rights that a civilian does not and vice versa. I never said a civilian authority could deny a soldier his individual rights, only that a civilian government can deny a military body the right to be where it wants to be.

Glald to see that you made that point clear, because I really did not see it in your previous statement.

The point was that a soldier can be jailed for dissent whereas (technically) a civilian cannot.

Actually a civilian can be arrested for dissent - even technically - the verbage will be different then how a soldier is arrested but the concept is still the same. In fact a soldier is not arrested for dissent either - normally its failure to obey orders or some other like charge.

We prefer to think that all citizens should enjoy this right.

Then you should realize that Military Health Care is not socialized Medicine in the way that you attempted. Since a clear exchange of service by that member is required for the ability to get health care. Again a weak comparision and a poor point.

I have as good an understanding of the debt society owes to its soldiers as any civilian puke. I simply view health care as a human right due every citizen.

See the above - claiming that one in the United States does not have the right for health care is a false arguement. Try reading what is posted in every hospital in the United States.

On the contrary, t'was a wonderful attempt.

Wrong again - comparing health care that is provided as part of the military contract in exchange for service to nation to Socialized Medicine schemes is not even close to the same. Try again.

Don't misunderstand my intention here, I'm not dissing the military in the slightest, my point is only that in a democracy, local government has the right to refuse federal government actions it deems not in keeping with local standards (unless those standards violate the constitution). Also, that in a democracy, the military must be subservient to civilian authority.

Then you should of just stuck to that point - its a lot better then previous arguements. And almost mirrors what I have stated. Like I stated earlier I dont have a problem with the city council ruling in regards to the Retruiting station only the verbage they directed at the recruiters as individuals

[Beirut]

Glald to see that you made that point clear, because I really did not see it in your previous statement.

I will clarify my points with more care next time.

Actually a civilian can be arrested for dissent - even technically - the verbage will be different then how a soldier is arrested but the concept is still the same. In fact a soldier is not arrested for dissent either - normally its failure to obey orders or some other like charge.

Ok.

Then you should realize that Military Health Care is not socialized Medicine in the way that you attempted. Since a clear exchange of service by that member is required for the ability to get health care. Again a weak comparision and a poor point.

We require an exchange of service here as well. In exchange for being Canadian, you get health care.

See the above - claiming that one in the United States does not have the right for health care is a false arguement. Try reading what is posted in every hospital in the United States.

And just what is posted in every hospital in the United States?

Wrong again... Try again.

Ok.

Then you should of just stuck to that point - its a lot better then previous arguements. And almost mirrors what I have stated. Like I stated earlier I dont have a problem with the city council ruling in regards to the Retruiting station only the verbage they directed at the recruiters as individuals

I know, but I realize the great sense of fulfillment you get when you tell me I'm wrong, and I could never be so cruel as to take that away from you.

(If you ever find the time, you and I should debate socialized medicine in the Debate Thread. I can think of no more worthy a foe. )

[Redleg]

I will clarify my points with more care next time.

Not a major problem - that is why we engage in discussion and polite arguement. Its the nature of the way opposing viewpoints reach a concenus (SP?)

We require an exchange of service here as well. In exchange for being Canadian, you get health care.

Nationality is not an exchange of service - but I expect you know that.

And just what is posted in every hospital in the United States?

The right to emerency treatment is aviable regardless of your ability to pay. Its one of the major compliants of the Hospitals. And it should never be repelled or allowed to be done away with.

Then if you want to talk about Socialized Medicine - do you realize that many counties have a Health Clinic that is free to citizens within that county. Not all have this system, but the counties that are worth living in - have them. Dallas County for instance has a mobile free health clinic that rotates around the county.

I know, but I realize the great sense of fulfillment you get when you tell me I'm wrong, and I could never be so cruel as to take that away from you.

No true fulfillment - its the point that needs to be clarified about how the United States Military works - we dont have conscription like many countries, its an volunteer force - which requires recruiters to be available for volunteers to seek out to enlist - just as it requires recruiters to visit people to inform them of what the service is about. If one wishes to discuss the ethics of such a role - by all means lets discuss it. But I find HoreTore's wanting to burn recruiters because they seek to fulfill the needs of a volunteer force - in a discuss about Free Speech to be an anti-thesis of free speech. It demonstrates a fundmental misunderstanding of Free Speech. It reminds me of another instance of his misunderstanding about public protest of an individual on the public property around an individuals home. I find his stance very hypocritical in that regards. If its good for the state to have people protest against it - its also acceptable for an individual to have free speech exercised against their individual behavior. As long as it does not advocate the harming of said individual - which is exactly what HoreTore stated in his initial comment - or is a known lie.

(If you ever find the time, you and I should debate socialized medicine in the Debate Thread. I can think of no more worthy a foe. )

You would be shocked - Socialized Medicine at the National Level is a big waste of money. Socialized Medicine at the State and community level - I am all for it. It would cost less then a National System and more individuals would be able to get immediate access to it. That is why you will find that I mention the County Health Clinics in my arguements about socialized medicine. The Federal government should be cut back - not added onto.

[Beirut]

Nationality is not an exchange of service - but I expect you know that.

Yes, I do. But I`m not above shamelessly using such a example to serve my purposes even if the logic is fleeting at best.

You would be shocked - Socialized Medicine at the National Level is a big waste of money.# Socialized Medicine at the State and community level - I am all for it.# It would cost less then a National System and more individuals would be able to get immediate access to it.# That is why you will find that I mention the County Health Clinics in my arguements about socialized medicine.# The Federal government should be cut back - not added onto.

Where the rights of the individual are involved, I much prefer the Federal government to be in charge of a one-size-fits-all charter, not the states or provinces, which can, and have, limited peoples rights and had to be spanked for it by the feds, both in your country and mine.

I say this with the understanding that health care is a human rights issue, which I think it is. But now we are truly off topic.

Again, at some future and convenient time, I would be delighted to engage on this issue in a more formal way. That`s not a challenge, it`s a request that you may respond to at your leisure.

[HoreTore]

Again you claimed that recruiters should be burned

Ridiculous.

[Zim]

Actually it was something of a relief.

I've always tended to avoid political debates in forums because the level of discourse tends to be on the low side (only found the backroom after being invited to play the Victonia game). Because people here are so much more knowledgable than I'm used to, I come to check the backroom each evening with a little bit of trepidation, wondering if my arguments have been smashed.

Anyway, I've decided from now on whenever a post of mine is unanswered, it means I've so wowed my fellor ORGers with my brilliance they can come up with no criticism. Yeah, that's the ticket. No self-delusion at all there.

It's interesting to see how this has turned into a debate on Socialized Medicine. Unfortunately that's not an issue I can debate intelligently on, so I'm bowing out of this thread. See ya guys around the Backroom.

I'm sorry if I made you all sad. I did read your post. I simply got caught up in the fray with my good friends CR and Redleg. (They like to whoop on me because I'm a godless communist hippie. I can't blame them really.)

[Redleg]

I fully support any attempt to burn army recruiters at the stake.

Oh how soon one forgets their own statements from a previous post there young HoreTore. Denying you stated it when it is clearly posted in post #5 of this topic is surely a sign of being ridiculous on your part.

Now again why do you support burning another human being at the stake just because they serve the nation? Its a rethorical question completely based upon the statement that you alreadly made. An easy counter to your use of an emotional appeal arguement.

One should be more clever when attempting an emotional appeal arguement, because it often backfires against you. Free Speech is a great topic for using emotional appeal, however you went about it in the wrong way by advocating the destruction of another human being because of the job that they perform for the state. Yes you did it in an indirect way, but the statement does indeed advocate the destruction of another human. Its really a rather simple retort of your statement, that takes the verbage for what it states discounting what you might have wanted to actually state.

[Redleg]

Yes, I do. But I`m not above shamelessly using such a example to serve my purposes even if the logic is fleeting at best.

Then be prepared to be shamed.....LOL

Where the rights of the individual are involved, I much prefer the Federal government to be in charge of a one-size-fits-all charter, not the states or provinces, which can, and have, limited peoples rights and had to be spanked for it by the feds, both in your country and mine.

Well I am a firm believer in individual and state rights above the Federal. Feds provide overall oversite to prevent abuse of the people's rights. Social programs are better served when its fully supported at the state and local level. National politics corrupt the overall process.

I say this with the understanding that health care is a human rights issue, which I think it is. But now we are truly off topic.

I dont disagree with that statement at all - just in the way that it should be handled.

Again, at some future and convenient time, I would be delighted to engage on this issue in a more formal way. That`s not a challenge, it`s a request that you may respond to at your leisure.

[/quote]

Post and we can try as long as we allow long periods between responses - since I have a job that sometimes I have time and sometimes I dont. Been lucky the last few days because of snow fall.

Darn its cold here in North Dakota......

[spmetla]

Oh how soon one forgets their own statements from a previous post there young HoreTore. Denying you stated it when it is clearly posted in post #5 of this topic is surely a sign of being ridiculous on your part.

Now again why do you support burning another human being at the stake just because they serve the nation? Its a rethorical question completely based upon the statement that you alreadly made. An easy counter to your use of an emotional appeal arguement.

One should be more clever when attempting an emotional appeal arguement, because it often backfires against you. Free Speech is a great topic for using emotional appeal, however you went about it in the wrong way by advocating the destruction of another human being because of the job that they perform for the state. Yes you did it in an indirect way, but the statement does indeed advocate the destruction of another human. Its really a rather simple retort of your statement, that takes the verbage for what it states discounting what you might have wanted to actually state.

Though I was disgusted by Horetore's statement there I assumed that he didn't mean it literally. If anything I thought it was a 'witchhunt' reference of really poor taste that he was making, because that is what this is in Berkley, a witchhunt.

[HoreTore]

Oh how soon one forgets their own statements from a previous post there young HoreTore. Denying you stated it when it is clearly posted in post #5 of this topic is surely a sign of being ridiculous on your part.

spmetla got it right, read his post.

[Redleg]

spmetla got it right, read his post.

You should read mine that was before his - where I said I discounted what you wanted to imply for what the words actually stated.

If you dont understand that then you should learn that words have power regardless of what your intent is. In a civil tort case for harrassment - its not your intent that is judged but what was actually stated. This also happens in criminal court cases when threats of violence are made against another.

[Crazed Rabbit]

Berkeley backs down:
http://www.nbc11.com/news/15245031/d...=headlineclick

As six Republican senators devised a plan to yank $2.3 million in federal funding for Berkeley programs, the mayor of the famously liberal city apologized Wednesday for his hard stance against a Marine recruiting center.

As push came to shove, Berkeley fell over in the attempt to shove.

CR

[HoreTore]

You should read mine that was before his - where I said I discounted what you wanted to imply for what the words actually stated.

If you dont understand that then you should learn that words have power regardless of what your intent is. In a civil tort case for harrassment - its not your intent that is judged but what was actually stated. This also happens in criminal court cases when threats of violence are made against another.

Can't really see why that should bother me in the slightest though.

[Redleg]

Can't really see why that should bother me in the slightest though.

You should of read the previous post by Crazed Rabbit. It demonstrates at the community level why one should be concerned about what they say and how they say it to insure that the intent and the message are one and the same.

[HoreTore]

You should of read the previous post by Crazed Rabbit. It demonstrates at the community level why one should be concerned about what they say and how they say it to insure that the intent and the message are one and the same.

You're dreaming of a world without analogies or sarcasm?

[Redleg]

You're dreaming of a world without analogies or sarcasm?

Incorrect.

What I do dream of is a world where people accept responsibility for their actions. Regardless of what their intent was.

[Lemur]

Daily Show did a fairly brilliant bit on this. Enjoy.

[spmetla]

I saw this on the daily the show and was waiting for it to make it to the website. Bloody code pink!

"If only there was an organization, sworn to defend that free speech"-Rob Riggle
"Wouldn't that be great" -Code Pink member

[Ronin]

I´m a complete liberal on most issues....but man....I hate hippies...