Number
021280
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. RICHARDS, HENNINGSEN, JOHNSON-ODOM, GORDON
Title
Substitute resolution expressing Common Council opposition to a unilateral, preemptive military attack by the United States against the nation of Iraq.
Analysis
This resolution expresses Common Council opposition to a unilateral, preemptive military attack by the United States against the nation of Iraq, expresses a deep concern regarding the economic impact that such an attack against the nation of Iraq would have on state and local taxation, supports the promotion of international efforts which would further restrict arms sales to countries in the Middle East and urges the United States to work through the United Nations Security Council and reaffirm our nation's commitment to the rule of law in all international relationships.
Body
Whereas, The United Nations Charter is a duly ratified treaty and, according to Article VI of the Constitution of the United States, is part of the United States domestic law as the "supreme law of the land"; and
Whereas, A unilateral, preemptive strike by the U.S. violates our commitments under Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which states that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations" except in self-defense, responding to an armed attack, under Article 51; and
Whereas, The U.S. has not built an anti-Iraq coalition similar to that which underwrote the financial costs of the Gulf War, and White House and Congressional estimates project the costs to be between $100 and $200 billion, which would divest many millions of dollars from our economy, and divert public attention and resources away from pressing domestic social issues; and
Whereas, Because Wisconsin provides 1.71% of all federal tax revenue, of which the City of Milwaukee provides approximately one-tenth, a military attack against the nation of Iraq would have serious and real implications for the taxpayers of Milwaukee and Wisconsin, who are already facing a $2.6 billion state budget deficit; and
Whereas, The issues between Iraq and the world community have not been shown to be irresolvable by traditional diplomatic efforts, and, in the words of General William Tecumseh Sherman in 1879, "It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation"; and
Whereas, As Congressman Jerry Kleczka has cautioned, writing "a blank check with broad authority to use our armed forces to unilaterally attack Iraq" is contrary to "the guiding principle of our foreign policy for over 50 yearsÂ…of containment and deterrence"; and
Whereas, Hastily implemented unilateral actions would lose the support of now friendly middle-eastern countries, could become the motive for more acts of terrorism and would not guarantee the safety of U.S. military personnel or the likelihood that a new Iraqi regime would adopt national or international priorities more acceptable to the U.S.; and
Whereas, The U.S. has not gained the support of many allies to launch such a military attack and has not articulated a clear strategic objective or clear outcome for Iraq, and a U.S.-led war in Iraq would compromise our current action in Afghanistan and require years of costly nation-building activities in Iraq; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council expresses its opposition to a unilateral, preemptive military attack by the United States against the nation of Iraq; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council expresses a deep concern regarding the economic impact that such an attack against the nation of Iraq would have on state and local taxation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council supports the promotion of international efforts which would further restrict arms sales to countries in the Middle East; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council urges the U.S. to work through the United Nations Security Council and reaffirm our nation's commitment to the rule of law in all international relationships; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall forward copies of this resolution to the President of the United States and Wisconsin's U.S. Congressional delegation.
Drafter
LRB02631-2
RGP
1/06/02