Fairbanks, AK Resolution Calling on Rumsfeld to Resign

Type: Resolution

Status: Not Adopted on 10/10/06

Vote: In Favor - 4 Opposed - 3 (5 needed to carry)

Source File: Click here

Text:

FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH RESOLUTION NO. 2006 – 037
A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE DONALD H. RUMSFELD AND COMMENDING THE SOLDIERS OF THE 172 STRYKER BRIGADE

WHEREAS, the invasion of Iraq, termed “Operation Iraqi Freedom” by the U.S. Administration, began in March of 2003 marking the beginning of what is now commonly known as the Iraqi War; and

WHEREAS, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld is the principal defense policy adviser to the President and is responsible for the formulation of general defense policy. Under the direction of the President, the Secretary exercises authority, direction and control over the Department of Defense; and

WHEREAS, Rumsfeld has mismanaged the military response in Iraq by repeatedly rejecting the opinions and advice of top military advisors regarding the number of troops needed to secure Iraq, the level of violent opposition that would be met by U.S. troops and how long the war in Iraq may take; and

WHEREAS, Rumsfeld has failed to ensure that our troops have adequate protective gear for their mission; failed to develop an adequate post war plan; failed to provide necessary training, supervision, personnel and guidelines for management of prisoners of war; failed to address the readiness of U.S. ground forces, particularly the U.S. Army, whose preparedness for war has eroded to levels not witnessed by our country in decades and hindering the United States ability to respond to other threats to national security; and

WHEREAS, even with 140,000+ troops in Iraq, key measures of success have not been met and are in fact worsening. The number of violent incidents has increased from 400 per week prior to the establishment of an interim Iraqi government in the spring of 2004 to almost 800 per week this year; and

WHEREAS, the United States can not sustain the current operational tempo in Iraq, a large percentage of US troops having already served more than three tours; and

WHEREAS, in 2005, 4000 members of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team stationed at Fort Wainwright Army Post were deployed to Iraq; and

WHEREAS, after serving a year in combat, the soldiers of the 172nd Stryker Brigade readied to come home to their families. Some arrived home in late June while others prepared to leave Iraq and be home in late August; and

WHEREAS, just after the second wave of soldiers had returned to Fairbanks, Army officials announced Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld had approved an extension of the Brigade and that nearly all of the Brigade members would be redirected back to Iraq to serve in Baghdad to help suppress increasing violence there and the almost 400 members who had already returned home would have to ready themselves to return; and

WHEREAS, since the announcement of the extension soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade have been killed; and

WHEREAS, the responsibility for the war’s execution rests squarely on Donald Rumsfeld and the cost of his mistakes are significant.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Fairbanks North Star Borough commends each member of the 172 Stryker Brigade and their families for the service and sacrifice they continue to make to their country.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Assembly of the Fairbanks North Star Borough believes that credibility both at home and abroad must be restored and the first step towards this is in the immediate resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States and the Alaska Congressional Delegation.