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Home My WebLink About01/07/2003, BUS 5 - COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OPPOSING UNILATERAL PREEMPTIVE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ B i Council V j acEnaa Report , s s C I T Y OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: Jill Sylvain,Human Resources Analyst Prepared By: Mary Kopecky,Human Resources Execut e Assistant SUBJECT: COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OPPOSING UNILATERAL PREEMPTIVE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ BY THE UNITED STATES HRC RECOMMENDATION As recommended by the Human Relations Commission (HRC), adopt a resolution opposing unilateral preemptive military action against Iraq by the United States and direct staff to forward the resolution to federal officials. DISCUSSION At the December 4, 2002 Human Relations Commission (HRC) meeting, Commissioners voted 5t0(two Commissioners absent) to forward "Draft Resolution A" (attached) to Council opposing unilateral preemptive military action against Iraq by the United States and to urge the Council to approve the resolution. The HRC forwarded a memo summarizing their position to the City Council on December 9, 2002. At the December 17, 2002 City Council meeting, the Council agreed to place the recommendation on the January 7,2002 meeting agenda for formal consideration. During HRC deliberation, eight individuals (five City residents and three nonresidents) spoke to this issue and all spoke in favor of the HRC forwarding a resolution to Council for consideration. Commissioner's opinions were varied as Commissioners drew from their own personal backgrounds. While no Commissioner spoke in support of military action, there was discussion of whether it was within the City's purview to participate in this national debate. Essentially Commissioners expressed three themes: • Military actions are detrimental to a community's well-being to the extent that they displace funds from domestic social programs to defense programs. • Military actions have long-term (and unknown) consequences lasting for years beyond conflict resolution. • Local communities have a responsibility to provide a vehicle for public input and reflection to national officials on issues of concern that affect the well-being of its citizens. $-1 Resolution Opposing Unilateral Preemptive Military Action Against Iraq By The United States Page 2 "Draft Resolution B" (attached) was also introduced and considered at the December 4, 2002 HRC meeting. This resolution offered a slightly different approach toward this issue. After brief discussion, Commissioners elected to endorse "Draft Resolution A" and forward it to Council for adoption. ALTERNATIVES 1. Deny the resolution on the grounds that this discussion does not fall within the City's purview. 2. Adopt "Draft Resolution B" which was considered by the HRC at the December 4, 2002 meeting but was rejected in favor of"Draft Resolution A." 3. Amend "Draft Resolution A or B" to more accurately reflect Council's position on the issue. Attachments 1. Draft Resolution A 2. Draft Resolution B 3. Draft Minutes of the December 4, 2002 HRC meeting G:lagenda reportsWilitary Action in Iraq.doc 5-a ATTACHMENT 1 DRAFT RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION NO. (2003 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO OPPOSING UNILATERAL PREEMPTIVE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ BY THE UNITED STATES WHEREAS, the United States is part of the family of nations and a charter member of the United Nations, subscribing to its principles, including Article 2(4), which states that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state" except in self-defense, responding to an armed attack,under Article 51; and WHEREAS, the government of Iraq has agreed to the unconditional return of international weapons inspectors to determine Iraq's compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning the development and possession of weapons of mass destruction by Iraq; and WHEREAS, an invasion threatening the survival of Saddam Hussein, the "regime change" demanded, might well force him (Mr. Hussein) to preemptively defend himself by using weapons of mass destruction on United States and allied forces and/or Iraq's neighbors including Israel; and WHEREAS, an international consensus does not currently exist in support of United States military action, with most of the world's nations opposing unilateral preemptive military action by the United States; and WHEREAS, the citizens of San Luis Obispo and their local elected officials have the constitutional right, indeed duty, to petition the national government on this matter of grave concern to our community as part of the national and international debate now underway; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo cannot speak for all residents but has been asked by many people to speak out on this momentous issue facing our nation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows, the City Council: SECTION 1. Believes that it is in the best interests of our country, and for peace among the nations of the world, for the United States to act in concert with the United Nations and not unilaterally, to bring about Iraq's compliance to disarmament of any weapons of mass destruction; and SECTION 2. Reaffirms the articles of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law on the peaceful resolution of disputes; and � 3 ATTACHMENT 1 DRAFT RESOLUTION A SECTION 3. Expresses opposition to the United States threatened violation of the United Nations Charter by unilateral, preemptive military action against the sovereign nation of Iraq, and to the dangerous precedent such action would establish; and SECTION 4. Urges the President and Congress to work with and through the United Nations to obtain compliance by Iraq with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 and support fully the work of international weapons inspectors to Iraq for the purpose of immediate disarmament; and SECTION 5. Asserts that war should be only the last resort, after exhausting all diplomatic and political means, and that war is not to be undertaken unilaterally or preemptively by the United States or any other country. Upon motion of , seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this 7h day of January 2003. David F. Romero, Mayor ATTEST: Lee Price, C.M.C. City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: ilbert A. rujillo Acting City Attorney ATTACHMENT 2 DRAFT RESOLUTION B RESOLUTION NO. (2003 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO OPPOSING UNILATERAL PREEMPTIVE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ BY THE UNITED STATES WHEREAS, the City Council believes that a strong healthy community comes in part from being a strong and healthy nation; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes that a strong and healthy nation come in part from an allegiance of world nations working in concert to solve global concerns; and WHEREAS, the United States is a charter member of the United Nations, representative of an allegiance of world nations; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the United.States must act in accordance with what is perceived to be in its best interest; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the United States, as a world leader, to measure its strength with that of global unity; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes the best interest for our nation is to continue its role in working with an allegiance of world nations, through the United Nations, to solve issues of global concern; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes"weapons of mass destruction," whether in Iraq or other nations, are of global concern, our nation's concern and our community's concern; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that the City Council urges the national leaders to heed its role as a world leader, and demonstrate its leadership though measured diplomacy, restraint and unity, working through the United Nations to resolve such issues of global concern. Upon motion of seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this 7`h day of January 2003. ATTACHMENT 2 DRAFT RESOLUTION B David F. Romero, Mayor ATTEST: Lee Price, C.M.C. City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: J Gilbert A. Truji Acting City Attorney ATTACHMM 3 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES December 4, 2002 5:00 P.M. City Hall Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CALL TO ORDER: PRESENT: Janna Nichols, Chairperson; Maureen Forsberg; Tom Hutchings; Elise Wheeler, and Paul Wolff ABSENT: Bryan Gingg, Stephen Lamb STAFF PRESENT: Jill Sylvain, Human Resources Analyst; JeffHook, Associate Planner, and Mary Kopecky, Human Resources Executive Assistant CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: November 6, 2002 ACTION: Moved by Hutchings/Wolff to approve the minutes of November 6, 2002 as submitted; motion carried 5:0. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no Public Comments for items not on the agenda. Item 1 was taken out of order and considered second. Item 1. Consideration of a Memo to Council Regarding Military Action in Iraq. Commissioner Hutchings provided copies of a sample resolution opposing unilateral preemptive military action against Iraq by the United States to the Human Relations Commissioners. CrAHuman Relations CommissionWinutes1200Uccember 4,2002 minutes.doc n ATS"`@IENT 3 Public Comments: Speaking in favor of sending a resolution opposing military action against Iraq by the United States to the City Council: Mike Leisure,1185 Laurel Lane, San Luis Obispo Willow Walking Turtle, 1121 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo Mark Phillips, 565 Crown Hill, Arroyo Grande Lillian Judd, Los Osos resident and EOC employee Pablo Paster 1248 Peach Street, San Luis Obispo Bernadette Bernardi, Iris Street resident, San Luis Obispo Richard Kreisa, 189 San Jose Court David Broadwater, Atascadero resident —end of Public Comments— Commissioner Wolff strongly supported bringing the resolution to the City Council. He expressed frustration that speaking for peace has recently been viewed as unpatriotic and he rejected war as a solution for this issue. He voiced support for finding other means to resolve this conflict and was hopeful that funds earmarked for war could be redirected in a positive path. Human Resources Analyst Sylvain distributed a letter to the HRC from the Green Party opposing military action in Iraq. Chairperson Nichols read the letter aloud for the benefit of the public in attendance. Commissioner Hutchings spoke against war, desired taking funds allocated for war and using them for human needs. He reminded the HRC that 27 cities had adopted resolutions similar to the sample resolution and urged the HRC to forward the sample resolution on to the Council. Commissioner Wheeler and Commissioner Forsberg were supportive of going forward with the sample resolution. Chairperson Nichols indicated that although was she not supportive of a war in Iraq, she questioned whether it fell within the purview of the City Council to adopt such a resolution and offered an alternative resolution. Brief HRC discussion ensued. Chairperson Nichols called a break at 6:10 p.m. to allow staff to make copies of the sample resolution for audience members. The Human Relations Commission reconvened at 6:16 p.m. S'� _ ATTACHMM 3 - Commissioner Wolff argued that by presenting the sample resolution to the Council, the HRC was simply voicing an opinion. He urged the HRC to forward a memo and the resolution to the City Council and let them decide whether or not to take action. Commissioner Hutchings noted that the Chairperson Nichols' alternative resolution was a softened version of the original resolution and urged the HRC to send the sample/original resolution to the Council. ACTION: Moved by Wheeler/Hutchings to direct staff to: 1) Prepare a memorandum for Council indicating HRC support for the adoption of the sample/original resolution and urging Council to place this item on an upcoming Council agenda. 2) Attach the sample resolution opposing unilateral preemptive military action against Iraq by the United States. 3) Attach the letter received from the SLO County Green Party; motion carried 5:0. Moved by Commissioner Hutchings to urge Council to immediately convey the resolution to the Federal Government as well as California State Government Officials following Council adoption of the resolution; motion failed due to the lack of a second. ACTION: Moved by Forsberg/Wheeler to urge Council to immediately convey the resolution to the Federal Government following Council adoption of the resolution; motion carried 5:0. By consensus HRC directed staff forward the memo, resolution, and letter of support to the City Council before the Council meeting of December 17, 2002. °Q° Department of Human Resources Memorandum DATE: December 10, 2002 TO: City Council VIA: Ken Hampain, City Administrative Officer FROM: Ann Slate, Human Resources Director PREPARED BY: Jill Sylvain, Human Resources Analyst SUBJECT: Council Consideration of a Resolution Opposing Unilateral Preemptive Military Action Against Iraq by the United States At the December 4, 2002 Human Relations Commission (HRC) meeting, Commissioners discussed whether or not to forward to Council a resolution opposing unilateral preemptive military action against Iraq by the United States. During HRC deliberation, eight individuals (five City residents and three nonresidents) spoke to this issue and all urged the HRC to forward the attached resolution to Council for consideration. Commissioner's opinions were varied as Commissioners drew from their own personal backgrounds. While no Commissioner spoke in support of military action, there was discussion of whether it was within the City's purview to participate in this national debate. Essentially Commissioners expressed three themes: • Military actions are detrimental to a community's well-being to the extent that they displace funds from domestic social programs to defense programs. • Military actions have long-term (and unknown) consequences lasting for years beyond conflict resolution. • Local communities have a responsibility to provide a vehicle for public input and reflection to national officials on issues of concern that affect the well-being of its citizens. The HRC voted 5:0 (Gingg and Lamb absent) to direct staff to forward a memo to Council summarizing their actions, attach the proposed resolution as well as a letter of support from the Green Party of San Luis Obispo, and urge Council to place this matter on an upcoming Council meeting. Attachments: 1. Sample Draft Resolution 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 805/781-7250 FAX 805/542-9867 E-mail: employment®ci.san-Luis-obispo.ca.us Human Relations Commission Recommeridation to City CouncilPage 2 December 9, 2002 2. Draft Minutes of the December 4, 2002 HRC Meeting 3. Letter from the Green Peace Parry of San Luis Obispo Julie O'Connor- Fwd: City_Web_Visitor_r -nments _ Page 1 J From: Barbara Ehrbar To: O'Connor, Julie RECEIVED Date: 117/03 8:OOAM Subject: Fwd: City_Web Visitor Comments �a� (� 2�0 SLO CITY CLERK >>> <jzk@charter.net> 01/06/03 08:39PM >>> Today's Date: 1/6/03 8:38:57 PM ATTN: SLO City Name: Jill ZamEk Address: 1123 Flora Rd. City: Arroyo Grande State:CA Zip: 93420 Phone: Fax: Message: Please forward this message to the city council members. Dear City Council Members, I am writing to encourage you to vote YES on the resolution regarding negotiation and a peaceful solution to the conflict in Iraq. Thank you! Sincerely, Jill ZamEk email from: izkCilcharter.net COUNCI erCDD DIR �( CAO Ar FIN DIR ETATTORNEY ACAO 2 FPW DCR CHIEF ZrCLERK/ORIG a POLICE CHF i DEPT HEADS 2 REC DIR C B UTIL DIR RED FILE Pl HR DIR --- ING AGENDA DA 9 "1 03 ITEM #�S Dave Romero-a vital city issue.- �^ Page 1 From: paul wolff<pwolff@degas:artisan.calpoly.edu> To: <dromero@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, RECEIVED <jewan@slocity.org.asettle@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org> Date: Sun, Jan 5, 2003 1:23 PM JAN 0 f 2003 Subject: a vital city issue SLO CITY CLERK A CITY ISSUE On Dec. 4 the Human Relations Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo voted unanimously to ask you, our City Council, to address"A RESOLUTION OPPOSING UNILATERAL PREEMPTIVE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ BY THE UNITED STATES." Thank you for agreeing to agendize this resolution for public input and action, at 7 PM on TUESDAY, JANUARY 7th, 2003. Some may believe that this resolution should be of no concern on a city scale because it involves an issue of national security. Nothing could be further from the truth. From Head Start to the Womens Shelter there are more than 222 non-profit social service agencies providing essential services within the City of San Luis Obispo (there are 865 in the county). The funding for these agencies will be critically impacted for many years by the billions of dollars needed to wage war and then to rebuild a destroyed country. Is this use of our tax dollars just or wise? City residents with the greatest need and the least powerful public voice will be the most effected. By unilaterally advocating and waging violence we are also sending a powerful message to our children, including my 4 grandchildren under. 6. Going to war will clearly demonstrate that, even in the 21st century, disputes can only be resolved through the use of physical force. This resolution is one of the very limited options available to us to peacefully express our convictions. I implore you to pass the resolution and forward it to Washington DC. Paul and Marion Wolff San Luis Oboispo .1 COUNCIL If! CDD DIR d CAO e FIN DIR QJ ACAO ;Z� FIRE CHIEF RED FILE 25'ATTORNEY I?PW DIR MEETING AGENDA 0 CLERK/ORIG 2-POUCE CHF ❑,DEPT HEADS 2 REC DIR E�- ITEM #� Z [GhUr� -2'UTIL DIR DAT rX P16 SHR DIR Dave Romero- Resolution...op posing un;'-'lral preemptive military actionagainst Iraq h• the United States Page 1 From: "Nancy H. Ferraro"<nancyhf@slonet.org> To: <dromero@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <asettle@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@sloc4.org> Date: Mon;Jan 6, 2003 10:09 AM Subject: Resolution...opposing unilateral preemptive military actionagainst Iraq by the United States Dear City Council Members: I could not disagree more heartily with H. L. Stephey who, in his letter in The Tribune (Jan. 5, '03)wrote that. RECEIVED the"jump-on-the-bandwagon approach to national issues via...city...resolutions is a shameful abuse of local government's JAN7 200 time and responsibility." Because I subscribe to the maxim "think globally, act locally"and SLO CITY CLERK have already acted on behalf of the Resolution that is the subject of this letter by supporting it as an individual(about as"local" as one can get), I now desire to take the next step up to a wider local level (city)and urge you to pass the above-mentioned Resolution. These are desperate and dangerous times. We need to make voices of reason heard wherever and whenever we can. My three grandsons (San Luis Obispo residents, two of them of voting --and draft-age) and I will be forever grateful to you for taking this step to avoid a war which obviously will have consequences that will impact us negatively at every level, from individual and city on up to and including the entire world. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Nancy H. Ferraro Morro Bay 772-3475 CC: <nancyhf@slonet.org> rACAO Z, CDD DIR Z FIN DIR RED FILE FIRE CHIEF)� ISN DIRMEETINGAGENDA G 2'FOUCE CHF❑ D DS REC DIR DATE, i a3 ITEM #&4 5 g LML DIR 0' lY:b eHR DIR Dave Romero-antiwar ordinance From: Don & Ellen Dollar<ddollar@pacbell.net> To: John Ewan <jewan@slocity.org>, Allen Settle <asettle@slocity.org>, Ken Schwartz <kschwartz@slocity.org>, Christine Mulholland <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <dromero@slocity.org> Date: Mon, Jan 6, 2003 8:49 AM Subject: antiwar ordinance Dear City Council, I urge you to pass an ordinance opposing a preemptive war in Iraq. Although this ordinance would be symbolic in nature, it might send a national message that there is strong opposition to war in our country. It is important.to have spoken out against disastrous actions. I feel RECEIVED our country cannot financially afford a war. Also there is not at this r. time just cause for war, which would kill many of our young people and JAN 0 / 200 many Iraq civilians, as well as possibly exposing us to nuclear and germ warfare attacks. SLO CITY CLERK Thank you, Sincerely yours, Ellen Dollar RED FILE MEETING AGENDA DA ` 03 ITEM # , COUNCIL ,TCDD DIR CAO Z�FIN DIR ACAO eFIRE CHIEF 0 ATTORNEY Vr PW DIR g CLERK/ORIG 0 POLICE CHF C1 �pT� � Z RTC DIR Z UTIL DIR �(HR DIR Julie O'Connor- Fwd: Iraq ordinance _ _ _ ....... Page 1 i From: Barbara Ehrbar RECEIVED To: O'Connor, Julie Date: 1/7/03 10:15AM JAN 0 7 2003 Subject: Fwd: Iraq ordinance SLO CITY CLERK >>> <Jhildinger@aol.com> 01/07/03 09:06AM >>> Dear San Luis Obispo City Councilmembers: I strongly urge you to support the ordinance opposing war with Iraq today. I am writing because I believe acting locally while thinking globally is important, and I do not see any reason to send our young people off to war with Iraq. The Bush administration has not come up with clear and reasonable justification for starting a war. I will not be able to attend tonight's council meeting, but thank you for considering my opinion via this email. Sincerely, Judith Hildinger 1268 Reba St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 `' a ! ja COUNCIL DIR p-CAO ?'FIN DIR j2ACAO .G FIRE CHIEF e ATTORNEY 2-PW DIR B ;LERKIORIG Z POLICE CHF 17.)EPT HEADS ZREC DIR d —rnag,,.._ 2- DIR RED FILE qy2-HR DIR MEETING AGENDA DAT p� ITEM # ;Julie O'Connor- Fwd City Council Reso' -,)n _ __ _ Page f -- C'• O-Du -W,Q Roy ft", Lee, CL Retain this doMnra g From: Barbara Ehrbar ftn! council mwe* To: O'Connor, Julie 7/)3 4"-Da Date: 12/23/02 8:36AM -nd'z ed Subject: Fwd: City Council Resolution >>> <rosemarywilvert@juno.com> 12/21/02 04:29PM >>> Dear Members of the City Council, Please discuss on Tuesday,December 17th, the"Resolution Opposing Pre-Emptive Unilateral Military Action in Iraq by the United States." Please place it the earliest possible position on the agenda. Further, please support passage of the Resolution. Sincerely, Rosemary Wilvert Calvin Wilvert Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only$9.95 per month! Visit www.*uno.com Julie O' ,onnor Fwd Thank you for you -4�dication to our community _tq Page 1 n rdoanr�ntla mi From: Barbara Ehrbar7�ICAO To: O'Connor, Julie / OS Date: 12/18/02 3:14PM Subject: Fwd:Thank you for you dedication to our community... >>> Bill ik Phyllis Davies<davies@sunnybank.com> 12/18/0212:30PM >>> SLO City Council Members, I came to SLO in 1959. 1 love our community and am proud of the example we provide for other towns across our nation. This letter is regarding the"Resolution Opposing Pre-Emptive Unilateral Military Action in Iraq by the United States". Thank you for placing the issue on you January 7th agenda, and I hope you will each further support passage of the Resolution. This is a life and death, as well as, a long-term health issue for many young people in our community and a moral issue for the rest of us. As a mother who's two sons are dead, I suggest you search your heart to see if you would be willing to have your own children and other local young people dead or maimed for life in an unnecessary war that could be avoided. This is to say nothing of the tragedy of the 1,000,000 children who the UN and other sources report have hied in Iraq since the sanctions began. Many energy experts including Amory Lovens, (who recently spoke to an overflow audience in Chumash Auditorium at Cal Poly) and there was a story in Fortune magazine May 13, 2000 he and other experts often state that an increase of 2.7 miles/gal for cars, not even trucks, in the US would eliminate the need for an Near East oil that many of us realize is the underlying but unstated cause for this war. I appreciate your efforts toward making SLO a remarkable community, Phyllis Davies PS. Have you asked even one of the more than 100,000 vets with Gulf War syndrome, and their sickened families at home in the US, what happens when you breathe radioactive dust and bring it.home to your wife and kids in your body? If you want more information on this issue I suggest you check http://www.oulfwarvets.com/article.htm I have heard Jerry Wheat, he is one who served in the Gulf War from 1990-91 where he drove a Bradley armored personal carrier. In 1991 he was shot with depleted uranium rounds in what the Pentagon called friendly fire and has subsequently suffered ill health and cancer and told his story on the Democracy Now with Amy Goodman on WBAI in New York, KPFK Los Angeles and several other stations. Medical Consequences of Attacking Iraq by Helen Caldicott, October 2002 lJulie.O'�onnor Fwd:Thank you for you ' �dication to our community. w_ _ T Mpage 2 As the Bush administration prepares to make war on the Iraqi people—and make no mistake, it is the civilian population of that country and not Saddam Hussein who will bear the brunt of the hostilities— it is important that we recall the medical consequences of the last Gulf War. That conflict was, in effect, a nuclear war. During the 1991 Gulf War, the United States deployed hundreds of tons of weapons, many of them anti-tank shells made of depleted uranium 238. This material is 1.7 times more dense than lead, and hence when incorporated into an anti-tank shell and fired, it achieves great momentum, cutting through tank armor like a hot knife through butter. What other properties does uranium 238 possess? First, it is pyrophoric: When it hits a tank at high speed it bursts into flames, producing tiny aerosolized particles less than 5 microns in diameter that are easily inhalable into the terminal air passages of the lung. Second, it is a potent radioactive carcinogen, emitting a relatively heavy alpha particle composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Once inside the body—either in the lung if it has been inhaled, or in a wound if it penetrates flesh, or ingested since it concentrates in the food chain and contaminates water—it can produce cancer in the lungs, bones, blood, or kidneys. Third, it has a half-life of 4.5 billion years, meaning the areas in which this ammunition was used in Iraq and Kuwait during Gulf War will remain effectively radioactive for the rest of time. Children are 10 to 20 times more sensitive to the effects of radiation than adults. My fellow pediatricians in the Iraqi town of Basra, for example, are reporting an increase of 6 to 12 times in the incidence of childhood leukemia and cancer. Yet because of the sanctions imposed upon Iraq by the United States and United Nations, they have no access to drugs or effective radiation machines to treat their patients. The incidence of congenital malformations has doubled in the exposed populations in Iraq where these weapons were used. Among them are babies bom with only one eye or missing all or part of their brain. The medical consequences of the use of uranium 238 almost certainly did not affect only Iraqis. Some U.S. veterans exposed to it are reported, by at least one medical researcher, to be excreting uranium in their urine a decade later. Other reports indicate it is being excreted in their semen. (The fact that almost one-third of the American tanks used in Desert Storm were themselves made of uranium 238 is another story, for their crews were thereby exposed to whole-body gamma radiation.) Would these effects have surprised the U.S. authorities? No,for incredible as it may seem, the American military's own studies prior to Desert Storm warned that aerosol uranium exposure under battlefield conditions could lead to cancers of the lung and bone, kidney damage, non-malignant lung disease, neurocognitive disorders, chromosomal damage and birth defects. Do George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz, Condoleezza Rice, and Donald Rumsfeld understand the medical consequences of the 1991 war and the likely health effects of the next one they are now planning? If they do not, their ignorance is breathtaking; even more incredible though—and alas, much more likely—is that they do understand, but do not care. Julie O'Gonno;• Fwd.Thank you for yov -'medication to our commurnty.. Page 3! More information on DU and Plutonium is available from Dr. Helen Caldicott and the Nuclear Policy Research Institute. Dave Romero-SLO CC-Attack Iraq Rev Oath of Office Page 1 From: "David"<csi@thegrid.net> To: <dromero@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <asettie@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org> Date: Tue, Jan 7, 2003 2,43 AM Subject: SLO CC-Attack Iraq Res-Oath of Office SLO City Council; re: Resolution Opposing an Attack on Iraq &Your Constitutional Duty Although you may hear arguments against adopting this resolution based on the assertion that it's beyond your jurisdiction, this is not the case. Before you were allowed to assume your duties as elected officials; you were required to swear an oath "to preserve, protect&defend the Constitution of the USA". You are bound to the supreme law of the land and required to oppose its subversion. You have assumed a responsibility and are called upon to verify the veracity of your oaths of office. Under current conditions, an attack on Iraq would be unconstitutional, i.e. illegal as a violation of Article 1 (Section 8) &Article 6 (Section 2) of the Constitution of the United States. You are, therefore, duty-bound to oppose the proposed attack on Iraq, and can assert no valid rationale to do otherwise. Article 1 (Section 8, paragraph 11) of the Constitution states that"Congress shall have power... To declare war'. No such congressional declaration of war has been issued. Although the President claims that its his decision, and a majority in congress voted to allow the"use of force", an attack on Iraq lacks legal &constitutional authority. Under our separation of powers, the legislative (not the executive) branch decides whether we're going to war. Article 6 (Section 2) of the Constitution states that'This Constitution... and all treaties made... shall be the supreme law of the land". The United States is a signatory to the"Charter of the United Nations" which states (Chapter 1, Article 2, paragraphs 3 &4)"All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means..." &"All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state...". An attack on Iraq would, therefore, be a violation of our constitution and an abrogation of our international treaty obligations. The question before you is not, therefore, whether or not you have a responsibility to perform (you do), its whether or not you will live up to your duty&oath of office. I urge and appeal to you (on legal, practical&moral grounds)to vote in support of the resolution opposing an attack on Iraq. If you chose not to do so, I request that you explain your vote in terms relative to the Constitution and your oath regarding it. Your fellow citizen, David E. Broadwater RECEIVED RED FILE JAN 0 7 2001 MEF,ING AGENDA SLO CITY CLERK DATE. ITEM # -< eCOUNCIL CDD DIR ZCAO ZFIN DIR ACAO ZFIRE CHIEF ZATTORNEY a PW DIR 21 CLERK 0RIG jR POLICE CHF 0-D HEADS 13REC DIR E'UTIL DIR �� TrHR DIR ,Dave Romero-input for tonight's meeting Page 1 From: "addenne dickinson" <dickinsonfam@hotmail.com> To: <dromero@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <asettle@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org> Date: Tue, Jan 7, 2003 9:14 AM Subject: input for tonight's meeting Dear City Council: A Cal Poly class precludes my attending the meeting tonight, but I wish to have a voice as you discuss the issue of the City of San Luis Obispo making a declaration regarding the impending war on Iraq. First; I agree that this is an appropriate discussion for the city, because the results will certainly have an impact on the city and the services which it can provide. Secondly, it could be argued that the Bush administration is getting out of line, and in a democracy, itis everyone's responsibility, not only individually, but collectively, to speak out. We have looked back at actions of governments in history and wondered, "Why didn't the people do something?" Now we are seeing first hand about the pressure to go with the flow or not get involved. Let's openly discuss the issue and vote. I encourage a vote to stand against an invasion of Iraq as too costly in every possible way to be responsible. Thank you for listening. Adrienne Dickinson 182 Del Norte San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 543-1285 MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE'. http:/rjoin.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail 7RECEIVED 0 r 000? CITY CLERK RED FILE nwm MEETING AGENDA Z COUNCIL ,TCDD DIR DATE ITEM # � B CAO LFIN DIR 2 0 ACRO FICHIEF P 'ATTORNEY i?.;PW DIR 7CLERKIOP,IG ;YPOLICE CHF D DEBT EA_DeS REC DIR PJ r Z UTIL DIR /7 '14-2 eHR DIR Dave Romero-Tonight's Meeting _ Page 1 i From: rollin dickinson <rdickinson25@yahoo.com> To: <dromero@slocity.org>, <cmulholland@slocity.org>, <jewan@slocity.org>, <asettle@slocity.org>, <kschwartz@slocity.org> Date: Tue, Jan 7, 2003 12:15 PM Subject: Tonight's Meeting Dear City Council Members: I am writing to voice the exigency of expressing public opposition to the proposed war against Iraq. While it seems somewhat odd that City Council members, thousands of miles from Capitol Hill, should have a say in this issue,let us not forget that power in a democracy, even in a representative democracy, resides in the many voices which consitute the collective, those who elect the representatives. As elected representatives, and a necessary unit of the distribution of power, I urge you to voice opposition to the war if not for moral reasons—although I believe the moral fallout will affect us globally and locally—then for pragmatic ones, of economics and the questionable politics of sending people to fight for dubious reasons. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Rollin Dickinson Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus-Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com RECEIVED JAN 0 7 200 SLO CITY CLERK RED FILE MEETING AGENDA DATE--,* ITEM �I7, CCAO COUNCIL -��rCDD IR ;a ACAO e FIN Dip 'f ATTORNEY C FIRE CHIEF $PCLERK/ORIG 21PwOIR 0 DEPT' � POLICE CHF �- FADS lr REC Dip UTIL Dip {J HR DIR Dave Romero-Tonight's Meeting ®W —� --- Page 1 From: <youtankay@msn.com> To: <dromero@slocity.org> Date: Tue, Jan 7, 2003 1:31 PM Subject: Tonight's Meeting I would like to go on record as a citizen and resident of San Luis Obispo county who is against deploying troops and having a war with Iraq. I wanted my voice to be heard as I cannot attend tonight's meeting. Thank You, Roberta Youtan Kay RECEIVED JAN 0 r 20V SLO CITY CLERK RED FILE MEETING ING AGENDA DATE--40ITEM # �u '� ZCOCOUNCIL ZCDD DIR 2:,2A CAO Z FIN DIR FIRE CHIEF ,fL ACAO �PW DIR ATTORNEY C,L CLERK/ORIG 2"POLICE CHF ❑ DEPT HEADS 7REC DIR Z UTIL DIR r HR DIR 11 Dave Romero- 1-7-03 Meeting/Item#5 From: "Cydney Holcomb"<cholcomb@charter.net> To: "Ken Schwartz" <kschwartz@slocity.org>, "John Ewan" <jewan@slocity.org>, "Christine Mulholland" <cmulholland@slocity.org>,"Allen Settle" <asettle@slocity.org>, "Dave Romero" <d rom ero@s locity.org> Date: Mon, Jan 6, 2003 8:36 PM Subject: 1-7-03 Meeting/Item#5 Dear Council Members, Please adopt the resolution opposing unilateral preemptive military action.against Iraq. Sincerely, Reed &Cydney Holcomb RECEIVED JAN 0 7 200? SLO CITY CLERK RED FILE M ING AGENDA DA b3 ITEI1 COUNCIL CDD DIR Ff CAO 'FIN DIR O�ACAO FIRE CHIEF r ICJ ATTORNEY PW DIR .0 CLERK/ORIG 1;?POLICE CHF ❑ DEPT HEADS 2 RTC DIR P1 2 UTIL DIR -eHR DIR GREEN PARTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PO Box 13244 RECEIVED San Luis Obispo,CA 93406 uuww.slogreensor� RED FILE JAN 0 S 200 . MEETING AGENDA SLO CITY CLERK DA ITEM # QUS Re:Resolution Opposing Umlataal Prempbw Mffawy Act=Aginst Iraq by the United States.. Dear Mayor and City Council. The Green Party of San Luis Obispo endorses the"Resolution of the City of San Luis Obispo Opposing Unilateral Preemptive Military Action Against Iraq by the United States." The Green Party recognizes and supports the efforts of the San Luis Obispo City Human Relations Commission in presenting this vital issue to the community. The Green Party promotes developing effective alternatives to society s current patterns of violence by working toward non-violent conflict resolution at every level as well as toward demilitarization and elimination of weapons of mass destruction. The Gni Party therefore whole-heartedly endorses this Resolution_ The Green Party tinges the San Luis Obispo City Council to adopt this Resolution. Sincerely, T SW County Green Party County Council 9�41t - 0:COUNCI Z CAO 2 FIN DIR J ACAO — FIRE CHIEF 2 ATTORNEY �PW DIR 7 CLERK/ORIG POLICE CH_F 13 DEPT HEADS REC DIR « IZUTILDIR p1- `fit ZHR DIR C..aro[�irtlheimer rias JiLron Way RECEIVED San oC ai9 0k r. C...9 934o f JAN p 6 20011 G f 2 003 SLO CITY CLERK ;oo_p RED FILE MEETING AGEND O Com O CDD DIR Zt CAD ZFIN DIR DAT 1 ITEM # �us �'A AO --ff FIRE CHIEF la'ATTORNEY 2'PW DIR 1�CLERKJORIG ;2'POUCECHF 13 DEPT HEADS �rREC DIR 2 UTIL DIR �t 4 -1 HR DIR