A Sample (Draft) Resolution

WHEREAS, the Bush Administration, using false intelligence estimates, misled the country into an unnecessary and unwise invasion and occupation of Iraq, a country that had neither attacked nor posed an immediate threat to the United States, and

WHEREAS, our occupation of Iraq has spawned an insurgency whose principal goal is to expel outside influences, has deepened the divide between factions competing for control of Iraq, and has created a training ground for international terrorists, and

WHEREAS, elections have been held in Iraq, and the Iraqi people deserve an opportunity to resolve their own problems and establish their own government free of outside coercion, and

WHEREAS, the actions of the United States in Iraq is perceived by many to indicate that the U.S. wishes to establish a permanent presence in Iraq, including the establishment of a number of military bases, and

WHEREAS, our active duty military, Reserves and National Guard are being drained of their capability to respond to other emergencies both at home and abroad, and

WHEREAS, nearly 2000 U.S. military personnel have lost their lives in lraq, thousands of U.S. soldiers have been wounded, untold thousands of Iraqi citizens have been killed or injured, and vast amounts of Iraqi personal property and national infrastructure have been destroyed, and

WHEREAS, the U.S. House Committee on International Relations is considering and the House "Out of Iraq" Caucus supports various legislation requiring the President to develop and implement a plan for the withdrawal of the U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq:

NOW, THEREFORE, THE [CORVALLIS CITY COUNCIL OR BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS] RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. We support our troops, oppose the continued military occupation of Iraq, and urge the United States Government to plan immediately for the near-term withdrawal of its military forces from Iraq, consistent with the mandate of international humanitarian law.

Section 2. Withdrawal should begin immediately to signal our good intentions and should give priority to returning National Guard troops to fulfill their home state obligations.

Section 3. The President should announce that the United States Government has no plans for a long-term presence in Iraq, except for that associated with normal diplomatic, economic, and peaceful military relations between countries.

Section 4. Oregon's Senators and Representatives should support House Joint Resolution 55 (H. J. Res. 55) and this resolution.

ADOPTED by the [City or County body] on the _ day of [month], 2005.

Updated: 8/2/2005