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Berkeley Retreats on Marines

After day of protests, marathon city council meeting revokes earlier statement

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 13, 2008 8:49 AM CST

(Newser) – Early this morning, the city council of Berkeley, Calif., rescinded a controversial declaration that Marine recruiters are not welcome in the city, CNN reports. The council, however, stands by its opposition to the Iraq war. The decision came after three hours of raucous citizen input and a day of clashes between pro- and anti-military protesters, with many obscenities exchanged and four arrests reported.

In a series of scuffles between demonstrators, one pro-Marine activist was arrested for brandishing a knife in the camp of anti-military group Code Pink. He said he acted in self-defense against anti-war protesters trying to wrap him in a pink flag. The anti-Marine resolution that was overturned drew a firestorm of protest nationally, and threats to cut federal funding for popular Berkeley programs.

Scott Conover, left, of Tracy, Calif., argues with anti-war protester Kate Meyer, 16, at a rally outside Berkeley City Hall in Berkeley, Calif, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. The Berkeley City Council drew a... (Associated Press)

Berkeley Police officers keep anti-war protesters away from war effort supporters outside Berkeley City Hall in Berkeley, Calif, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. The Berkeley City Council drew a deluge of disapproval... (Associated Press)

Deborah Johns holds a photo of her son Sgt. William Johns of the Marines, who will be serving his fourth tour in Iraq, at a rally supporting troops outside of Berkeley City Hall in Berkeley, Calif., Tuesday,... (Associated Press)

Roberta Allen, from San Jose, Calif., wears American flag contact lenses at a rally supporting troops outside of Berkeley City Hall in Berkeley, Calif, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. The Berkeley City Council... (Associated Press)

Sherry Perussina, left, argues with anti-war protester Anna Powelson, 15, outside Berkeley City Hall in Berkeley, Calif, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. The Berkeley City Council drew a deluge of disapproval... (Associated Press)

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After day of protests, marathon city council meeting revokes earlier statement

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After day of protests, marathon city council meeting revokes earlier statement

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

California • protests • Berkeley • Marine • Code Pink • Iraq war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Protesters Will Occupy Rose Parade

Will display giant banner, march in 'human float'

Protesters Face Down Berkeley Riot Cops

Activists win concessions after 7 hours on ledge

Hundreds Protest Outside Koch Brothers' Retreat

Demonstrators blast billionaire conservatives' 'corporate greed'

UC Students Protest Ahead of 32% Fee Hike

College moving out of reach, students charge

Soldier's Dad Flying Tattered Flag Until Son Comes Home

He resists calls to replace with new one

About Us

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Newser By Users

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