The Collegian

Issue date: 9/23/08 Section: Opinion

Code Pink is a group dedicated to peace in general and specifically to ending the war in Iraq. It was started in 2002 by women. Although their intentions may be good, they are an offense and a disgrace to our military and our country.

Code Pink has no respect for our dedicated troops, who are in Iraq fighting for their country out of love, dedication and honor. One member was caught on video saying "Marines are war criminals" in a video on Youtube by the user SFCollegeRepublicans. Even if you disagree with the war, there is no need to disgrace the Marines. Our soldiers are not the ones responsible for the war, the government is.

Not only do they attack our soldiers, but they dishonor government officials dedicated to this country. In October 2007 during a hearing, a Code Pink member approached Condoleezza Rice with bloody hands that were supposed to represent the blood of millions of Iraqis. She then shouted at Rice, "war criminal" as police escorted her out. Rice alone is not to be blamed nor should she be humiliated by Code Pink.

Recently, at the Republican National Convention, Code Pink attended Palin's speech in pink slips that said, "Palin is not a woman's choice." Then they showed up at McCain's speech attempting to get on stage and interrupt it. This is just rude. They are not Republicans and do not belong there. Plus, if they advocate peace, they need to learn to practice what they preach. To interrupt a speech with chaos is not peaceful protest.

Code Pink has, over the years, constantly protested the Marine Corps Recruiting Center in Berkeley. The group has the right to free speech and to protest, but it does not mean that what they are doing is right. Their actions do not come across as a war protest but as a disapproval of American men and women who risk their lives everyday during duty. Code Pink, through their demonstrations, exhibit a lack of support of our soldiers and thus prove they are not patriots.

In addition, on January 1, 2007, Code Pink attempted to conduct a vigil and march on the Golden Gate Bridge impeding traffic. Since this is a high traffic area, especially on a holiday, this could have caused multiple accidents and disasters, which Code Pink clearly failed to see.

Not only is this group disgraceful and lacking patriotism, they also lack plausibility. During Mother's Day week 2008, Code Pink decided to have themed protests. During one such day, they wore witch hats and cast spells. This is a joke. Who is going to take someone like that seriously? If they want to successfully build peace, they need to present themselves in a way that people will take them seriously.

Whether or not we agree with the war, it is important to support the men and women who fight to protect this country. Code Pink needs to realize that their conduct displays a lack of support to the troops, which is an offense to this country.

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