Tonight I read this article about the recent protests in Berkeley, CA over Marine recruitment. The group Code Pink had recently convinced the Berkeley City Council to officially come out against military recruitment. Today the pro-military group Move American Forward demonstrated against this decision.

I was particularly struck by this letter signed by about 30 Republican members of Congress encouraging President Bush to rescind earmarks meant for Berkeley (of course all earmarks should be rescinded, but that is a another story)

"The military does not "selectively defend our country, its people, or our freedom. Therefore, we should not reward jurisdictions that selectively support our troops."

Since when are Americans required to agree with their government in order to receive federal funds? While I am generally a supporter of our military, I find this absolutely ludicrous that there are people in this country who feel that we should bind the consciences of others to support the military. Last I checked, our military was fighting for our freedoms. Freedom to think and speak any way we like, even in opposition to the military.