Facing down the foam-lipped fury of the Saginaw News, The Saginaw City Council voted 6-1 in an even-handed resolution which stated solidarity with US troops while urging President Bush to work with the United Nations on weapons inspections. Here is the text:

WHEREAS, the Saginaw City Council cannot speak for all its residents but has been asked by hundreds of people to speak out on this momentous issue facing our nation;

NOW THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved by the City Council of the City of Saginaw that we affirm our belief in the democratic principles and process of the United States of America afforded us under the Constitution; and

FURTHER, LET IT BE RESOLVED, that we support those men and women called to serve; and

FINALLY, LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Saginaw City Council calls upon the people of the United States, President Bush, and the U.S. Congress to work firmly but cooperatively with the United Nations to complete the weapons inspections and avoid a pre-emptive war.

Adopted by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilpersons Cottrell, Coulouris, Haynes, Seals, Thurin, and Mayor Ham - 6

Nays: Councilman Browning - 1

Absent: Councilmen Coleman and Soza - 2

Check out other cities that have passed a similar resolution. You can also download the original resolution as an Acrobat PDF file (the text may be modified in the final version).