CITY OF SAN LEANDRO RESOLUTION NO. _______

SUPPORTING A DIPLOMATIC APPROACH TO ENDING THE IRAQ WAR AND BRINGING OUR TROOPS HOME

WHEREAS, The City of San Leandro strongly supports the women and men serving in the United States Armed Forces in Iraq and recognizes the sacrifices that each of them is making, including those made by those in active and reserve units of the services, our local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Unit, our local Coast Guard units, and members of the California National Guard, and

WHEREAS, the war ensued and Federal policy has placed our troops in the middle of sectarian violence within Iraq, tantamount to civil war, with no plan or strategy for eventual exit, and

WHEREAS, the costs of deploying U.S. troops, in particular the call-up and over-extension of our reservists and members of the California National Guard for deployment in Iraq have been significant, as determined in lost lives, combat injuries, psychic trauma, disruption of family life, financial hardship for individuals, families, and businesses, interruption of careers; and

WHEREAS, the costs have resulted in unprecedented Federal budget deficits, which have and will affect the State of California and the city of San Leandro directly; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Leandro calls upon the President, Congress and the Governor of California and our state legislators to take immediate steps to establish a diplomatic approach to the violence in Iraq, a plan for bringing our troops home, turning the resolution of the conflict over to the United Nations and place a top priority on providing the necessary health care and social services to our veterans; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of San Leandro calls for full funding of services to the brave men and women returning after service in the United States Armed Forces, including medical, psychological, housing, and other support services, and support to local governments funding such services.