The following resolution was passed by the Minneapolis City Council on 1-25-07.

RESOLUTION

By: Remington, Gordon, Hofstede, Samuels, Lilligren, Glidden, Schiff, Benson, Colvin Roy

Urging the Cessation of War and Combat Operations in Iraq and the Return of American Troops

WHEREAS, the Minneapolis City Council supports the more than one million brave men and women deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, honors the memory of those who have lost their lives in the war, and supports the families who have lost their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Minneapolis 's police and fire departments, many of whom have been called to serve, are our first line of defense against terrorism and our first responders in emergencies and disasters; and

WHEREAS, the United States military occupation of Iraq has placed significant strains on the capacity of the United States Armed Forces, both active duty and reserve and the National Guard; and

WHEREAS, many members of the Armed Forces are entering into their third and fourth deployments to Iraq; and

WHEREAS, the war in Iraq, now in its fourth year has caused a) the deaths of more than 3,000 American soldiers and an estimated 600,000 Iraqis b) the physical and psychological wounding and disabling of more than 22,000 American soldiers and of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and c) the destruction of the homes, communities, and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis; and

WHEREAS, more than $378 billion dollars has been appropriated by Congress to fund military operations and reconstruction in Iraq when the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), prior to commencement of military action in Iraq, estimated the costs of the conflict at $21 to $33 billion; andWHEREAS, The funds spent by Minneapolis taxpayers on the war and occupation in Iraq equal more than $569 million and could have provided enough money for 47,000 children to utilize Head Start for one year; or more than 322,000 children to have a year's worth of health insurance; or more than 26,000 four-year college scholarships at public universities, according to the National Priorities Project; 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 U.S. occupation that threatens the lives of Iraqi civilians and the men and women who compose the ranks of U.S. and other occupying forces; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of similar resolutions have been enacted and registered throughout the country; and

WHEREAS, it is the duty of the City Council to act on behalf and in the best interest of the citizens of Minneapolis; and

WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered to make such resolutions as may be necessary to protect the public interest and for the preservation of health, welfare, peace, and order; and

WHEREAS, just this month, more than 20,000 additional American sons and daughters, mothers and fathers have been ordered into battle

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS

that the City of Minneapolis urges the United States government to

1. commence planning an orderly, rapid, and comprehensive withdrawal of United States military personnel from Iraq; and

2. support our troops by ensuring that returning veterans receive compensation and care, including full mental and physical health, education, disability, and rehabilitation benefits; and

3. provide the people of Iraq with appropriate non military aid as shall be necessary for the security of Iraq's citizens and for the rebuilding of Iraq; and

4. establish a plan for the ongoing transition of responsibility for internal security activities to the military forces of the Iraqi Government; and

5. pursue security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution is forwarded immediately to United States President George W. Bush, Senator Norm Coleman, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Keith Ellison, and members of the Minnesota State House and Senate representing Minneapolis.