Code Pink (and the Tree-Sitters) are caricatures of the protest movements that made Berkeley famous around the world for championing change. Both groups protest symbols of issues (a few trees in the middle of campus and marine recruiting of college students) in locations that are convenient for them and maximize media coverage.
In order to follow the spirit of the Free Speech Movement, Code Pink should provide perspective and wisdom to the young men and women who think of the Marines as a legitimate and patriotic career choice. How do they think harassing a marine recruiter, who works with college students and recent graduates, aids in getting our troops out of Iraq? It doesn't. In fact, their matriarchal attitude is arrogant and condescending.
In order to follow the spirit of the Free Speech Movement, Code Pink should provide perspective and wisdom to the young men and women who think of the Marines as a legitimate and patriotic career choice. How do they think harassing a marine recruiter, who works with college students and recent graduates, aids in getting our troops out of Iraq? It doesn't. In fact, their matriarchal attitude is arrogant and condescending.
Code Pink shouting that the Marines kill babies only makes them look foolish—they remind me of the man who used to walk downtown SF and Berkeley with a picture of an aborted fetus to protest abortion. They inflame passions but don't address the legitimate concerns of persons effected by the issue.
At the end of the day, Code Pink (and the tree sitters) are simply public performers trying to inject some meaning into their lives. I hope it works for them, becuase I don't think it is working for most Berkeleyans.
