[Peace-discuss] Minneapolis withdrawal resolution

[C. G. Estabrook]

[Perhaps we could press for similar statements from our local city 
councils. The resolution is pretty mild -- e.g., #1 refers only to 
*military* personnel, and #4 is dangerously ambiguous -- but it's a 
template for us to write our own. --CGE]


Minneapolis City Council passes resolution urging the cessation of war 
and combat operations in Iraq and the return of American troops

The vote was 9-0 with 4 abstentions.

RESOLUTION By: Remington, Gordon, Hofstede, Samuels, Lilligren, Glidden, 
Schiff, Colvin, Roy

Urging the Cessation of War and Combat Operations in Iraq and the Return 
of American Troops

WHEREAS, the Minneapolis City Council supports the more than one million 
brave men and women deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, honors 
the memory of those who have lost their lives in the war, and supports 
the families who have lost their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Minneapolis police and fire departments, many of whom have been 
called to serve, are our first line of defense against terrorism and our 
first responders in emergencies and disasters; and

WHEREAS, the United States military occupation of Iraq has placed 
significant strains on the capacity of the United States Armed Forces, 
both active duty and reserve and the National Guard; and

WHEREAS, many members of the Armed Forces are entering into their third 
and fourth deployments to Iraq; and

WHEREAS, the war in Iraq, now in its fourth year has caused a) the 
deaths of more than 3,000 American soldiers and an estimated 600,000 
Iraqis b) the physical and psychological wounding and disabling of more 
than 22,000 American soldiers and of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and 
c) the destruction of the homes, communities, and livelihoods of 
hundreds of thousands of Iraqis; and

WHEREAS, more than $378 billion dollars has been appropriated by 
Congress to fund military operations and reconstruction in Iraq when the 
Congressional Budget Office (CBO), prior to commencement of military 
action in Iraq, estimated the costs of the conflict at $21 to $33 
billion; and

WHEREAS, The funds spent by Minneapolis taxpayers on the war and 
occupation in Iraq equal more than $569 million and could have provided 
enough money for 47,000 children to utilize Head Start for one year; or 
more than 322,000 children to have a years worth of health insurance; or 
more than 26,000 four-year college scholarships at public universities, 
according to the National Priorities Project; and

WHEREAS, The war and continued occupation have resulted in the 
devastation of Iraqs physical and social infrastructure and led to 
widespread and continuous resistance to U.S. occupation that threatens 
the lives of Iraqi civilians and the men and women who compose the ranks 
of U.S. and other occupying forces; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of similar resolutions have been enacted and 
registered throughout the country; and

WHEREAS, it is the duty of the City Council to act on behalf and in the 
best interest of the citizens of Minneapolis; and

WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered to make such resolutions as may 
be necessary to protect the public interest and for the preservation of 
health, welfare, peace, and order; and

WHEREAS, just this month, more than 20,000 additional American sons and 
daughters, mothers and fathers have been ordered into battle

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS 
that the City of Minneapolis urges the United States government to

1. commence planning an orderly, rapid, and comprehensive withdrawal of 
United States military personnel from Iraq; and

2. support our troops by ensuring that returning veterans receive 
compensation and care, including full mental and physical health, 
education, disability, and rehabilitation benefits; and

3. provide the people of Iraq with appropriate non military aid as shall 
be necessary for the security of Iraqs citizens and for the rebuilding 
of Iraq; and

4. establish a plan for the ongoing transition of responsibility for 
internal security activities to the military forces of the Iraqi 
Government; and

5. pursue security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution is forwarded 
immediately to United States President George W. Bush, Senator Norm 
Coleman, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Keith Ellison, and 
members of the Minnesota State House and Senate representing Minneapolis.