Anti-War Judicial Prejudice

It appears the anti-military Berkeley Virus has spread from its point of origin.

A Simi Valley, California teen under foster care wanting to enlist in the USMC under the Delayed Entry Program found himself blocked by an anti-war Children's Court judge.

[L]ast fall, a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner dashed [Shawn Sage's] hopes of early enlistment for Marine sniper duty, plus a potential $10,000 signing bonus.

In denying the Royal High School student delayed entry into the Marine Corps, Children's Court Commissioner Marilyn Mackel reportedly told Sage and a recruiter that she didn't approve of the Iraq war, didn't trust recruiters and didn't support the military.

"The judge said she didn't support the Iraq war for any reason why we're over there," said Marine recruiter Sgt. Guillermo Medrano of the Simi Valley USMC recruiting office.

"She just said all recruiters were the same - that they `all tap dance and tell me what I want to hear.' She said she didn't want him to fight in it."

Nope, it's obvious that Marilyn Mackel has no agenda, is totally impartial, corralling a wild and impetuous child from making the mistake of serving his country. And if you believe that, I've got a bridge in New York I want to sell to you.

[Sage's] foster parents, as well as his social worker, supported his decision to enlist early. Despite being denied, he still shows up for USMC physical training.

"Did they ever kick my butt," he said proudly. "They still do."
When he graduates and turns 18 in June, it'll be all Semper Fi, bonus or no signing bonus, whether he's allowed early deployment or not.

A judge is supposed to be impartial, making decisions based upon the law, not upon their personal beliefs or biases. This judge let her personal dislike and mistrust of the military get in the way of making an impartial decision. It's not the first time she's done so. She also denied another foster teen the opportunity to enlist in the US Navy.

Just who does this judge think she is?