Res. No. 702 Title Resolution in support of the "World Says No to War!" Day, taking place in New York and other cities around the world, on February 15th, 2003. Body By Council Members Perkins, Barron, Comrie, DeBlasio, Jackson, Liu, Lopez, Martinez, Reed, Stewart, Vann and Quinn Whereas, On February 15th, 2003, in New York City and throughout the world, thousands of people will unite in the spirit of peace and non-violence as part of a worldwide day of opposition to war against Iraq; and Whereas, From Bangkok to San Juan to San Francisco, from Johannesburg to Rome, the people of the world will speak out in what the London Daily Mirror says may be "the largest ever mobilization against war"; and Whereas, Organized by "United for Peace & Justice", a coalition of community, religious and labor groups, the weekend of February 15th and 16th will be marked by thousands of people marching and rallying as peace speakers and performers provide inspiration, all united in the shared pursuit of a common goal - to effectively oppose the violence and brutality of war; and Whereas, As the possibility of war becomes more imminent and the prospect of sacrificing our brave young men and women becomes all too real, many concerned Americans throughout the country have called for an examination of other, more peaceful options for resolving or defusing the current conflict before it escalates to the point where irreversible damage is done; and Whereas, As the citizens of our City, nation and world unite together in the hope for a peaceful, diplomatic and non-violent end to the ongoing conflict with Iraq, the People of the City of New York recognize and affirm that being in opposition to violence and war and in favor of peace is just as patriotic a position as our fellow Americans who favor a more aggressive approach to the Iraq conflict; and Whereas, The decision to go to war, more than any other decision, has the potential for significant and irreversible ramifications and the possibility for great loss and sacrifice; as such, there are many very different views as to which course of action is most appropriate to effectively resolve the Iraq conflict; and Whereas, In our nation, where freedom of speech and diversity of viewpoint are valued and respected, peaceful protest against war, like all opposing views, can and should be freely expressed, shared and celebrated in the important and continuing dialogue about the serious possibility of our nation going to war; and Whereas, The likelihood of war holds the potential for dire consequences and risks, including, but not limited to, significant loss of life; and Whereas, The caring People of the City of New York, all of whom will, in some way, be affected by the prospect of war, applaud the efforts of those dedicated individuals who seek to peacefully communicate their message of non-violence with the global community; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports the "World Says No to War!" Day, taking place in New York and other cities around the world, on February 15th, 2003. LS# 2007 TMQ