Arcata, CA Calling for the Immediate Withdrawal of Troops from Afghanistan and Iraq

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted in 2005
Source File: (Missing)
Text:
In the belief that only by speaking out can we hope to change the world…
WHEREAS THE US INVASIONS AND OCCUPATIONS OF AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ:
Are founded on lies:
In Afghanistan, the lies that incorrectly blamed that nation for 9/11, and implied that destroying the Taliban would destroy al Qaeda, thereby making us safer.
In Iraq, the lies that Saddam possessed and was poised to use weapons of mass destruction, and that he was involved in 9/11.
Are calculated steps in long term military plans for American world domination that include:
Controlling areas that are rich in precious resources, like oil. 
Setting up strategic military control of nations surrounding China.
Enforcing America’s will anywhere in the world, with little or no provocation.
Are enriching corporations that have ties to this administration, by the granting of exclusive contracts to rebuild infrastructure.
Are in violation of the process required to declare war, under the US Constitution.
Are in violation of international law, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Accords and the Nuremberg Principles, and therefore in violation of the US Constitutional provision for treaties as equal to the Highest Law of the land.
Have provoked ever more rage among victims of the wars, and have increased the likelihood of further attacks, rather than making us safer.
Have resulted in the deaths of over 1000 US soldiers, who all died for no good reason, fighting to support lawless war policies, based upon the lies of our president and his inner circle.
Have resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 civilians, whose only crime was to be in the path of US attacks.
Have physically and psychologically injured hundreds of thousands of innocents.
Have, in violation of international law, destroyed the infrastructure of both nations.
Have lowered our esteem among the nations and people of the Earth.
Have cost taxpayers over 200 Billion Dollars, 
Which amounts to over $700 for every man, woman and child in America.
Which amounts to over $11 Million within the city of Arcata - twice the annual general fund budget.
Which could have bought universal healthcare for every American
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Arcata calls for: 
The immediate withdrawal of all American troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, before one more soldier or civilian needlessly dies, concurrent with:
The United States Government turning over to the United Nations, the League of Arab States and other neutral parties the authority for creating and maintaining a multi-national peacekeeping force in both countries, with the goal of providing security and facilitating self governance.
Control of this force to be under the joint command of all participating states, with no one nation in control, and with no veto powers granted to any one nation. 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Arcata calls for: 
A free and open international bidding process in all future awards of contracts for reconstruction or for other goods or services, within Afghanistan or Iraq.
Full benefits and support for our veterans, when they return. 
This Resolution to be sent to Congressman Mike Thompson, Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein and President George W. Bush.
Category:California
Category:City Governments
Category:Peace
Category:Resolutions