My Expanded Statement on the Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

During the December 5th Common Council meeting, I spoke to my reasonings for voting in favor but removing my name as a sponsor from the Ceasefire Resolution. This blog post is intended to expand upon my statement from that meeting.

As I mentioned, my intention to vote in favor of this resolution has always remained consistent. What changed is that when the resolution was first introduced, I was a co-sponsor -- however last week I removed my name from the list of co-sponsors. I hope to be able to explain this decision, as admittedly did cause some confusion.

When I consider adding my name and co-sponsor a resolution or ordinance, I try my best to ensure I have as much information possible to ensure I'm making the most educated decision as possible. I'm someone who truly values actively learning -- especially prior to making decisions on the Common Council. When I initially made the decision  to co-sponsor this resolution, I felt as if I had enough information to make a that decision. However, like most other students, I ran into the classic "the more you learn the less you know" scenario very quickly. Let me be clear: I did not waver on my vote, I wavered on whether this resolution is the best policy decision. In every other vote I have taken, I've had the ability to reach out to city staff and attorneys who can provide me with presentations and other professional information which I can use to make an educated decision. As you may guess, the City does not hire any foreign policy experts, so I did not have the same reliable resources this time around.

I grew very frustrated as I questioned the implications of a ceasefire, whether it's the best policy, and numerous other questions floating around in my head. I eventually made the decision  that I will vote purely on my morals: innocent people should not be killed. 

I mourn for the thousands of people who have unnecessarily been killed, and give my condolences to those who testified at tonight's meeting who have lost families. As I mentioned in the meeting, I lost someone very close to me just two weeks ago (unrelated to the situation in Gaza), so I am in a similar emotional state of losing loved ones. 

Truthfully, I continue to remain frustrated with my inability to affect real change regarding this situation. It's been a difficult process having these conversations with students and other members of the public knowing very well that Common Council passing this resolution has little effect on foreign policy, It only makes me wish I had more sway. Regardless, I voted in favor of the ceasefire because I believe innocent people should not be killed. I recognize that it might not be the "best foreign policy", but I never had the ability to learn the best policy in the first place. In a situation such as this, I could only vote my morals and that is exactly what I did.

I hope this was somewhat informing. I believe that it's important for people in my role to be able to be transparent and explain decisions such as these, and I went on a journey to find the right answer for myself. I encourage anyone to reach out via email (district8@cityofmadison.com) if you'd like to talk further about this topic.