April 15, 2004

Resolution on Iraq

Proposed at the Jefferson County, Washington Democratic Party Convention

Whereas President George W Bush led us into war in Iraq under false pretenses, asserting an imminent danger from Iraq's supposed weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorism, which did not, in fact exist;

Whereas terrorists such as Al Quaeda hope to inflame passions against the United States and are benefiting through increased recruitment and support as a direct result of the destruction and suffering caused by the war, thus increasing the threat of terrorism;

Whereas the occupation is not moving Iraq towards democracy and stability but into a cycle of violence and counter violence in which American troops are opposed by increasing numbers of Iraqis;

Whereas the billions of dollars that are being spent on the war increases the US budget deficit, harms the economy and diverts funds from beneficial purposes;

Therefore be it resolved that we urge the United States government to ask the United Nations to draw up and implement a plan to:

.Withdraw all American troops from Iraq;
.Establish a transitional international peacekeeping force to protect the public until Iraqis can assume that function;
.Hold elections and handle the transition to a democratically elected Iraqi government.

Be it further resolved that the United States should assume a major portion of the cost of the UN Peacekeeping force and the reconstruction of Iraq while leaving the United Nations in control of the transition to Iraqi self government, reconstruction contracts and economic policy during the transitional period.

(This resolution along with all other resolutions proposed was passed along to the State Convention without comment or discussion)