1. Date proposed 01/20/2009:
Name of the sponsors: Claire Ryder, state co-chair, Tom Kelly
2. Title:
Colorado Green Party Statement on Gaza
3.Text of Proposal:
The Green Party of Colorado condemns the criminal attack by the state of Israel. By consensus of the GPOC council, we condemn the criminal attack by the state of Israel on the trapped, nearly helpless population of Gaza. We call for a complete withdrawal of invading troops, end of the bombardment, and lifting of the siege that has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
We also call on the United States government to end its complicity in Israeli crimes against humanity by cutting off its $4 billion per year of financial aid and flow of advanced armaments to the Israeli military.
The best way to end the atrocities would be for US taxpayers to stop paying for them, with aid and supplying weapons. We join with the Green Party of the US in calling for a boycott against Israel and campaign of divestment against US companies doing business there. We condemn the blockade of the United Nations aid and the bombardment of UN schools and hospitals.
On this historic Inauguration day we upon President Barrack Obama and his new cabinet to reexamine the United States policy towards the Israel-Palestinian issue.
4.Background:
Israel receives over $4 billion in aid and weapons from the United States. Israel continues to occupy the West Bank and Gaza. During the recent weeks, Israel has bombarded Gaza and killed over 1000
Palestinians, wounding thousands or others, destroying homes, schools, mosques and hospitals. There is a GPUS policy on Israel Palestine. Other groups, any other state Green Parties have already released statements on this issue. Many Colorado Greens have been active in this issue. ManyColorado Greens have attended forums, protests, rallies and presentations around this subject.
5.Justification/Goals:
To express solidarity. To try to promote change in the current US policy on Israel-Palestine. To express our beliefs in supporting human rights.
6.Pros:
By endorsing this statement the GPOC will show solidarity with the Palestinians and show our outrage at the human rights violations that continue to occur. This is also in line with the policy of the GPUS and other allied groups of the GPOC and GPUS.
7.Cons:
This is a sensitive issue and not Colorado Greens may agree with this policy.
