|
|
|
|
|
 |
.jpg)
By Don Perata
California Senate President pro Temp
On April 9th I introduced legislation to place an advisory measure on the Feb. 5, 2008 primary ballot that would call on President Bush to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and immediately begin the safe and orderly withdrawal of all United States forces.
This is important because we need to make clear both to the President and the many candidates running to take his place that it is time to bring our troops home. It’s high time the Bush Administration quit ignoring the overwhelming public opposition to this war. While similar measures have passed in scores of cities across the country, including San Francisco, California is the first state in the nation to pursue an advisory vote on Iraq .
We’ve had nearly 3,300 Americans killed and spent more than $350 billion on this war, with no end in sight. We’ve established a democratic government in Iraq , and now it’s up to the Iraqis to make it work. With the possible exception of George Bush, we all know it’s time to go.
The state Legislature moved up California ’s Presidential Primary in 2008 to make our vote matter. Let’s take that opportunity to tell the President where California stands on Iraq - and ask every presidential candidate to stand with us. If we convince other states to join us, we can make February 5 a national referendum to end this war.
Bush has refused to bring U.S. forces home despite last year’s elections and the bipartisan recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. Bush’s recent threat to veto any legislation containing a timetable for U.S. withdrawal only makes matters worse. George Bush hasn’t learned from history – we’ve got the failed policy to prove it. If the biggest state in the nation says `end the war now,’ maybe it will start to sink in.
The Vote Us Out of Iraq advisory measure requires a majority vote in the Senate and Assembly and the Governor’s signature to be placed on the ballot. The measure would ask voters whether they support or oppose the following resolution:
The people of California, in support of the men and women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, urge President Bush to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and immediately begin the safe and orderly withdrawal of all United States forces; and further urge President Bush and the United States Congress to provide the necessary diplomatic and non-military assistance to promote peace and stability in Iraq and the Middle East.
If a majority of voters approve, the bill would require Secretary of State Debra Bowen to communicate the results of the advisory vote to the White House.
Three hundred and thirty-six Californians have died in the Iraq conflict – more than any other state. Along with substantial numbers of regular forces, California also has more than 800 National Guard members currently deployed in Iraq .
In addition, California is owed billions in federal funds that go unpaid as war costs soar – slowing our economy and shortchanging state revenues for schools and health care. I encourage the people of San Francisco to visit the website I have set up, voteusout.org, to express their support for the measure and to keep updated.
- - - - -
Senate President pro Tempore Don Perata is the author of California’s “Vote Us Out” legislation, an advisory measure that would allow voters statewide to voice their support for bringing our troops home from Iraq.
A former Alameda County Supervisor and former member of the California State Assembly, Senator Perata represents the 9th Senate District, which includes Oakland, Alameda, Piedmont, Berkeley, Albany, Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, El Sobrante and Kensington.
Senator Perata has been unanimously elected President pro Tempore three times by the members of the California State Senate.
Note: Articles are posted for the purpose of generating ideas and honest debate on how San Francisco can live up to its full promise and potential. Posting of an article does not imply an endorsement by the author of Gavin Newsom for Mayor, nor an endorsement by Gavin Newsom for Mayor of the positions set forth in the article.
- : 1.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 17th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
It is already clear that most Americans clearly want our troops to come home. Please focus and spend your time/our funds on issues you can actually have a substantial impact on. The war in Iraq is not one of them.
April 17th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Perata is correct — Iraq is a quagmire. But, no matter how it got this way, Iraq is the focal point in the war on terror and Al Qaida. Abandoning Iraq because the war is difficult or because we don’t like Bush is utter foolishness.
April 18th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
IMPEACH BUSH! @
http://www.impeachbush.org
April 24th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
I agree with Jamie, spend your time on the issues you have been elected, and are paid, to address. Stop wasting your time, and my money, on issues you can not effec.