List Folk: I struggle with this issue largely because I oppose the use of military intervention in Iraq and believe now is the time for likeminded folks to be vocal in the face of current political events. I also worked in the past on issues like anti-apartheid activism and divestment in college and was certainly heartened by the actions of cities that took the lead in divesting themselves of stock in companies doing business in South Africa in the 1980's. So, I do not believe that just because an issue is not local in effect or outlook that a municipal entity like the City of Minneapolis should not take a stand. To me, the issue is the connection between the local and the global. Cities who divested did so based upon the belief that they were responsible for the fiscal well-being of their municipalities and that moral considerations like a company's business practices should be considered in how they managed their finances. Moreover, there was the belief that the more money pulled out of companies doing business in South Africa, the more likely that those entities would get the message and stop financially supporting apartheid.
I would support a resolution in the City Council that similarly linked how the city did business or otherwise performed its functions with opposition to the war effort. However, I fail to see how a simple statement opposing war would be helpful beyond the exhortation to the federal government and others to act differently. Nice words, but so what? I would rather not give councilmembers cover by allowing them to tout their stated opposition to the war without really examining how the city's activities (which they oversee) could be directed to actually supporting peaceful activities both here and abroad. To my mind, while I oppose war, I also oppose police brutality, violence against families and children, the lack of affordable housing options and a host of other issues about which the city can actually DO SOMETHING. I'm all for thinking globally and acting locally. I just think the rubber has to hit the road with more than just proclamations from elected officials. A simple declaration opposing war isn't the proper role of the City Council. Concrete actions taken to reduce violence and a host of other life-negating activities here in Minneapolis would really be worth the Council's time. Steve Marchese Ward 11 / Hale _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
