[Peace-discuss] AWARE's other mention yesterday in the Daily Illini

[Durl Kruse]

The page 4 rant by Mr. Bambenek found March 15  in the Daily Illini  on 
the opinions  page was not the only AWARE mention.  Read below a more 
accurate take on what AWARE is doing these days.  There is a big 
difference between the News section writers and the staff Opinions when 
it comes to the DI!

Close vote in Urbana Council calls for end to Iraq occupation
Anti-war movement claims war effects economy negatively

By: By Jonathan Jacobson
Issue date: 3/15/06 Section: News
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The Urbana City Council supported a resolution Monday night that calls 
for an immediate end to the U.S. military occupation of Iraq.

In a narrow 4-3 decision, aldermen voted to back the resolution, which 
will require a final vote next Monday.

Nearly 50 people packed the council's chambers, patiently waiting the 
two hours before the council began deliberations about the resolution.

"We urge you to represent the grassroots sentiments of our community," 
said Gary Storm.

Storm is a member of the group Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort, also known 
as AWARE, which encouraged many of its members to attend the meeting.

Some members of the city council, including Lynne Barnes (Ward 7), did 
not believe it was the council's place to pass resolutions about issues 
outside of their jurisdiction.

Heather Stevenson (Ward 6) and Robert Lewis (Ward 4) also opposed the 
resolution.

"My opinion has stayed pretty firm," Barnes said. "I feel it's 
advisable not to discuss these issues. My job description is to drive 
and direct matters in town."

Barnes explained that bringing more business to Urbana and public 
safety were issues that she believes are important for the council to 
deal with.

Community members in attendance did not agree.

"If it's pointless for the city council to voice their opinion, then 
it's pointless for me to voice mine," said Bob Nainan, a member of 
AWARE.

Nainan's views were supported by members of the council like Charlie 
Smyth (Ward 1).

"The council has a long history of supporting national and state 
issues," Smyth said.

The council passed a resolution before the war in Iraq condemning the 
military action. In 1971, Urbana passed a similar resolution denouncing 
the war in Vietnam.

"It represents the wishes of the community," Smyth said of Monday's 
resolution. "If anything, tonight's motion is an 'I told you so.'"

Mort Brussel, a representative of AWARE, spoke to the council about the 
economic and social impact of the Iraq war on Urbana.

"Our priorities for a healthy society are distorted," Brussel said. 
"The bulk of the population suffers economically, socially and 
politically."

He estimated the war's economic cost to the city of Urbana to be $30.9 
million and compared supporters of the Iraq war to idle citizens of 
Nazi Germany.

"It is similar, if less dire - we're still free to express our belief 
that the war must be stopped," Brussel said.
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