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Editor: 

With all the attention the recent Berkeley City Council vote on the U.S. military action in Afghanistan received, one would think that it is radical and unpatriotic. In fact, the language of the passed resolution states (in part) to “ask our representatives to help break the cycle of violence, bringing the bombing to a conclusion as soon as possible, avoiding actions that can endanger the lives of innocent people in Afghanistan, and minimizing the risk to American military personnel...”. 

This is very simply a statement of reason and a call for a measured and reasonable response to the atrocities of September 11. I am puzzled why it did not get the support of the entire Council. I for one can't fathom how creating an atmosphere of violence and hate will secure the safety and peace of this country's or any country's citizens, nor how massive bombing raids in Afghanistan will do anything but create more potential terrorists and reduce yet another world region's infrastructure to rubble. Berkeley has once again been accused of a knee-jerk, anti-war reaction. The real knee-jerk reaction is our own government's use of bombing as a means to secure peace and justice. 

I support the vote of the Berkeley City Council and applaud those Councilmembers who displayed the courage to pass it. 

John Selawsky 

Director, Berkeley School Board