Evanston, IL Urging the Return of US Troops from Iraq
Date: September 12, 2005
Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 9/12/05
Vote: In Favor - 8 Opposed - 1
Source File: (Missing)
Text:
URGING THE RETURN OF UNITED STATES TROOPS FROM IRAQ
WHEREAS, the citizens of the City of Evanston and their local elected officials have the constitutional right to petition the national government on any matter of grave concern to our city, the nation, and the world community; and,
WHEREAS, in 2002 President George W. Bush sought and received authorization to use military force against Iraq in the form of a Joint Resolution of Congress, Authorization for use of Military Force Against Iraq, Resolution of 2002 (H.J. RES. 114); and,
WHEREAS, in January 2003 the Evanston City Council expressed its opposition to the proposed war by adopting Resolution 105-R-02; and,
WHEREAS, the United States initiated combat operations in Iraq on March 19, 2003; and,
WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of members of the United States Armed Forces, including the Illinois National Guard, have served with honor and distinction in Iraq; and,
WHEREAS, more than 1,800 members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed and more than 13,000 members of the Armed Forces have been wounded; and,
WHEREAS, the war and continued occupation have resulted in the devastation of Iraq’s physical and social infrastructure and led to widespread and continuous resistance to the United States occupation that threatens the lives of Iraqi civilians and the men and women who compose the ranks of United States and other occupying forces; and,
WHEREAS, more than 200 billion dollars has been appropriated by Congress to fund military operations and reconstruction in Iraq; and,
WHEREAS, the cost of the Iraq war has diverted federal funds from programs and services in urban areas such as Evanston, including education, housing, social services, infrastructure improvements, and homeland security; and,
WHEREAS, Evanston wishes to join other cities that have expressed their desire for an end to this war,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS:
SECTION 1: That the City of Evanston hereby urges the United States government to commence an orderly and rapid withdrawal of United States military personnel from Iraq.
SECTION 2: That the City of Evanston urges the United States government to provide the people of Iraq with appropriate non-military material aid as shall be necessary for the security of Iraq’s citizens and for the rebuilding of Iraq.
SECTION 3: That the financial resources used to prosecute the war be redirected to address the urgent needs of America’s urban areas and the most vulnerable portions of our population.
SECTION 4: That a copy of this resolution be sent to George W. Bush, President of the United States; the members of the Illinois Congressional delegation; and the National League of Cities.
SECTION 5: That this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.