WAR RESOLUTION; Common Council Should Reject Iraq Measure
By PIMENTEL
We sympathize with the sentiments of those proposing that Milwaukeeans vote in April on a resolution urging the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. But the Common Council should reject the measure at its Dec. 13 meeting.
“Shall the U.S. end the occupation of Iraq and immediately begin withdrawing troops from Iraq?” That’s the resolution proposed for the ballot.
It should be rejected because it proposes a draconian solution to a problem that requires a more nuanced remedy and because 2006 is a year in which more effective means will be available for voters to make their wishes known. Also, the Common Council simply has too much on its plate by way of real problems at home to divert any energy on a resolution that is only advisory anyway.
This Editorial Board has also urged a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. But, like Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold, we’ve suggested a flexible timetable, perhaps beginning the withdrawal at the end of 2006. The problem is with the word “immediate.”
Leaving without first giving Iraqis notice poses the risk that Iraqis will not have been given ample opportunity to ready themselves. Our stay in Iraq cannot be open-ended, but neither can our withdrawal be precipitous.
Also, while a ballot measure if it passes may be satisfying to those opposing the war from the get-go, it is not as effective a tool as other options. Next year, all Wisconsin members of the U.S. House will stand for election or re-election. Rather than a piecemeal message from parts of Wisconsin, holding these representatives accountable statewide for their votes and views on the war will be the most effective means of sending that intended message.
The problem here, we realize, is that the state’s congressional districts have been essentially tailor-made to limit meaningful partisan competition. Still, enough people making the war a major issue in congressional midterm elections with this handicap provides the most powerful message of all. There are myriad ways to send a message on the war that don’t involve whatever extra it will cost to put this on the ballot and whatever extra energy is required to electioneer on this locally when the decisions are made in Washington.
But the most important reason for the council to reject the measure is that there are huge problems in Milwaukee having to do with poverty, jobs, budget and services that require undivided attention. Surely, these are enough to keep aldermen busy.
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