From the Town Clerk:

"On March 22, 2008, in Brattleboro Vermont, the following advisory article was adopted at Annual Town and Town School District Meeting. As required in the resolution, a copy of it is being sent to all local media outlets.


RESOLUTION – War with Iran
WHEREAS, In the lead-up to the Iraq War and Occupation, the Bush Administration and its Congressional allies used unreliable sources, exaggerated threat assessments, selective use of information, and questionable accusations as centerpieces of their case to the American people for war against Iraq: and

WHEREAS, a widening of the United States war in the Middle East would almost certainly drive all segments of Iranian society into increased hostility toward the United States, turning potential friends into enemies by sending a signal that the United States prefers violence to the peaceful resolution of disputes, and would invite retaliation against our troops in Iraq and elsewhere; and

WHEREAS, Comprehensive direct diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran would likely result in improved relations and reduced tensions between our nations; and

WHEREAS, Continued threats of violence and other aggressive actions exacerbate tensions with Iran and could obstruct efforts to cooperate with Iran over ending violence in Iraq, thereby delaying the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq; and

WHEREAS, The Iraq War has already cost the lives of almost 4,000 American soldiers, the serious maiming of over 30,000 American soldiers, and the death and maiming of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians, as well as the cost of over 400 billion dollars of American tax dollars; and embarking on yet another military campaign against a much stronger adversary could only further exacerbate international tensions, endanger the lives and livelihoods of millions of people both here and abroad, and do nothing to address the most serious problems facing the American people and humanity generally; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Representative Town Meeting Members of the town of Brattleboro call on our representatives in Congress, Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernard Sanders and Representative Peter Welch (1) to ensure that no preemptive military attack, strike or invasion by the U.S. against Iran takes place; (2) to make clear to the administration that such a preemptive attack has not been authorized by any law, resolution, court ruling or article of the Constitution; (3) to support diplomatic engagement with Iran; and (4) to maintain pressure against all escalations of war in the Middle East; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the Representative Town Meeting Members of the Town of Brattleboro directs the Town Clerk to send copies of this Resolution to the President of the United States, our Congressional representatives, our Vermont legislative representatives, and all local media outlets; and to arrange that a copy of this resolution be placed on the Brattleboro town website.

Following a brief discussion, on a voice vote, the resolution was overwhelmingly adopted.

Attest:


Annette L. Cappy
Brattleboro Town Clerk"