. . .and even one Hitler salute
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. . .and even one Hitler salute |
Republican students from around the state came to Berkeley to participate in the California College Republicans conference at the end of April, and they relished the chance to show their patriotism. Midway through the weekend event, after a "support our troops" rally on Sproul Plaza, nearly 300 students waving American flags marched down Telegraph Avenue.
Carrying signs that said "Bomb France" and "The Original Axis of Evil: Al Qaeda, Bin Laden, Barbara Lee," the boisterous, anthem-singing group elicited more than a little hostility—and even one Hitler salute—as vendors and various Berkeley types stared in disbelief. "I just wonder what's happened to people's empathy," said one onlooker. But marcher Chris Mays, a UC Davis senior wearing a "Kill Arafat" T-shirt, said: "It feels really wonderful. Telegraph Avenue is becoming a Republican safe zone."
Conservatives at Berkeley are certainly gaining ground. The Berkeley chapter of the College Republicans, which three years ago had about 10 members, now has an e-mail list of close to 500. Its publication, the California Patriot, is widely read, if not widely agreed with. At the conclusion of the march down Telegraph, Berkeley senior Michael Davidson, the new statewide chair of College Republicans, stood atop a newspaper vending box and declared: "UC Berkeley is now conquered U.S. territory!" He then urged: "Go out and convert some liberals!"
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