pages: CityCouncil/2006-02-21.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2006-02-21 | 9 | Councils such as Berkeley, San Francisco, and Santa Monica; Alameda is a middle-of-the-road City; words need to be chosen wisely and carefully; the resolution goes beyond withdrawing the California National Guard from Iraq but also references certain politicos distain for President Bush and contributes to the vitriol between the far left and far right; politics should not drive how Alameda engages in discussions; the Council must serve all of Alameda and not just those most angered by President Bush; the Council should express appreciation for the armed services' work, sacrifices, and commitment and pray for a safe and speedy return; everyone believes that having the troops back sooner and safer is best for all; Alameda has an opportunity to contribute in a way that is stripped of the far left and far right rhetoric. Vice Mayor Gilmore thanked everyone for having a calm discussion on a very difficult issue; stated some people will be dissatisfied regardless of tonight's outcome; she would not like to have tonight's discussion construed as not supporting the troops in Iraq; the troops deserve support and thanks; the troops are paying the ultimate price for the country's ideals; concurred with Mayor Johnson regarding there not being a consensus within the community on the resolution; she has been persuaded by the eloquent speakers who spoke of how the City would need the National Guard, Coast Guard and reservists in case of an earthquake, natural disaster, or terrorist attack; the City Council has a responsibility to plan for disasters and ensure that everything is done to protect the citizens; she does not believe that the Council needs a consensus from the community to support a resolution to call the California National Guard home; she has a difficult time with the concept of the City Council passing a resolution calling for withdrawal of all troops from Iraq; she does not believe there is a consensus from the community to speak on the issue; she is trying to keep her personal opinion separate from her responsibility as an elected Councilmember; she is trying to represent all of Alameda, not just a portion. Councilmember deHaan apologized for having to leave the last Council Meeting due to a pinched nerve; stated many people were not proud of how long the Vietnam War lasted and how the veterans were treated upon return; a disproportionate majority of the veterans are being served by homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other aids; he did not think that he would be discussing Vietnam War issues when he ran for office nothing is going to change the innocence lost from 911; the war in Iraq is troublesome; Katrina is a good example of not being prepared; he vowed that he did not want to get into a national level discussion when he ran for office; future money will not be available for the Base but is not the reason that the Base has not been conveyed; stated he will not Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 February 21, 2006 | CityCouncil/2006-02-21.pdf |