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Araiza, Fatima <br />From: Victor D Mendez < <br />Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2023 4:14 PM <br />To: Amezcua, Valerie; Hernandez, Johnathan; Vazquez, Benjamin; Bacerra, Phil; Penaloza, <br />David; Phan, Thai; Lopez, Jessie; eComment <br />Subject: No on Resolution on Gaza Conflict - Item #19 - Meeting Date 12/5/23 <br />I respectfully request that the Council Vote No on furthering discussion on the reference <br />Item # 19. <br />My position is based on the premise that after a conscientious and confusing recall <br />election, the debate to put non -citizen voting on the ballot, and most recently, the effort <br />to relocate the Mental Health Association, the citizens of Santa Ana could use a political <br />respite. <br />I wish to state that the sponsoring Councilmembers have every right to voice their <br />positions on affairs of the world and in some cases much good can come about by <br />raising awareness of larger issues within the Chamber. <br />I recall how, over 40 years ago, the effort to end Apartheid in South Africa came from <br />local government procurement and state investment policies, among other efforts. <br />At this time, there is progress toward peace in Gaza. We have a President, Secretary of <br />State, and both houses of our Congress working on this 24x7. <br />This can change, but our Federal government, where responsibility rests within the US <br />for this conflict, is not indifferent. <br />I am not sure what the City resolution can truly accomplish as its goal is not clear: <br />however, it could further exacerbate the citizens who are looking for some level of <br />normal functioning in the workings of Santa Ana City government. <br />If one wishes to condemn the violence and the conflict, there are numerous venues, <br />beyond the Council chamber, to do this. The First Amendment applies to all without <br />qualification or reservation. <br />As someone who marched against the injustices, inequities, violence, and corruption of <br />the VietNam war over 50 years ago, I will not deny what I did in the past to others who <br />wish to follow their values and ideals here in the present. <br />This would be something I am always against - hypocrisy. <br />Additionally, if one is truly interested in ending violence, we can begin with our own <br />neighborhoods where violence with a regularity that is not acceptable. <br />1 <br />