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March 31, 1997  (14:42)

April 15th of each year has come to symbolize the Federal government's requirement that all those who earn a living above a certain level of income provide contributions toward the numerous services provided by the Federal government. I am thankful for many of these service and would gladly lend my support to those services which are life-affirming and sustaining. I am eager to help support the social ingrastructure which provides education, health, social, and other life enhancing services.

April 15th is also a time of great sadness and frustration for me. I observe that the Federal government, primarily through its military forces, uses means other than compassion and non-violence in its relations with individuals, communities, and nations. I am saddened when I see the children of God use violence, fear, and intimidation, which are tragic expressions of unmet needs.

My frustration comes when I am denied an opportunity to redirect the military portion of my Federal income tax dollar to fund only the life enhancing services of the Federal government, or to fund training in alternatives to violence and to teach skills in non-violent communications. As one who seeks to be a disciple of Jesus' gospel of compassion and non-violence, I need to know that in all aspects of my life I am acknowledging the tender mercies of our heavenly Parent. I, therfore, personally object in conscience to required military service, be it bodily or monetarily (which is the fruit of our labor). I am aware that there are those of God's children who submit to such service, but I can not see that their example is a sufficient reason for me to do so, nor do I judge their choices.

When I claim an unwillingness to support the military because it lacks the strength and commitment to use, or learn how to use, only non-violent, peaceful means, I am told that there is no provision for my objection in conscience to Military Conscription Through Taxation. Instead, I am told that I face painful consequences for my civil resistance. Unless I cooperate with the collection of that military tax, the Federal government may seize and sell my personal, real estate, and business property, garnish my salary, levy against my bank accounts and retiremnet accounts, even subject me to imprisonment.

My request is for provision, such as through the Peace Tax Fund Bill which is introduced to each session of Congress, for the peaceful, life-sustaining alternative service of the military portion of my Federal income tax dollar.

Until then, I take action, as Gandhi taught, to make visible the injustice of this law so that people of good will are gently moved to change the law. I resist. I protest. I commit and promote peaceful, non-violent, non-cooperation with Military Conscription Through Taxation.

Dan R. Lundquist

(Dan lundquist is a personal computer consultant, a member of Minneapolis Friends Meeting (Quaker), and a recent member of the Board of Directors for Friends for a Non-Violent World. E-mail may be sent to Dan at dan_lundquist@compuserve.com. Dan's Web address is: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dan_lundquist.)