Fairfax, CA Opposes Iraq War

Fairfax, Calif Opposes Start of Iraq War

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted

Text:

RESOLUTION NO. 2265

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFAX OPPOSING UNITED STATES' MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ

WHEREAS, the people of the United States have already suffered grievous loss of life and well-being as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the Bush Administration is waging a propaganda campaign against the regime of Saddam Hussein to justify war by the United States against Iraq; and

WHEREAS, the Bush administration has failed to present convincing evidence that Iraq poses a military threat to the United States; and

WHEREAS, former United Nations weapons inspectors, other experts, and world leaders have contested the Bush Administration's claim that indisputable evidence exists of Iraq's present possession of nuclear weapons and immediate ability to deploy such weapons; and

WHEREAS, the United States already is conducting military action, including aerial bombardment of Iraqi territory, without basis in international law or United Nations' resolutions; and

WHEREAS, a United States war against Iraq threatens to destabilize the entire Middle East region, possibly resulting in regional war; and

WHEREAS, a United States war against Iraq would significantly increase oil prices and boost corporate profits; and

WHEREAS, war should not be undertaken unilaterally by the United States or other parties; and

WHEREAS, past military conflict in the region resulted in widespread environmental destruction, the effects of which have not yet been mitigated or understood; and

WHEREAS, past military conflict in the region resulted in widespread damage to the civilian infrastructure of Iraq and widespread suffering and death of Iraqi civilians; and

WHEREAS, the United States has been the primary force behind twelve years of non-military sanctions against Iraq that have resulted in the death of over 500,000 children under age five due to inadequate water, food, and medicine, according to UNICEF and other international relief organizations; and

WHEREAS, humane, international diplomatic efforts should be the preferred means to resolve international conflicts; and

WHEREAS, war should be a last resort; and

WHEREAS, Congress has abdicated their responsibility to debate and vote on whether to declare war on Iraq with passage of the President's recent resolution giving him that authority; and

WHEREAS, the ultimate security of the United States is dependent on creating the conditions of life for all nations, working together cooperatively, that will eliminate poverty, injustice, inequality, environmental degradation and other factors that breed war and terrorism; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Fairfax and its local elected officials have the constitutional right to petition the national government on this matter of grave concern to our community as part of the national and international debate now underway; and

WHEREAS, there is a spirited debate on the possibility of war on Iraq and there is a wide range of opinions in Fairfax about the advisability and likely consequences of war with Iraq; and

WHEREAS, our Congressional Representatives have courageously spoken out against war on Iraq and would be encouraged by our support.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax

1) HEREBY reaffirms the articles of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law on the peaceful resolution of disputes; and

2) HEREBY opposes continuing non-military sanctions, continuing United States' military action against Iraq, and proposed escalated military action by the United States against Iraq; and

3) HEREBY urges the Bush Administration and our representatives in Congress to work with and through the United Nations to obtain compliance by Iraq with United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning the development by Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and to support fully the return of international weapons inspectors to Iraq for that purpose; and

4) HEREBY urges the Bush Administration and our federal representatives to actively support United Nations' diplomatic efforts to support and encourage democracy and respect for human rights in Iraq and all nations.