EXCERPTS FROM THE Port Townsend “Iraq Resolution” passed Tuesday night by the City Council by a 5-2 vote:
A resolution of the City Council of the city of Port Townsend, Washington, urging cessation of combat operations in Iraq and the return of U.S. troops.
Whereas, the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 was passed by the U.S. Congress on Oct. 11, 2002, and that Public Law 107-243 cited Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction as a primary reason for the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq.
Whereas, on Jan. 12, 2005, President Bush officially declared an end to the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Whereas, more than 3,000 members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed and more than 22,800 members of the Armed Forces have been wounded . . .
Whereas, the United States military occupation of Iraq has placed significant strains on the capacity of the . . . Armed Forces, both active duty and reserve and the National Guard.
Whereas, the funds spent on the Iraq war ($400 billion) equate to $11,333,333 for Port Townsend residents ($400 billion divided by 300 million U.S. population equals $1,333 per person, times 8,500 Port Townsend population) . . .
Be it resolved, that the City Council of the city of Port Townsend, on behalf of the citizens of Port Townsend, urges . . . that the primary mission of U.S. forces in Iraq should evolve to one of supporting the Iraqi army, which would take over primary responsibility for combat operations as soon as possible, but no later than the first quarter of 2008, subject to unexpected developments in the security situation on the ground, all combat brigades not necessary for force protection should be out of Iraq; and
Be it further resolved, that the City Council of Port Townsend, recognizing that the stability of Iraq is crucial to the security of the citizens of Port Townsend and to all Americans, urges the United States government to provide the people of Iraq with all necessary non-military material aid as shall be necessary for the security of Iraq’s citizens and for the rebuilding of Iraq; and
Be it further resolved, that the financial resources used to prosecute the war be redirected to address the urgent needs of America’s communities and the most vulnerable portions of our population, including health, education and homeland security; and
Be it further resolved, that a suitable copy of this resolution shall be sent to George W. Bush, President of the United States, and the members of the Washington congressional delegation.
