I haven't read all the posts on Iraq but I wanted to give a bit more
background.

Over the years the work at City Hall has been marginalized by people on the
outside who laugh at broad resolutions passed on global issues while other
issues more local are not addressed.

I'm not a big fan of having the council pass these resolutions because they
often have the exact opposite effect intended.  No impact on the direct
issues....no, I don't think Dick Cheney will suddenly see the light when he
sees the resolution from Minneapolis...and yes, I think it will be one more
headline like "Minneapolis Council Opposes Iraq" that will give more fodder
to those who don't really understand the cityand try to make us look stupid.

In the case of Iraq and many of these other issues I think the best course
of action is for us to speak out as local officials when needed but focus
official city council work on direct city issues.

In this case, I happen to feel that the potential action in Iraq is a very
serious mistake.  After yesterday's council meeting a couple council members
and I called Mark Dayton's office to say how strongly we oppose this action
and encouraged him to vote against it.  I will also continue to do this when
I get the chance, including at the National Conference of Mayors a couple
weeks ago.  I would also urge others who oppose this action to speak out
very strongly now.

R.T. Rybak
East Harriet


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