by Carl Davison, Michael Lynn

CHICAGO (September 15, 2005) -The Chicago City Council Wednesday passed a resolution demanding the removal of US troops from Iraq. Passing by a Council vote of 29 to 9, with 12 abstaining or not voting, the resolution urges ‘the United States government to immediately commence an orderly and rapid withdrawal’ from Iraq. In addition to the death and suffering of the war, the resolution stressed that ‘Chicago residents’ share of monies appropriated for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan now exceeds $2.1 billion.’

Chicago is now the largest U.S city to take this stand. The only other major US city to pass a similar resolution is San Francisco. The Evanston, IL City Council voted against the war yesterday, and Gary, IN did so last month.