This post was written was in response to a news item in a local paper about the arrest of CodePINKers for trespassing in the OSO. (I think that was March 24, after the incredible show of Red, White & Blue -- and black leather -- on March 22. The PINKs were desperate to re-establish thems selves a the center of attention). The video mentioned is on YouTube with the title "Recruiting Center 'Shut Down'". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akeNCiOuMQM (I'm sorry I haven't figured out how to post a video yet...).

"If people are concerned they should put pressure on the (recruiting center) landlord to break the lease," Benjamin said. "The recruiters are the ones who should have never come in to Berkeley. If whomever in the city wants to stop the protests, they should encourage the recruiters to leave. Democracy comes at a price." [emphasis is mine]

How dare Medea Benjamin say anything so arrogant, twisted and self-serving about the Marines stationed at the OSO in Berkeley. She wants to blame the OSO because their very existence compelled Code PINK to protest them -- and now, to be arrested protesting the Office.

I fully expect Medea to submit expense vouchers to the City for her time during these protests -- and to submit her vouchers along with Zanne Joi's formal complaint about falling off the sidewalk while arguing with the permit guy.... (if it had not been necessary to argue rationally about why Asher Wolf in a chair on the sidewalk wasn't the same as "No one in a chair on the Sidewalk"...she wouldn't have become distracted and fallen over. )

For several months I was even-tempered about all this, but I am disgusted by Medea Benjamin's actions and words. Someone at Code PINK posted a video of their arrests on Monday -- Code PINK supporters found it compelling, I found it rude and utterly self-centered. At NO POINT in this discussion has Code PINK been able to separate the local people involved - Marines, students, Berkeley residents - from the roles they've been assigned in this particular Code PINK street drama.

My humble belief is that considering, and treating, others as three-dimensional humans would make it impossible for them to prosecute this action without admitting its irrationality. Even the Iraqi's Code PINK wants to protect are described by Code PINK in flat, stereotypical terms instead of as humans.

The USMC OSO in Shattuck Square deals with college students who are legal adults. They, and the Marines who work in the Office, are not fools, not pawns, and not children OR predators.

The Marines were in their Shattuck Square Office for 9 months without any complaints until Code PINK noticed them. If anyone is to be pressured to leave it should be Code PINK, a group of protesters primarily from outside Berkeley, who protest for their own entertainment and self-aggrandizement. Where is their shame?