2007 vs. 2003: Dueling Iraq Resolutions
The Colorado legislature is poised to debate and vote on a yet to be introduced resolution by State Senators Ron Tupa (D-Boulder) and Ken Gordon (D-Denver) calling on Congress and the President to withdraw US troops from Iraq.
In 2003, the Colorado legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 03-016, “Concerning Honoring President Bush’s Leadership in his Effort to Protect the United States Against Saddam Hussein.”
Not surprisingly, there are some differences between the '03 Resolution and the '07 draft version.
For instance:
2003 – “WHEREAS, Iraq’s dictator, Saddam Hussein, has demonstrated a willingness to use weapons of mass destruction against neighboring nations and the citizens of Iraq;”
2007 – “WHEREAS, Weapons of mass destruction were never found in Iraq;”
2003 – “WHEREAS, Saddam Hussein and his regime maintain a continuing, documented involvement with the global terrorist movement;”
2007 – “WHEREAS, The war in Iraq has made the United States economically and militarily weaker, has made the United States less safe because it has enhanced the recruitment of terrorists, and has undermined the standing of the United States within the world community;”
2003 – “The General Assembly expresses its support of President George W. Bush and his cabinet, in cooperation with the United States Congress and the United Nations, for their unwavering determination to either disarm Saddam Hussein or remove him from power…”
2007 – “WHEREAS, Polls show the vast majority of Americans do not support increasing the number of troops in Iraq;” (An odd declaration for a legislative resolution)
Which current legislators voted for the 2003 Resolution honoring President Bush’s leadership?
Well, for starters, Sen. Tupa and Sen. Gordon, as well as current Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald (D-Coal Creek Canyon) and current Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver).
Also of note: Senators Fitz-Gerald, Tupa and Gordon, along with Speaker Romanoff and current House Majority Leader Alice Madden (D-Boulder), co-sponsored House Joint Resolution 03-1041 that stated, in part, “That the General Assembly commends and supports the efforts and leadership of President George W. Bush in the conduct of military operations in Iraq.”
