We expect members of our local City Council to be knowledgeable about waste water disposal, municipal revenue bonds, local infrastructure needs and other issues involved in the day-to-day business of running the city.
We don't expect them to be experts on foreign policy issues.
And for that reason, we applaud the decision by the Las Cruces City Council on Monday not to consider a resolution by a group called PeaceAware that would oppose U.S. efforts to force a regime change in Iraq.
David M. Boje, spokesman for the group, presented a petition
with 105 signatures calling for the city to oppose both a U.S.-led war with
Iraq as well as the Patriot Act of 2001, a bill that gives law enforcement
greater authority in dealing with potential terrorist threats.
The petition attempts to bring both issues home, citing the economic impact that the war would have on the Las Cruces economy, as well as the erosion of civil liberties in Las Cruces stemming from passage of the Patriot Act.
While it's true that both issues have a ripple effect that is felt here in southern New Mexico, it's also true that both are national issues, impervious to the whims of local governments.
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, and names the president as commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces. There is no role for local governments in matters of war and peace.
There have been 90 other cities and counties, including Santa Fe, that have passed similarly worded resolutions opposing war and the Patriot Act. Recently, the Los Angeles City Council adopted a resolution opposing a unilateral war on Iraq.
But such resolutions are little more than grandstanding. They carry no weight and offer no real insight into the debate.
Interim Mayor Steve Trowbridge called the proposed resolution "divisive." We agree.
Any resolution passed by the City Council may represent the views of the majority of that seven-member board. But it would be impossible for the city to pass a resolution that accurately captures the beliefs and values of all Las Crucens.
Those protesting against a possible war with Iraq will continue to hold peace vigils each Wednesday in front of the federal building downtown, and in other locations on Saturdays. We support their right to protest. But when it comes time to petition government, we suggest they direct their efforts toward our U.S. senators and representatives, who unlike the local City Council, are in a position to make a difference.
See original version in Sun-News archive.