CBTU RESOLUTION
January, 2003

Opposition to U.S. War With Iraq

WHEREAS:
The Congress of the United States has adopted a joint resolution authorizing and urging President Bush to issue a formal declaration of war on Iraq as a last resort if and when all diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution have failed, and

WHEREAS:
America cannot engage in a conflict that involved the clear potential for significant casualties, as well as social and economic costs, unless there has been a thorough debate of the issues and the American people are fully informed and supportive. It is regrettable that some have sought to politicize this debate by challenging the patriotism of those who raise questions and concerns about these important matters—just as some attempted to taint the debate over the formation of a department of homeland security by trying to equate a stand for workers’ basic rights with a lack of patriotism. Such efforts obstruct and undermine the honest debate about important, complex issues to which the American people are entitled; and

WHEREAS:
There is “tentative support”, or in some cases opposition, from some of the United States’ major allies,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the United States should resist the voices of those who exhibit a strong penchant for war, instead moving to continue dialogue that will hopefully lead to a diplomatic solution, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That CBTU urge that Congress and the Administration demonstrate the courage to provide funds for massive needs on the home front, including helping the nation’s cities and states through fiscal crisis, meeting the health care needs of millions of Americans, strengthening our education system and providing job training and opportunities for the unemployed and under employed. Congress and the Administration must not use Iraq as a reason to neglect the crisis at home.

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That U.N. weapons inspectors be given additional time to determine with certainty the existence or non-existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq before a full-scale war is initiated.

Adopted by the CBTU Executive Council & Chapter Presidents at its meeting on January 18, 2003 in Jackson, Mississippi.