Resolution against a War in Iraq

by the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless

Approved by the Board of Trustees on February 20, 2003.

Whereas, the suffering of the people of Iraq under Saddam Hussein has been increased by a prolonged economic embargo and on- going United States military strikes, resulting in intolerable poverty, disease, and death rates; and

Whereas, a war against Iraq would generate lasting enmity and resentment in the international community toward the people of the United States; and

Whereas, the estimated $200 Billion in expenditures required for a war against Iraq would drain precious national resources which should be used to end homelessness and other consequences of economic and social inequality in our own country; and

Whereas, the American casualties of a war would likely be poor people due to economic conscription; and

Whereas, it has not been proven that the issues with Iraq cannot be resolved by traditional diplomatic efforts; and

Whereas, military action against Iraq will cost billions of dollars at a time when the American economy is struggling and at a time when the federal government, the state government, and the local municipal and county government are under significant fiscal crises causing cuts to human services; and

Whereas, while making preparations for a costly war against Iraq, the Bush Administration is proposing a tax cut for the very wealthy and this tax cut will result in less dollars being provided for education, health care, economic development, and desperately needed social services causing increases in homelessness and poverty.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless opposes war against Iraq at this time.

NEOCH endorses the Northeast Ohio Anti-War Coalition position and calls on our members and constituents to participate in Northeast Ohio Anti-War Coalition demonstrations and activities.

NEOCH calls on Congress to reject resolutions authorizing attacks on Iraq; and instructs the organization to immediately communicate this resolution to our members, elected officials and the media.

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