Santa Monica, CA Resolution Against a Preemptive Military Strike

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted

Source File:

Text:

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SANTA MONICA OPPOSING UNITED STATES PREEMPTIVE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ

WHEREAS, the government has estimated that a war would cost from 60 to 200 billion dollars, not including a post-war occupation, resulting in less federal funding for education, health care, transportation, job training, housing, and environmental concerns in a time of increasing need for residents of Santa Monica; and

WHEREAS, at $100 billion, as calculated by the National Priorities Project, a war will cost the State of California at least $10.1 billion in individual income taxes, and the City of Santa Monica $36.1 million, at a time when the state already suffers from at least a $25 billion deficit, further decreasing available funds to support local needs; and

WHEREAS, as of February 11, 2003, more than 70 United States cities and counties, along with the Maine Senate and Hawaiian House of Representatives, have taken a stand against a preemptive military action against Iraq; and

WHEREAS, a war is expected by the CIA to provoke terrorist attacks within the United States, putting Santa Monica lives at grave risk and generating emergency responses by local hospitals and other emergency personnel that will tax local resources; and

WHEREAS, a war would likely result in a loss of visitor and tourist dollars, an important source of Santa Monica City revenue; and

WHEREAS, a war would result in military casualties, including United States and, likely, Santa Monica service men and women. Additionally, a war would result in widespread environmental destruction; and

WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica has sought to promote nonviolence among its young people;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Santa Monica supports House Concurrent Resolution 473 calling for the United States to work through the United Nations to renew arms inspection, assure Iraqi compliance with United Nation Resolution, oppose unprovoked unilateral first-strike military action, and communicate our support to the President, the Congress and the Secretary General of the United Nations as well as to Senators Boxer and Feinstein and Congress member Waxman.