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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0179.020 2002-2004 Hawaii Count Anti-War Resolution ~ _ ~ "1'~ Y ,1m©------ rtat~r _ _ - - Position: Recommend that the Coune~l TABLE the Anti War Kesolution. ~ . , ~ Clarification: A "Declaration of War" has not been declared against another Country by the iJ.S. Government since the end of the Second World War. Although the media have used the word "War" to create sensationalism in publicizing the Iraq conflict and the President of the U.S. have used the word War against Terrorism, the U.S. Government till today, have not declared War against any Country. It is therefore concluded that the titled Resolution before the County Council is not accurate if it is being used in reference to the conflict in Iraq. Anti War Rallies/Demonstrations: Rallies and Demonstrations against the War started during the Korean Conflict and carried over to the Viet Nam Conflict. The selective service process during both conflicts Drafted young people to serve in the military. However during the Viet Nam Conflict the participants in the demonstrations became bolder, violent and shooting deaths did occur on a campus college. There were a number of young people that took refuge in Canada to escape the Draft. Interestingly the demonstrations did not begin until the conflict began in both cases, similar to the demonstrations being conducted today. The demonstrations against the Waz became organized and conducted professionally during the Viet Nam Conflict as it is today. Slogans used by the demonstrators as "Anti War" is contradictory since there is no declared war, however another slogan used "I am for the military but against the war" is even more contradictory since military personnel aze trained to take part in all defensive/offensive measures for the security of this country. The American Military personnel involved in the Iraq conflict are all volunteers, both in the active and reserve category with no impending Draft considerations. Finance: The money to conduct the Demonstrations is from Trust Funds in the United States. The lazgest contributor for the support of these demonstrations is from Ted Turner Trust Fund while 3 other Funds from San Francisco contribute large sums of money to finance these demonstrations. Money is also contributed to a Church that supports anti Government views. Millions of Dollars are being contributed from these Funds to support these demonstrations and all of the contributors shaze similar sentiment of being anti Government. Professional agitators (paid individuals) are the most vocal in conducting these demonstrations and are usually individuals that are shown in the media, either damaging structures or inciting violence and being carried away or apprehended by law enforcement personnel. The law covering these types of demonstrations is so lenient that the very next day after the arrest, the same individual is back on the street inciting more violence. Personal Experience: As a combat veteran in both of the above conflicts and having experienced the psychological impact the demonstrators have, it must be stated that the largest impact are on those in combat. The difference between demonstrators and reality is more pronounced. The vocal demonstrators attempt to create a following of the mass to become anti government whilc the military person in combat lives in a world of reality, Comm. No. ~1 Ref. To: ~w Ref. Date APp~1 r ~,n~n~ kill or he killed. There may be some within the demonstrators who aze casualties of the Korean and Viet Nam Conflict who feel that the American Government did not treat them fairly upon their return to the United States. No "Welcome Home" parties, no recognition from all levels of government, no adequate treatment for the casualties from combat, etc. All of these do have some psychological impact on the veteran's ability to recover from the horrors of combat situations. Many are unable to speak of the horrors even today. County Council: It is requested that Council Members consider the following questions. 1. Can the Council Members TABLE this particular Anti War Resolution? 2. Did the Council vote on any Resolution to support/not support the Iraqi conflict? 3. Was there any input by County Council to the Federal Government whether America should/should not enter into the Iraqi conflict? 4. Should the relevancy of County Government be questioned if the Council should vote to support the Anti War Resolution before the Council? 5. How can Council Members vote against their existence since they do represent Government? 6. Combat Personnel affected by this Resolution are not here to voice their opinions. Did the Hawaii County Military Personnel provide inputs on this subject? 7. Are the Council Members willing to vote on a Resolution that represents the Constituents of one district only, without any input from Military Personnel who may experience psychological impact from this conflict? 8. Will County Government be able to declare "Welcome Home" to County Military Personnel who returns home safely after the conclusion of this conflict? 8. How will the County Government react if County Combatants should perish as a result of this conflict? 9. If this Resolution is passed, how will the Federal Government respond to requests for assistance from Hawaii County'? Will it be favorable or not`? 10. If this Resolution is passed, can County Government request assistance from the Federal Government without appearing to be "two faced"? John Ota 1 Nanea St. Ililo, HI 96720