In a move of arrogance (I know that will be argued) that leaves me incredulous, the Bellingham City Council has once again tried nipping at the heels of the federal government, attempting to inject itself into international politics, and ended up looking like a little "yip-dog" in a kennel full of Great Danes. So, for openers, I'd like to emphasize that the gathering of men and women, meeting on the second floor at 210 Lottie Street, is the Bellingham City Council, not the U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives.

Not once, on the City Council campaign trail last year, was I asked about my views on the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, or about my stance on U.S. foreign relations with Iran, or Syria. I was not asked about a pro-Israel or anti-Israel stance as it relates to Israeli/Palestinian relations. I was not asked these things, and while I have opinions on all of them, I do not share them now. Why? Because it is irrelevant, just as this absurd resolution passed by the Bellingham City Council last evening is irrelevant, presumptuous and arrogant. It is absolute folly, and the height of arrogance to presume that the remainder of the United States of America cares in the least what the seven members of the Bellingham City Council think about U.S. foreign policy as it relates to Iran.

I call it irrelevant, while the Editorial Board at the Bellingham Herald labeled it "meaningless," a characterization objected to by Whatcom Peace and Justice Center Executive Director, Marie Marchand, who said, "Doing what is right and just is never meaningless." I quite agree, but the assumption being made by Marchand is that passing an impotent resolution at the city council level, which prescribes international policy, is the "right thing" to do, and that it somehow accomplishes "justice." It isn't, and it doesn't. It's just silly, meaningless, irrelevant, and quite honestly, embarrassing to a significant portion of the city's population.

In taking a rather defensive posture regarding council's action, council member Gene Knutson emphasized the "strength" of council's stand, saying, "There’s nothing weak about being against war. There’s nothing weak about being for peace. And there’s nothing weak about what we’re doing tonight." Again, I agree, councilman Knutson. Jesus was a man of peace, and a man of great strength. Peacemakers are blessed, and will be called sons of God.

Had councilman Knutson stopped with that, there would be joy in Mudville, but Mighty Gene struck out when he continued, saying, "For what we’re doing tonight is what democracy is all about, whether you agree with it or you don’t agree with it." No, Gene, you're wrong. This is what dictation and imposition is about. Had council wanted this to be about democracy, it would be on the November ballot, thus allowing a democratic representation of the citizen's will through voting, giving council a much broader representation of the peoples' opinion than the 18 member minority that addressed council yesterday evening. What you have done, as seven members of a city council, is decided to speak on behalf of the citizens of your city, addressing an international condition which does not even exist, regardless of the will of the citizenry. There are numerous, valid compellatives that can be attached to this action, but "democracy" is not one of them.

It remains to be seen how (or if) the resolution will be delivered. Perhaps, once again, councilman Terry Bornemann will fly to Washington D.C., so he can stand before a locked gate and not deliver the resolution to those who don't care to read it, and who have never heard of Bellingham Washington.

So, members of the council, pat each other on the back, with wide, toothy grins. Enjoy the standing ovation of those in the chamber. Go home each night, breathe a relaxing sigh and sleep well. The feel-good resolution accomplished nothing.


Read the Resolution Here

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