Page One

Editor: 

I am appalled by the vitriolic reaction to the Berkeley City Council’s decision to send a statement to President Bush opposing the bombing of Afghanistan, a decision widely condemned as unpatriotic. To me, this demonstrates insulting presumptuousness about the feelings and motivations of those council members who voted for the resolution and individuals who support it. You may passionately disagree with their reasoning, but condemning sincere and conscientious opposition to public policy as unpatriotic is dangerous and oppressive. Acting on one’s conscience shows integrity and does not equal lack of patriotism. A core value of this country is respect for and protection of minority views, no matter how unpopular. Let’s hope we get out of this mess with that value intact. 

Sonja Fitz 

Berkeley