Wilson: "We Owe Respect to the Very People Who Are Sacrificing So Much to Defend Our Freedoms"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2008

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) delivered the following speech on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday morning condemning the actions taken by the City of Berkeley, California to impede and slander Marine Corps recruiting efforts.

"Madame Speaker, the City of Berkeley, California, recently disgraced itself by referring to brave Marines with slander when the city council voted to tell the Marine Corps to close its recruiting station. As a veteran, as the son-in-law of a veteran, and as the father of four sons in the military, I know firsthand of the education and opportunities provided by military service while promoting freedom.

"In response to Berkeley, Congressman John Campbell has introduced legislation that would remove $2 million in secret earmarks for the City of Berkeley and instead send the money to the Marines. While I believe wholeheartedly in free speech, we owe respect to the very people who are sacrificing so much to defend our freedoms. I invite the Berkeley City Council to visit Beaufort, South Carolina, home of Parris Island, the Naval Hospital, and the Marine Corps Air Station to see how our patriotic community supports the brave men and women who serve as proud Marines.

"In conclusion, God bless our troops and the United States Marine Corps, and we will never forget September the 11th."

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