As a conscientious objector to war, I believe that paying for war is a form of participation in war.
Knowing that 45 percent of my federal tax dollars underwrites warmaking and militarism presents a profound moral dilemma when I prepare my federal income tax returns each year.

As I have done in past years, I will pay the portion of my taxes that goes toward peace-oriented systems that support human life. But I will withhold $10.40 as a symbol of my refusal to participate in war and inform my representatives in Congress of my action. I will join the 1040forpeace.org movement, which supports peaceful alternatives to war by contributing to the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund (peacetaxfund.org).

Many U.S. citizens have religious scruples against financially underwriting the military. Shouldn’t their rights, based in historical beliefs that are foundational to their faith, be respected?

Harold A. Penner
Akron, Pa.