Corrie Resolution Wins in Berkeley

"Steve Berley, the Israel programs director of the Jewish Community Relations Council [an extremist pro Sharon organization], admitted that the night was a complete loss."
That is a quote from the article from the Jewish Bulletin (see http://www.jewishsf.com/bk030912/ebp3a.shtml ) regarding the Berkeley resolution supporting an investigation of the death of Rachel Corrie, and House Con. Res 111 that currently is co-sponsored by nearly 50 representatives and now by a 5-4 vote in the Berkeley City Council. This resolution must be defended, because it may be revisited next week. Our opponents are offering a resolution that asks that H.Con.Res. 111 be amended to ask for an "investigation of all American deaths" in Israel/Palestine. We believe that an investigation of all deaths in general is an investigation into no one in particular. Further, they present no evidence that in regard to other deaths they have not been sufficiently investigated already. It has nothing to do with valuing one life over another, we most emphatically do not. It has to do with keeping the promises made by our U.S. government to the Corrie family, and the promises it makes to all citizens to protect us in other lands.

So this is a plea, to fill the council chambers Tuesday evening, Sept 16th, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Come a little early between 6:30 and 6:55, and fill out a card to speak. If your name is chosen (names are chosen at random), you may cede your time to others (we especially would want community leaders to speak) if you are not prepared to speak. We especially will like to hear from a diverse community and residents of Berkeley.
We ask that comments be kept positive, praising the City Council's action. This is a solemn occasion, it is a not a time for acrimonious debate. We will protect this victory. You may also choose to email the City Council and thank them for their action (Go to http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Elected/default.htm to look up contact info for the Council and Mayor) , and if at all possible please come to the city council meeting.
September 16th is the 6 month anniversary of Rachel Corrie's death, when she was run over by an Israeli military-operated Caterpillar bulldozer while protecting a Palestinian home in Rafah, Gaza. Rachel was a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement.
Please contact me if you have any questions, and we may coodinate our response.

Thank you, Jim Harris jahrrs57 [at] pacbell.net