Res. No. 972

Resolution calling upon Pat Buchanan to retract recent comments he made regarding World War II.

By Council Members Gennaro, Weprin, Nelson, Fidler, Brewer, Gerson and Koppell

Whereas, World War II was a global conflict that involved a majority of the world’s nations and every inhabited continent; and

Whereas, During the height of World War II, the United States and its allied forces battled against the Axis forces led by Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan and Fascist Italy; and

Whereas, World War II was the most extensive and expensive war in the history of the world; and

Whereas, It is estimated that approximately 57 million people died as a result of World War II, including civilians and people who died due to acts of genocide such as the Holocaust; and

Whereas, According to the American Battle Monuments Commission, an estimated 405,399 Americans lost their lives during World War II, including 78,976 Americans who were listed as Missing in Action; and

Whereas, The Allied victory in World War II in 1945 put an end to the aggression and atrocities caused by the Axis forces in Europe, Asia and many other parts of the world; and

Whereas, Recently, Pat Buchanan, a political commentator and former presidential candidate who served as President Ronald Reagan’s White House Communications Director from 1985 to 1987, made comments on a morning radio show and wrote a commentary questioning whether the Allied Forces’ attempt to stop the Axis aggression was worth the effort and whether the goal of the Allied Forces to liberate Europe was actually attained; and

Whereas, In the commentary appearing in the WorldNetDaily entitled, “Was World War II Worth It?” Pat Buchanan stated, “If the objective of the West was the destruction of Nazi Germany, it was a ‘smashing’ success. But why destroy Hitler? If to liberate Germans, it was not worth it. After all, the Germans voted Hitler in;” and

Whereas, Pat Buchanan’s comments failed to mention or take into account the atrocities that were committed by Nazi Germany against the Jews, Poles, Roma, political prisoners, prisoners of war, homosexuals, mentally and physically challenged people and other victims of ethnic, racial and political hatred during World War II; and

Whereas, Pat Buchanan’s comments questioning whether World War II was “worth it” also insult the American Veterans who fought during World War II and insinuates that their efforts and sacrifice were futile; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon Pat Buchanan to retract recent comments he made regarding World War II.

RA

LS#2977

5/19/2005

h:word/resolutions/gennaro/ls#2977