LET No more funding war through tax

" ... We did not authorize the administration to wage war anytime, anywhere, anyhow it pleases ... Yet we are on the threshold of a permanent war economy." -- from Rep. Dennis Kucinich's Feb. 17 "Prayer for America" speech.

But President Bush's speeches are filled with threats of retaliation and aggression toward an ever-expanding group of "enemy" countries. I believe there has to be something better than ruling through fear.

For many years the Quakers and others believing in non-violence have been asking Congress to establish a "peace tax fund." This fund would allow people to pay their full tax obligation without supporting military activity. Thou shalt not kill is, to me, a law that is higher than that of any of today's national leaders.

I choose God. I have already paid my first quarter (estimated tax). But, unless there is an alternate fund available to me, I shall give my future contributions to a helping cause.

I risk my possessions, and even my pension can be tapped for the unpaid taxes and penalty. But the signers of the Declaration of Independence risked everything to stand up to unjust controllers. It's the least I can do on July 4, when I declare my independence from the organized killing being done by the American military machine. The envelopes I send in for tax contributions will contain a note reaffirming my position, but no money.

Barbara; Upton

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