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      From the Washington Times column Inside the Ring 14 March 2008 by Bill Gertz:

       Brigade America


       A group of conservatives, including former CIA officer Duane "Dewey" Clarridge, are taking on the city of 
       Berkeley, Calif., and others who oppose the U.S. military by setting up a new Internet site called Brigade 
       America.


       The new site "came about as a result of the Berkeley City Council orally trashing the U.S. Marines as 
       'criminals,' and worse, and passing a resolution attempting to force the Marine recruiting post out of the city of 
       Berkeley," Mr. Clarridge said.


       The Berkeley action against the Marines prompted one businessman, Brian G. Dennard, principal director of the 
       Meridian Development Group, to write Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates to inform him that the company will no longer do business 
       with the city because of the insults.


       "In that my company is in international resort real estate development, and do business with and am associated with, 
       developers and investors worldwide, I am informing all of my contacts, associates and patrons that we will no longer do 
       any business of any sort with anyone living in the Berkeley area," Mr. Dennard stated in the Jan. 31 letter.


       The boycott is likely to affect Berkeley area marina construction, building material suppliers and many others from doing  
       business in Berkeley.


       "You have every right to choose to take the obnoxious anti-military stance you have taken, and as stated, that right was 
       bought for you with the blood of better men than you," he stated. "I too have every right to do all that I can to insure 
       that your city suffers consequences arising from that obnoxious, sickening stance."


       Mr. Clarridge said a boycott of Berkeley businesses also appears to be having an affect in punishing the city and led 
       to the new Web site.


       "We hope to galvanize similar activities in similar circumstances across the country," Mr. Clarridge said. "The response so 
        far has been rather overwhelming."


       • Bill Gertz covers national security affairs. He can be reached at 202-636-3274, or at