* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmembers Henry, Clarke
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
End the War in Iraq
FOR the purpose of urging the prompt withdrawal of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan; that funding for Iraq be limited to money needed for the safe and speedy withdrawal of our troops and to assist in rebuilding damage inflicted by our occupation; that the tens of billions in savings be used to create jobs, establish a universal health care system, fully fund our schools, and assist families facing mortgage foreclosure; and that there be created a "GI Bill of Rights" that provides comprehensive health care and a college education for soldiers when they leave the service.
Body
WHEREAS, March 19, 2008, marks the 5th year since the preemptive invasion of Iraq, a war based on lies, that has taken the lives of nearly 4,000 American soldiers and an estimated 650,000 Iraqi citizens; and
WHEREAS, A similar crisis afflicts Afghanistan, a nation the U.S. and NATO occupied in October 2002, with a toll of 478 American dead and untold thousands of Afghani; and
WHEREAS, The dollar cost to our nation of these open-ended wars will soon surpass on trillion dollars, or about $12.5 billion each month, funds desperately needed here at home as millions face foreclosure on their homes, loss of their jobs, health care, and pensions; and
WHEREAS, Economists warn of an "Iraq recession," as the cost of the occupation, coupled with runaway inflation, plunges the nation into the worst economic crisis in decades; and
WHEREAS, State and local budgets for schools, housing, low income fuel assistance, SCHIP and other health programs are being cut while increased funding for these programs is required; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, that we elected officials working to ensure the welfare of the people of Baltimore, object to President George W. Bush's refusal to agree to any exit strategy from Iraq and to requests for an additional $170 billion to pay for another year of occupation.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we urge the prompt withdrawal of our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan; that funding for Iraq be limited to money needed for the safe and speedy withdrawal of our troops and to assist in rebuilding damage inflicted by our occupation of those devastated nations; that the tens of billions in savings be used to create jobs, establish a universal health care system, fully fund our schools, and assist families facing mortgage foreclosure; and that there be created a "GI Bill of Rights" that provides comprehensive health care and a college education for soldiers when they leave the service.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the President of the United States, our Maryland Delegation to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the Governor of Maryland, the Mayor of Baltimore City, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the Council.
dlr08-0190~intro/13Mar08
ccres/IraqWar:bh
dlr08-0190~intro/13Mar08
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