Resolution No. 4907 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. The U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq highlights our dependence on imported oil for our energy needs and uses funds that could be better allocated to developing renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. J. The more than $107.5 million spent by Eugene taxpayers to date on the war and occupation in Iraq could nearly eliminate out backlog of road repairs; or could have provided one year's Head Start for nearly 14,000 Eugene children; or one year's medical insurance for more than 61,000 Eugene children; or one year's salary for more than 1775 public school teachers in Eugene; or more than 900 additional housing units in Eugene, or nearly 5000 four-year scholarships at public universities in Oregon, according to the National Priorities Project. K. 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 a U.S. occupation that threatens the lives of Iraqi civilians, the men and women who compose the ranks of U.S. and other occupying forces L. Many labor unions throughout the country, including Oregon AFL-CIO and Local 85 of the Service Employees International Union Local 503, representing more than 1300 classified employees at the University of Oregon, have called for the rapid return of U.S. troops from Iraq. M. According to recent polls, two out of three Americans disapprove of the way President Bush has handled the war in Iraq. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE, a Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows: Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Eugene, on behalf of the people of Eugene, urges Oregon's Congressional delegation to pass binding legislation compelling the United States government to immediately commence a rapid and orderly withdrawal of United States military personnel from Iraq. Section 2. That the Council of the City of Eugene, on behalf of the people of Eugene, urges the Congress of the United States to vote against further funding of the Iraq occupation by U.S. forces, except for funds necessary to carry out a safe, rapid and orderly withdrawal that fully protects American troops from harm; to expedite necessary reconstruction in Iraq, to supply the Iraqi armed forces with the military weapons and equipment necessary to assume their responsibility to stabilize the country, and to train Iraqi forces within the parameters described below. Section 3. That, during the first six months of U.S. withdrawal of troops from Iraq, U.S. troops may be used to assist in the training of permanent Iraqi military and civil defense forces, after which period this function will be carried out by U.N. or another international body acceptable to the Iraqi government. Resolution - 2