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...
Click here for full text