Referendum on Iraq policy would be real exercise in democracy

The Journal Sentinel editorializes Sunday against allowing the citizens of Milwaukee to express their opinion on the war in Iraq.

The newspaper calls on the Common Council to defeat a resolution that would put an advisory referendum on the spring ballot.

Why? From the editorial:

"Shall the U.S. end the occupation of Iraq and immediately begin withdrawing troops from Iraq?" That's the resolution proposed for the ballot.

It should be rejected because it proposes a draconian solution to a problem that requires a more nuanced remedy and because 2006 is a year in which more effective means will be available for voters to make their wishes known. Also, the Common Council simply has too much on its plate by way of real problems at home to divert any energy on a resolution that is only advisory anyway.

This Editorial Board has also urged a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. But, like Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold, we've suggested a flexible timetable, perhaps beginning the withdrawal at the end of 2006. The problem is with the word "immediate.". . .

Hey, here's an idea: The Common Council can amend the resolution to ask any question it wants. How about taking out the word "immediate?" or making some other changes?

What makes the newspaper think it has a monopoly on offering opinions on the issue? I don't recall electing that editorial board or voting on its plan for a flexible timetable, do you?

Also, while a ballot measure - if it passes - may be satisfying to those opposing the war from the get-go, it is not as effective a tool as other options. Next year, all Wisconsin members of the U.S. House will stand for election or re-election. Rather than a piecemeal message from parts of Wisconsin, holding these representatives accountable statewide for their votes and views on the war will be the most effective means of sending that intended message. . .

As the Journal Sentinel well knows, seven incumbent members of Congress are locks to win reelection, because their districts are not competitive. The only one in doubt in 2006 is the 8th, in the Green Bay area, where there is an open seat because Rep. Mark Green is giving up his seat to run for governor. So those House races are not exactly a bellwether for voters' opinions on Iraq.

But the most important reason for the council to reject the measure is that there are huge problems in Milwaukee having to do with poverty, jobs, budget and services that require undivided attention. Surely, these are enough to keep aldermen busy.

It wouldn't take 15 minutes' of aldermen's time to put this on the ballot. That is simply a bogus argument.

While the right-wing leadership in the legislature moves to put gay marriage, photo ID for voters, limits on government spending, and a host of other items on the ballot, why should a proposal to let the people vote on a life-and-death issue be out of line?

The referendum could engender some real debate in the city about what our policy should be in Iraq. It is true that the decision will ultimately be made in DC, as the newspaper says. But Congress would make a much more informed decision if it listened to the grassroots. In New England they have town meetings every year, where citizens sound off and pass resolutions about anything under the sun. It is democracy in action at the grassroots. That's exactly what a referendum, in Milwaukee and other cities across the country, would accomplish.

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More than 100 US cities have passed resolutions calling for an end to the war. One of the more recent was Sacramento, Calif. on an 8-1 vote of its City Council, which said, in part:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Sacramento, on behalf of the citizens of Sacramento, urges President Bush and the United States Congress to commence a humane, orderly, rapid and comprehensive withdrawal of United States military personnel and bases from Iraq; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Sacramento calls on President Bush and the Congress of the United States to provide promised veterans’ health, education, disability, and rehabilitation benefits, and otherwise meet the needs of returning veterans.

What could possibly be wrong with letting the people of Milwaukee speak their minds?

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Columnist Patrick McIlheran wrote about the referendum, too, and Folkbum (Jay Bullock) does a job on him.