It has been heartwarming to read the comments left by some of those who have signed the pledge so far:
After my son’s second deployment when he related to me the horrors of the
occupation in Iraq, I vowed I would do whatever it took to end it.
As we urge our lawmakers to stop funding the war, we have to be willing to do the same.
It is time we stop funding with our tax dollars.
Tina Richards, founder, Grassroots America
The world and history will judge us by how vigorously we resist the
illegal and immoral war tactics of the Bush Administration.
My husband, friends and I have decided we can’t pay for war anymore.
Jodie Evans, Cofounder, Code Pink
I won’t pay my taxes if you won’t pay yours.
Nina Rothschild Utne,
Utne Reader
We should stop the war, whatever it takes.
If withholding our income taxes
is a way to do it, I am all for that.
Lee Newman, Retired Captain.
U.S. Air Corp, World War Ⅱ
We must stop supporting policies that use our tax dollars to bring
violence around the world.
Not one cent more.
Maricela Guzman, Iraq War Veteran U.S. Navy,
I am one of the majority of Americans who want the war to end and
will be happy to pay my taxes when democracy and the rule of law and the Constitution is restored to our once great nation.
Steve Savitch, Tuscon, Arizona
I increased my deductions to 10 .
I
am so glad for this movement to show me what to do next and for the safety in numbers.
I will no longer help kill people.
andee Scott, Pacific Grove, California
We must renew the American Revolutionary Spirit.
We must have a Velvet
Revolution to save America.
Theadora de Soyza, New Rochelle, New York
If our leaders won’t stop this travesty, then We, the People
must
anonymous, Oregon, Wisconsin
Stop feeding the bush war machine… if he thinks the war is so damn
important why aren’t his daughters on the front lines?
Gina Arcuri, Barneveld, New York
Time to act for justice and do the right thing.
I refuse to pay a war
tax!
Herb Gonzales, Jr., San Antonio, Texas
We must have the courage to take a stand.
If enough of us will take this
stand, I believe this government will listen.
Leo Anderson, Austin, Texas
I will not pay my taxes to support the war in Iraq.
Renata Ahmed,
Brooklyn, New York
As a matter of conscience I will not voluntarily pay my hard earned money
to a government whose daily order of business is waging war.
Michael Zargarov, Houston, Texas
When government is out-of-control, citizens must exert
control.
Den Mark Wichar, Vancouver, Washington
I refused to pay for an illegal war.
It is unconscionable and disgusting
that U.S. Congress continues to fund President Bush’s war-crimes.
anonymous, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
I am so impressed and proud of your actions.
Blessed be.
Vicki
Noble, Freedom, California
I may not have much to withhold, but it’s all worth it!
It’s time to stop
this crap…
Daniel Bryan, Granc Blanc, Michigan
Hell nay, I won’t pay!
Avi Peterson, San Francisco, California
United we stand; divided we fall.
Kristine Abney, Salt Spring
Island, British Columbia
Taxation without representation.
Let’s fight this together and start
restoring democracy.
Shawn DeFrance, Dallas, Texas
Throw the tea into the harbor.
70% of the American people oppose this war.
That constitutes taxation without representation.
It is time to throw the tea into the harbor.
Coincidentally, that is exactly what I have been saying.
Let’s have a tea party.
Bobi Meola, Berkeley, California
We are retired and don’t pay any tax.
I fully support your courageous
efforts to end this bloody occupation.
Chris Caldwell, Anaheim, California
Yes and though dangerous, I pledge to join in not paying the 7%
taxes!
Nat Vance, Muskogee, Oklahoma
I will not pay my taxes if we bomb Iraq.
I will not pay my taxes if we
bomb Afghanistan.
I will not pay my taxes if we bomb Nicaragua.
I will not pay my taxes if we bomb Vietnam.
I will not pay my taxes if we bomb Laos.
I will not pay my taxes if we bomb Cambodia.
Therefore, I don’t pay my taxes.
Dani Visalli, Winthrop, Washington
Spend my tax dollars on the good of the nation, not
war.
Jennifer Chacon, Portland, Oregon
Together we can bleed the war machine dry by using this non-violent civil
disobedience.
anonymous, Modesto, California
Already had planned to put all of my taxes for
in escrow.
Refusing to pay 7% is a good start, but is it really impacting enough?
As Michael Venturi suggests, they will only borrow from the resources for our poor to kill their poor.
The war will continue, and the 7% will be stolen from the ‘lock-box.’
Alan Scouten, Charlottesville, Virginia
Thank you for organizing this.… It is time to act.
CodePink consistently
does excellent work.
anonymous, Olympia, Washington
‘A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military
defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.’
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Thomas Fatone, Brooklyn, New York
Bravo.
I have been advocating for just this to happen for several
years.
Duncan Dow, South San Francisco, California
Cherish the people, defund the military machine.
Doug Mackenzie,
Los Gatos, California
This is a great idea.
Next a national strike!
Claire Chang, Gill,
Massachusetts
I already signed onto NWTRCC’s War Tax Boycott, refused to file for and have quit my full-time job to live below the taxable
threshold.
If Congress won’t defund the war, the last bulwark of democracy, The People, must.
NTodd Pritsky, Cambridge, Vermont
This is a bandwagon that most Republicans should hop onto since they abhor
paying taxes.
Alert everyone you know about this cause there is larger safety in larger numbers.
Laura Martin, Clarkson, Georgia
Let’s protest with our dollars this time.
Maria Kanaan, Chicago,
Illinois
Thank you all!
If Congress wimps out by giving Bush more $$, than we must
not provide it.
Enough!
I refuse to pay for murder.
Friend Burton, St.
Louis, Missouri
Time to defund the war.
Larry Harper, Sebastopol, California
I consider myself in good company — like all the ‘traitors’ who fought off
British control and taxation without representation, who wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Friend Johnson, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Let’s put our money where our mouths are — since Congress doesn’t have the
courage to stop funding war — the people will.
Susan Eleuterio, Highland, Indiana
Things have to change with this disastrous war and administration, and
women will be the ones to do it.
Joni Goodale, Orlando, Florida
In a governmental system based on money and corporate profits, the most
effective form of protest comes from withholding payment of taxes.
Daniel Woodham, Greensboro, North Carolina
Thank You!
It is about time… I am so ready to join those who are ready to
live their convictions.
Tighe Barry, Santa Monica, California
With 50% of the federal budget being used for military purposes, I cannot
in good conscience pay for war while praying for peace.
Lincoln Rice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I will refuse to pay taxes for war even if fewer than 100,000 people
pledge because I cannot in conscience pay for these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Peter Smith, South Bend, Indiana
It’s about time citizens used their green to bring peace.
Heli
Taylor, Los Angeles, California
Not one more dollar!
Deidra Lynch, Orlando, Florida
And this is just from those who have signed up by the beginning of !
Here are a few more Don’t Buy Bush’s War tax resisters who have signed the pledge :
Great mission. Time for change is here!
Pat Walker, Cleveland, Ohio
As a former infantryman who served two tours in Iraq, it’s time we start taking more drastic measures to get this Administration to listen to the people.
Robert Huddleston, San Francisco, California
Way to go! No more taxes for Bush’s bullying behavior.
Sharon Parshall, Fall City, Washington
As a veteran of the Iraq war I can’t think of a better way of getting this Administration to listen to the people.
Linsay Roussou Burnett, Marshall, Virginia
I will definitely do this! We must stop the fear-mongering. What kind of a life are we living if we live in fear?
Tanya Boone-Alva, Cotati, California
I commend the war resistance actions that have been undertaken leading up to this momentous step; and I commend the sobriety with which you are leading this very needed campaign.
Marcus Mosbacker, Brownsville, Texas
I have already been withholding .
Linda York, Seattle, Washington
Withhold all of your taxes! A token amount is good, but they will still use what amount you DO pay to help pay for war. The punishment will not significantly vary if you withhold $300 instead of $50 or $100. Thank you to everyone for participating in this protest! They can’t bomb anyone if we won’t give them the money to do so.
anonymous, Seattle, Washington
I’ll pay any amount of my income for education, healthcare, socially useful infrastructure, environmental protection and human welfare, but not a penny more for your illegal wars.
Already resisting for two years! We must end torture, we must end wars of aggression.
Greg Junell, San Luis Obispo, California
As a disabled combat veteran I know that killing people is not the way to solve problems. If you politicians want war than it should be you politicians out there fighting and dying, not our young people.
Kim Maynard, Eugene, Oregon
Thank you for providing a legal structure to put the People’s values into actions. This will empower the public who at the moment feel powerless in the face of the present government.
Ameeta Nanji, Venice, California
Swords into plowshares. No more money for war.… We the People… it’s time to stand up.
Eileen Kreutz, Industry, Maine
…All your taxes go to destruction and power games! Don’t be a slave!
James Limbach, San Francisco, California
I haven’t filed taxes . It’s scary but I thing it’s a human right to not pay for mass murder and torture and illegal wars based on lies. Sometimes I feel bad about not contributing to the good of the commonwealth but when a good man commits murder this must be addressed. I could not stand being an accomplice to murder. I have paid taxes through all of the dirty wars we have funded for . I can’t do it any more. The Democrats are playing good cop bad cop with us saying in effect we feel your pain but we vote for torture, illegal wire tapping and war.
Scot Macinnis, Longmont, Colorado
Have any of you looked at a map of all our military bases lately?… They’re springing up like mushrooms after a rain and surrounding the oil rich nations like vultures. No matter how Bush and Cheney want to package it, we have no right to their resources. And we have no right pushing our way of life on them! My god, who are the extremists? Even after we realized we went to war on false pretenses, we’re still there and the bush admin. keeps pushing for more war, except against the perpetrator of 911. Why hasn’t this president been impeached?
Susan Peuler, Sandwich, Illinois
We had our chance to actually make a difference over there, but we showed our real intentions by only protecting the oil.
Julio Sandoval, Chicago, Illinois
I support the troops, but not their deaths and the deaths of the innocent.
Becky Van Meter, Houston, Texas
I am sick and tired of the death and destruction the U.S. has inflicted on other nations and its own people (including New Orleans).
Rayeanne King, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
We the people…
Khris Beliveau, Latham, New York
I do not give my consent to wage wars of aggression and it is immoral to compel me to pay for the murder of innocents.
Ruth Kastner, Greenbelt, Maryland
Because I am a proud American, I choose to use my Democratic right to voice my opposition to the killing of innocents, the right ot disagree with the government leaders and to do everything I can to create a planet that my children, grandchildren and all human beings can coexist on together peacefully.
Valerie Burkman, Menahga, Minnesota
Bush & Cheney should be impeached now. No more taxes until this war ends.
Linda Fecher, West Carrollton, Ohio
I am no longer willing to support a tax that pays for continued war in Iraq or Iran.
Saren Nelson, Corvalis, Oregon
This is not an easy comfortable choice, but it is one that we must make. Civil disobedience is a powerful measure. It is our charge in a democracy.
Celia Alario, Moab, Utah
The invasion and occupation of Iraq beginning in was a violation of international law and carried out through lies and deciet by the administration of G.W. Bush, Dick Cheney, et al. I will no longer fund this crime against humanity with my taxes.
Joseph Janssen, Scandinavia, Wisconsin
As a military family member, I am disgusted by the lack action by Congress to hold the Bush Administration accountable for the never-ending list of illegal, immoral and unethical actions they have taken that border on terroristic acts against our nation and our Constitution. Enough is enough. We need our leader to put the politics on the shelf and begin putting their sworn oath in action by defending our constitution and our democracy. If they cannot find the backbone to do that much, then no money, no government!
Beatice Kay Jones, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Cruise missiles or… I don’t know, health care. There’s so many things I’d rather see my tax money go to.
Laban Pheidas, Los Angeles, California
I’m sick of paying taxes that fund War. There is no freedom involved in this war. There is no liberation. This war and all wars past have been all about greed and the rich getting richer.…
I feel certain fear. / The price I must pay / For a conscience clear / And for peace, I pray
Michelle Shocked, Los Angeles, California
What can we do now but knock it up a notch? I’m with Code Pink on this one.
Jill Sobule, singer/song writer
I have been a war tax resister for 24 years. For the last several years, I have not owed any tax money. When I realized that , I would be paying for the war in Iraq, I withheld the approximate eight percent of my tax dollars that would fund the Iraqi war and sent those funds to Code Pink, which has worked tirelessly to stop this extremely immoral war. I know that it is only a small step on my part, but it is one step that I felt I must take. It would be great if all of us who oppose this war would take that step; the impact would be enormous. Perhaps someday people will understand that there is no reason to fear the IRS, we have the power, and they do not. And without our money, our government would have a hard time fighting wars.
Wendy Emrich, Philanthropist and mother
[T]he Bush Administration has done a very good job of convincing us that nothing we do will make difference. Doing nothing contributes to the supporting the war. The one act we can take is to withhold a portion of our taxes. Yes, it is a risk, but if we are not willing to take a risk, then we are part of the problem.… We need hundreds of thousands of tax payers to join us. That goal will be achieved one tax payer at a time. If we want to bring an end to the war, we have act. We invite all tax payers to become part of the solution by joining the war tax resistance movement.
Jim Allen, Sociology Professor, St. Louis University
Congress and the American people would rather send our diminished tax dollars to Iraq than make the hard decisions we must make as human beings who are collectively still waging a brutal war in Iraq. All that is asked of us is that we pay taxes to fund whatever our government can come up with next. All that is asked of you now when it comes to this war — is that you do not! Our soldiers do not want our tax dollars or theirs spent on keeping them in Iraq. They want to come home and have health care and support to heal from a war that will affect them and their families for the next three generations. There will be no tax dollars for them here, as long as we keep sending more over there.
Patricia Foulkrod, documentary filmmaker
I will not be paying any taxes until our government starts to develop nonviolent solutions for international problems.
Joy Ellison, Vancouver, Washington
In the tradition of the patriots that founded this country, we must speak out against tyranny!
Suzanne Wheatley, Silver Spring, Maryland
I do not support the Iraq war nor will I support a war with Iran!
Karen Gray, Plainfield, Indiana
I do not want my taxes used to support illegal wars.
Nancy Gilbertson, Moravia, New York
About damn time someone had such a good idea.
Bert McKinley, Chamblee, Georgia
Our Government has taken the country into illegal wars based on lies, and does not act in our best interest. Tax resistance seems to be needed to move our country and the world in a better direction.
Marion Ward, Vancouver, Washington
Why wait?! I’m already redirecting my taxes from the IRS/Pentagon axis to peaceful groups.
Ed Hedemann, Brooklyn, New York
Get up — stand up! Non-violent civil resistance is essential.
Kyle Finch, Topanga, California
This I believe important: don’t pay for what you believe is evil.
Meg Palley, Nevada City, California
Whatever it takes to make a difference for my children and their children and their children’s children’s children.
“Gramma of 4,” Long Beach, California
Not only does our humanity demand that we put an end to war, the challenges of Global Climate Change and Peak Oil make it mandatory that we shift our priorities now.
Elizabeth Morrison, Los Angeles, California
I cannot live with the hypocrisy of protesting against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while, simultaneously, paying to fund these wars with federal income taxes. I must obey my conscience. It is the right and reasonable thing to do.
Louise Legun, Allentown, Pennsylvania
I have been a war tax resister , and have been through numerous struggles with the IRS to resist paying taxes for war. I have refused to pay taxes and the IRS has eventually collected from me by taking the money from my bank accounts, and each year I still refuse to pay them. I would urge anyone who opposes the war in Iraq to refuse to pay some or all of your federal income tax, and send a letter to the IRS with your 1040 forms stating why you are refusing to pay. It may seem risky or frightening but I urge you not to be intimidated by the IRS, they will not throw you in jail or take your house; if you don’t pay they will send you letters demanding payment, and eventually will take money out of your bank accounts (if you have anything in your accounts). The worst that will happen is that they will take the money you owe them and add on some extra fees for penalties. I strongly support Code Pink’s tax boycott campaign.
Kathy Labriola, Berkeley, California
No longer can I hold hands with such villainy.
Matt Dinsmore, Asheville, North Carolina
Thank you for the impetus and support in this campaign to resist paying for the wars. Perhaps a rebuild Iraq fund can be started for our diverted tax money.
Kaye Werner, Bellingham, Washington
Yes, let’s cut off the fuel lines to this war machine!
Brian Ciesko, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cannot wait to see what tax season brings!
Kelly Dolcini, Sacramento, California
I am already a war tax resister, . I highly urge folks to withhold all of their taxes until we elect leaders who, to put it simply, put people before profits…
Nancy Jakubiak, Clarksville, Indiana
I’m not paying whether or not anyone else doesn’t.
Rebecca Cummings, Vernalis, California
I refused to pay Federal 1040 additional taxes in . I currently owe over $4,000, and am making small monthly payments. I sent letters to the IRS and my respresentatives stating my position. I also sent those letters to the National War Tax Resistors Coordinating Committee, for publication on their website. I am looking for a few other courageous souls to join me. Thanks for making this commitment.
John Phillips, Lake Forest, California
I’ve marched and written copious letters to my reps, to no avail. Sign me up so I can help end our illegal Iraq occupation.
Laila Selk, La Honda, California
As a military family member, I will not spend one more dime on this illegal, immoral occupation that is breaking the military and its families.
Stacy Bannerman, Fife, Washington
This government is criminal and it is illegal to support it financially!
anonymous, Boston, Massachusetts
I’ll send this to as many people as I can — we must act collectively to end the illegal occupation!
Diane Haugesag, Minneapolis, Minnesota
It is time to put our money where our mouth is.
Joseph Durocher, Orlando, Florida
Code Pink sent this out to their mailing list this morning:
“It is not enough to say we must not wage war.
It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, we want to celebrate his legacy not just with words, but with action.
We ask you to join us in taking one of the strongest stands you can against war: refusing to fund it with your money.
Former Secretary of State Alexander Haig once said “Let them march all they want, as long as they pay their taxes.”
Well, we have marched, we have vigiled, we have sent letters and phone calls and faxes, but Congress continues to fund Bush’s war.
In the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. and as part of the American tradition of non-violent civil disobedience that goes back to Henry David Thoreau, now is the time for us to take the matter of war funding into our own hands and stage a tax revolt.
In our flash video at the end of his anti-war speech MLK says; “Take a Stand, Tomorrow may be to late.”
Each year we have taken a stand, and it is a very personal one, but one we can do together.
Our Don’t Buy Bush’s War campaign calls people of conscience to take a stand against the war in Iraq or the threat of war in Iran by signing a pledge that when joined by 100,000 other signatories, they will refuse to pay their taxes until the US gets out of Iraq (a fully operational plan begun).
Our campaign offers safety in numbers and a firm stand against the Administration’s funding of the war.
We know you’ll have many questions about the campaign, and perhaps some fears.
Please go to www.dontbuybushswar.org to sign our pledge, learn about other ways to support the campaign, and find answers to your concerns.
Be assured that CODEPINK will continue to work to end to this war, to restore our Constitution, to close Guantanamo, and to redirect our nation’s resources towards the needs of its people.
Thank you for standing with us in Dr. King’s memory.
Six hours later, over a hundred new people have made the pledge, and they’re still coming in fast.
Here are what some of the signers have written:
As the Bush administration responds only to threats of defunding, this is my line in the sand.
Steven Humes, Durham, North Carolina
As an educator, I believe that we have a responsibility to invest in our next generation here at home, rather than in military dominance of sovereign nations halfway around the world. I will put the amount I withhold directly into our educational system.
Suzanne Knoll, Goleta, California
I love a good Tea Party!
Kimberly Wyke, Camden, Maine
I will no longer pay for what I do not want. I will no longer act as an American who is for war. I am a human being on this planet who respects other human beings and my actions will follow in line with my words. My tax dollars will be used for the cause of good not evil.
Sarah Ealey, Kentfield, California
A government that does not listen to us should not be funded by us.
Tara Mulqueen, Brooklyn, New York
Don’t feed the hand that bites you.
Paul Eagle, Belfast, Maine
There is strength in numbers but even if this becomes a solitary endeavor, I’ll know I tried.
Mary Jane McElrath, Miami, Florida
Don’t wait for the group to do it. Start (or refine) your practice of mindful consumption by refusing to consume war, and redirect your money now.
Lee Gough, Brooklyn, New York
When the American people stop paying for war, wars will cease. Lets set a good example for Congress on how to stop a war!
David Hartsough, San Francisco, California
The war in Iraq costs $6,000.00/second. That figure doesn’t take into account all the other police actions ‘our’ government forces on ‘sovereign’ nations around the world. How can anyone of conscience support that?
Matthew Schmidt, Barnesville, Ohio
War can not continue without our taxes. Pure and simple.
Lakshmi Kerner, Oakland, California
I get angry every time I think of my tax dollars going toward anything this current regime endorses!
Diane Birmingham, Fort Collins, Colorado
I have not paid the percentage of taxes that go to war voluntarily for over 20 years. I will continue to protest war in this way. The government eventually comes and gets the money, but my conscience is clear that I haven’t willingly paid for people to die.
Mike Ellison, Vancouver, Washington
This is a beautiful thing!
Christopher Constantin, Three Rivers, California
I started resisting . This is the only real way we the people can change the coarse in our foreign policy.
Nicholas Collins, Phoenix, Arizona
Let’s stop funding the war and fund peace instead! Imagine a world where we fund peace, not war.
anonymous, Venice, California
I am encouraging all my friends to join in the modern day tea party
Bridget Miller, Centreville, Maryland
I worry about tax gestapo at the door, but we have to do something they will notice!
Emery Goff, Farmington, Maine
Enough’s enough. I have to take a stand and so does everyone else.
Reich Benasutti, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Thank you, Code Pink.
Jason Dalldorf, Fresno, California
We have lost our Democracy; we have destroyed another nation illegally, immorally and unjustly. I refuse to continue paying for death and destruction.
Rayeanne King, Oak Bluffs, Maryland
It’s about time we all take this stand!
Lyn Gottschalk, Green Bay, Wisconsin
I am an American citizen living in Canada. I pay U.S. taxes, but the amount is minimal. Nevertheless, I will sign the pledge and withhold a % (not sure how much yet). What the U.S. does affects everyone in the world, wherever they are.
Elizabeth Whitmore, Ottawa, Ontario
I’ve already cried out in this wilderness known as America. We the people are and have been struggling against the ‘policies’ of this misadministration. Perhaps this action will open your eyes and ears. Can you hear us yet?
Kathy Walsh, Lake Worth, Florida
This is not our war! Hear our voices we will not fund your war any more! If you want war go there yourselves!
Krystal Ansley, Jacksonville, Florida
My husband and I withheld 28% of our federal income taxes for . That percentage is the portion that the AFSC (Quakers) said goes toward current military and defense spending i.e. war in Iraq and Afghanistan. We don’t plan on paying at least that amount , either. We have been receiving threatening letters from the IRS for months. The last letter we got threatened us with a $5000 fine or jail time. We know the IRS only wants their stinking money, and they don’t want to throw us in jail and have to pay for us to be there.… In the letter we received from the IRS last week, they said our reason for not wanting to pay was frivolous. We call it taking a principled stand and doing the right thing. We will wait them out.… These fascists in U.S. government are a bunch of murdering thieves. We will not give our hard-earned dollars to people who wantonly kill other people and steal the natural resources of their country. If they won’t listen to anything else they’ll damned well listen up when the money spigot is turned off. Every single American taxpayer should suck it up, stop being afraid of the government we are all 100% part owner of and cut off the money that goes toward maiming and killing innocent people and contributes directly to the bloated war machine.
Kris Graham, Houston, Texas
I will no longer support this war with my tax money. We have voted and tried to work within the system to no avail. I do not know what else to do to stop war.
Susan Thorpe, Tucson, Arizona
What gives you the right to take my money and millions of taxpayers’ money and use the billions to bully, harass, and kill innocent victims.
Cynthia Stokes-Adam, Brooklyn, New York
Bush threatens to bomb Iran unless its citizens engage in just such civil disobedience as this. Let’s show them how like we did in Boston Harbor.
Tim Wood, Atlanta, Georgia
The two of us signed this prepared petition because we have been withholding the military portion of our income tax liability . At that time we realized we could not conscientiously pay for war when we were praying for peace.
Barbara & Jim Dale, Decorah, Indiana
Like the majority of citizens of the United States of America I am fed up with the Bush/Cheney Administration’s illegal tactics to scare us into funding a war that should never have been started.
Valory Warncke, Maumee, Ohio
We know the wars are created to line the pockets of the thugs who create it for greed and to control the people. I won’t pay and I won’t be controlled by the thugs.
Shiara Lightfoot, Buena Vista, Colorado
I have not ever done this before, but I am ready to do it now.
Liz Aaronsohn, New Britain, Connecticut
Thank you Code Pink.
Ann Meany, Saint Paul, Minnesota
I cannot, in good conscience, continue to throw away my hard-earned money to fund killing in the name of capitalism’s violence against American citizens, innocent foreigners, and our dying planet.
Hal Goldfarb, Mesa, Arizona
It is a human right to refuse to participate in killing and war. I am happy to join with others in redirecting our taxes away from aggression and violence and toward building a peaceful world.
Susan Quinlan, Berkeley, California
No funding of Bush/Cheney illegal war. Not now nor in the future.
Kathleen Wolfe, Des Moines, Washington
It’s funny, not really, that I have been saying this for many years: civil disobedience works.
Leslie Provatas, Orient, New York
When our children and grandchildren look back at this moment in history and ask what we did to stop the insanity, I hope we can say that we did at least this much, if not much more.
Christopher Senn, Orcas, Washington
This is a fantastic idea! I have thought about this long and hard in the past. I don’t want my hard earned tax dollars funding a senseless war! Thank you for your sincere hard working efforts which I wholeheartedly support!
anonymous, Muskegon, Michigan
I can no longer support the death of innocent people, by funding this war through my hard earned and very needed dollars! War serves no one! This one, in particular, is insane, and we must stop it! No funding from my part!
Susan Janes, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
War is evil, and the wars being waged in my name on the Iraqi & Afghani people are particularly sickening. Terrorism is best deterred with ethical behavior & education. My ethical behavior will now include withholding my tax dollars. My government has disregarded every other effort I and hundreds of thousands of others have made to request & demand the cessation of these wars. We must push back. Thank you Code Pink.
Mary E. Stone, Montague, California
Yes, it’s time for this action. Nothing seems to have an impact in this country any more except for money. Brilliant!!
Carol Bayard, Maplewood, New Jersey
We must stop plundering and destroying out of greed. I will not let my money go there anymore.
Karen Boyer, Portland, Oregon
I strongly support this effort to make war tax resistance a more public statement against the war machine. Thanks!
anonymous, Portland, Oregon
I’m sick of my tax dollars going to this blood war for oil, and I have nothing for myself or my daughter. But most of the people I know don’t want to pay taxes for this lying crap.
Brenda Brown, Placitas, New Mexico
No Killing in my name. Signing this petition is an ethical necessity for me personally. I have to take this stand in order to live honestly.
Mathilda Cassidy, Santa Rosa, California
When , there were 341 signers of the on-line version of the “Don’t Buy Bush’s War” pledge (Code Pink claims more than a thousand other off-line pledgers).
By the end of that number had jumped to 583.
Here are what some of them wrote as they joined the campaign:
The Iraq War is an insult to our intelligence. A cowboy solution; when butter would have been better than guns.
Frank Gehry, Santa Monica, California
A brilliant idea! When our children and grandchildren ask what we did to stop the insanity, I must be able to say that I did this much and more. I never stopped trying. My conscience will allow no other. Withholding 28% of our federal income taxes is the percentage that the AFSC (Quakers) say goes toward current military and defense spending i.e. war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Love ya, Code Pink!
Mary Francis, Norman, Oklahoma
I attended Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, VA during the Vietnam War. It was understood and accepted that part of opposing the War was to resist paying taxes to support the War.
Ruthe Rugh, Bothell, Washington
I am responsible for illegal acts of this so-called ‘War on Terror’ if I pay for them.
Carolyn Israel, Santa Cruz, California
The war machine can’t run without our money.
Wendy Hershey, Oakland, California
This may be the only way to force this administration to realize that it should represent the will of the people. I am strongly for it.
Claire Simpson, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Have been withholding .
Yaney MacIver
No one is listening… but money talks. So let’s withhold our taxes until the bloodshed ends.
Phyllis Townley, New York, New York
I will only fund Peace with my money.
Zack Harrison, Durango, Colorado
I have been withholding war tax money .
Wind Vogel, Woodside, New York
My accountant and financial advisor are not going to like this, but I pledge to join with 99,999 other American citizens and not pay taxes for war.
Kathy Stroud, Ann Arbor, Michigan
It’s about time!
Kitty Hartford, Boothbay, Maine
I have marched, held signs on street corners, made phone calls, sent emails, and been arrested in the lobby of the Federal Building in Chicago for protesting the war (found "Not Guilty" based on 1st amendment rights!). None of this has ended the war. I’m ready to withhold a portion of my taxes.
Friend Bernstein, Highland Park, Illinois
I have led a pretty law-abiding life of over 60 years. But I cannot support imperialist war-mongers who have put a thirst for money and power over human rights and peace.
Jo Sippie-Gora, Kinnelon, New Jersey
In , one of our Washington State Senators, Maria Cantwell informed us (a small group of peacemakers) that would be a year of transition out of Iraq. When asked, what if it turns out that that is not the case, she told us that they, democrats in the Congress, would then utilize their power of the purse and cut the funding for the war. We have stood in front of the Federal building in Seattle every Tuesday . Besides our presence, we provide (MFSO — military families speak out) post cards, addressed to both Senators Cantwell and Patty Murray’s offices which state ‘Support our Troops! De-fund the War!’ We have hand deliver the majority of them (a few thousand) by people passing by who have taken the time fill out and/or sign. Yes, we can no longer wait for our representatives to take action, now is the time for citizens against this misbegotten war, to gather their courage, and together take this unfortunate, but very necessary next step.
Joseph Colgan, Kent, Washington
I started withholding a ‘military’ portion of my taxes as soon as the war was declared. It will be nice to have company in this action.
Nicki Hansen-Dix, Grass Valley, California
The war must end now, no more innocents should die. I will stand behind this pledge, and work towards a new world way of peace.
Valerie Burkman, Menahga, Minnesota
The only way to stop this administration is to pull the plug on the money.
anonymous, Bozeman, Montana
What I’ve been waiting for .
Nan Barnard-Jorgensen, Pacific Grove, California
What must we do to end this? No more business as usual. We have to stop funding the wars of the super rich.
Erin Genia, Olympia, Washington
I have withheld a portion of my taxes . Thanks for doing this. Stopping the money will stop the war.
Vickie Aldrich, Las Cruces, New Mexico
This is a necessary action. May one million quickly join the pledge and millions more after that. Blessings.
anonymous, Wilton, New Hampshire
No taxation without true representation.
Marcia Bailey, South Saint Paul, Minnesota
I want to do this, in fact I already have in a way by not mailing in one of my (large) quarterly payments. However, I want to know who decides what the percentage is that you talk about and where is the letter that we’re supposed to send to the IRS? Also I think you should be a little more up front and tell people how much they may expect to pay in fines. This is not a simple protest and your members should be given more info. The only reason I’m signing is because I have already talked to my accountant, but even so I am aware that I might be opening a whole can of worms and my business may be audited which would be a lot of bother. So you should really give out more info to people so they can make an informed decision. I can assure you that this is not something I would ask a friend to do. It is risky. If you get your 100,000 (which I don’t think is enough to make an impression of this administration) please let me know.
Ranney Moss, Sedona, Arizona
This petition would warm the cockles of the founding fathers (and mothers) hearts. Thank you, everyone, who has signed this petition. In doing so, you are striking a blow for freedom from tyranny.
Claire CdeBaca, Bellingham, Washington
We need more Americans to realize that they are associated with violence, cruelty, insensitivity and inequity, in Iraq and elsewhere around the globe every day, and then we will be angry and shamed enough to stop it. I do not want the world to hate me because of my government’s practices.
Anais Tuepker, Portland, Oregon
No killing in my name. No arms sales to Israel in my name. No torture in my name.
Mazda Riazi, Huntington, New York
In my lifetime — I was born during a war and been through about 5 more wars and now this one — looks like I will die during a war. I and my country are destroyed by this, I do not want to fund it.
Mary Atkins, San Leandro, California
Why we aren’t all taking this stand, I have no idea.
anonymous, Hisega, South Dakota
I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this shit, anymore.
Roger Wood, Rochester, New York
As a matter of religious freedom of conscience, I choose not to participate in war-making but rather peace-making.
Eli Sasaran McCarthy
Bombing Iran is pure evil. I will not participate in such an atrocity.
Julie Morgan, Roseville, California
The USA is a bully and I will not support any more military spending.
Amejo Amyot, Saratoga Springs, New York
We must come to our senses, so I urge all not to support this present government administration.
Eric Rechel, Grand Junction, Colorado
Yes, this is just what we need.
John G. Root, Jr., Great Barrington, Massachusetts
We must stand up against this war, if even our Congress will not.
Laura Carlson, Tuscon, Arizona
It is now obvious that the only way we can stop the war is to do it ourselves.
Todd Brooks, Davenport, Iowa
Why wait for others? Begin now! I haven’t paid war taxes for and so far my life has not suffered for that commitment.
anonymous, Bolinas, California
While I am more than willing to pay taxes for education, the environment, social services, libraries, parks, transportation, et al, I am not willing to spend my money on killing other people and destroying our environment which is the consequence of war.
Kathleen Jackson, San Anselmo, California
This is a splendid idea. I hope it catches on like wildfire. Keep up the good work.
“Inspired by the vision of Dr. King, we want to purposely put a cog in the machine of war tax collection,” said Jodie Evans, Co-Founder of CodePink.
“We believe it will lead to a deepening of opposition as tens of thousands of people say, ‘I can no longer in good conscience pay for these acts by my government.’
The tradition of civil disobedience involves breaking a law in favor of a higher law.
It is time to call for this powerful action.”
“I think that as a movement we can’t expect the war to end and at the same time pay its bills every month.
At some point the bill paying has to stop, and then the war will stop,” said Bill Ramsey of the War Tax Boycott Coalition.
I note also that they’ve added some more groups, including United for Peace & Justice, to their coalition.
I don’t see anything about the campaign on the UFPJ site yet, but if they make an effort to promote the campaign to their members, that could make a big impact.
We have refused to pay war taxes . We will never pay for war. How can we? If you pay for it you will have it.
Rev. Don and Roberta Thrustin Timmerman
I could not stop this illegal war, but I shouldn’t have to pay for it!
June Forsyth Kenagy, Albany, Oregon
I knew it was an illegal war from the start and have looked forward to this moment of resistance.
Jack Heller, Topeka, Kansas
I call upon the American people to Resist War Taxes.
Craig Teichen, Chicago, Illinois
The only thing this rich people understand is the almighty worthless dollar. If they think a majority of us won’t pay our taxes for the killings they want, maybe they’ll think again.
Margie Lindsey, San Diego, California
I have been shamefully ignorant of what my country has been up to over the years with money from me. Now I say ‘no more murder in my name’ because I will not support it anymore.… Never again will I knowingly finance murder. I would rather go to jail.
Cliff McCutchen, Liburn, Georgia
I have been refusing to pay my taxes ever . Clearly, I have far more courage than your average American anti-war protester. It is scandalous that it has taken Americans four years to wake up to the idea of refusing to pay the war taxes.
Nabil Shaban, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
I have not, and will not pay taxes until we are out of Iraq and if we bomb Iran!
Chris Magda, North Port, Florida
I am happy to pay my assessed income taxes for peaceful reasons, but not for the war in Iraq and certainly not for further aggression in Iran!
Stephan Maddy Altschul, Monterey, Tennessee
I have had enough — this seems like the next logical step.
Kathy Ingallinera, Sitka, Alaska
This has been waiting to happen. I have been doing this .
Jesse Crumb, Eureka, California
I will not pay one more cent of my taxes to support killing.
anonymous, Holley, New York
No more taxpayers’ money for this immoral war.
Sandra Taylor, Marlboro, New York
Don’t want my tax dollars to support illegal wars started by this (or any) president.
Bret Vanderberg, Los Altos, California
I consider it an honor, and a service to humanity, to actively resist this most terrorist ongoing criminal syndicate in all of our human history, now lodged in power in the United States, regardless of any of its risks or even actual physical costs. Fulfilling this pledge to pay no tax, in order to end this nightmare, in the name of love, to all humanity, is among the least of the things I can now also do. Come on. Come get me.
David Busch, Los Angeles, California
My taxes will not kill anymore!
Connie Bergen, Kennebunk, Maine
No taxes to be paid, no more war to be funded — the choice is the government’s. I am not paying
Jennifer Suzanne Martino, Dixon, California
I have been trying to do this on my own and have not been able to figure out how to do it & pay the money saved to organizations helping the women of Iraq. With no success. So, I’m with you 2000% of the way. Do it.
Kossia Orloff, Durham, North Carolina
Get out of Iraq or I’ll stop paying taxes! Leave Iran alone or I’ll stop paying taxes!
Here are a few quotes from recent signers of the tax resistance pledge:
Brava to Code Pink for organizing a tax protest — as All-American as the Boston Tea Party!
Gloria Steinem
I gladly sign this pledge as time has run out for far too many and is running out for our very species. Such a time demands courage and strong action. Please join this action and help walk the path of living lightly on the planet and in tolerance with if not love for each other.
Randy Hayes
No taxes for war!
Dr. Cheryl Schimenti, Pioneer, California
My hard earned dollars (pennies!) will not go to kill my fellow human beings!
AnnaMaria Mauhs, Hamden, Connecticut
Read my lips, ‘No more taxes for this deceitfully contrived war.’
Judy McDonald, Frankfort, Kentucky
This is the best thing I ever heard since these war crimes started…
Ahmad Morrar, Fremont, California
This is the most powerful vote we can cast in this country.
Samantha Olden, Aptos, California
The only way we can vote for an end to war.
Sol Metz, Ann Arbor, Michigan
No taxes for corporations & their wars.
anonymous, Sunnyvale, California
No Money for Organized Crime, they need to work like everyone else.
Donny Smartmouth, Oly, Washington
This is an excellent plan and helps me to feel less frustrated by the political agenda of the US government at this time…
anonymous, Putney, Vermont
Deep in my heart, where I speak to god I know I can no longer contribute in any way to war.
Suzia Aufderheide
If Congress won’t cut off war funding, I will.
Jeff Kipilman, Portland, Oregon
I will be resisting my taxes and every year until our country does not engage in war. I have already signed onto the NWTRCC resist taxes list. thanks for your efforts together we all will make a difference.I have been a war tax resister for over . I am so excited that many more people may join us this year.
Susan Barnhart, Eugene, Oregon
For several months now I have been considering withholding my taxes. Now I can do it with many other people. Thank you.
Marilyn Cornwell, San Francisco, California
The revolution is happening all across the country and this year we are becoming unified. Remember, when you resist, you are not resisting alone.
Shizuno Wynkop, Olympia, Washington
I have also joined the War Tax Boycott through NWTRCC and will be withholding all of my federal income tax. It is time to have a conscientious objector status, or better yet, time to end war once and for all! Thank you Code Pink for making this a priority. You can count on me to do my part in this.
Sara Crawford, Eugene, Oregon
I do not want to be complicit in U.S. war crimes in Iraq or Afghanistan or Palestine or Lebanon or Pakistan or Iran and on and on…
Richard Brinton, Salinas, California
Meanwhile, people continue to sign on to the “Don’t Buy Bush’s War” war tax resistance pledge.
Here are some comments from recent pledgers:
The entire anti-Iraq ‘movement’ in the US should join together in this effort. I hope Code Pink will collaborate with other groups to get the word out on this important act in order to make a hard-hit impact.
Katina Cummings, Chicago, Illinois
Thank you for organizing this important effort, and for all your amazing work.
Emily Levy, Santa Cruz, California
The only way this administration listens is with their wallets. For a long time I’ve been thinking that this is what needs to happen to stop this military machine.
Marla McDonald, Dallas, Texas
I did everything I could to stop you from invading Iraq under false pretenses. In my view the entire debacle is one huge war crime and my government is complicit. I will not support these heinous crimes against humanity with my taxes. I will not!
Randall Shields, Powder Springs, Georgia
I, as an act of civil disobedience, pledge to with hold all of my taxes which you have allocated toward the unjust and illegal (illegal both nationally and internationally) war you are perpetrating upon the People of Iraq and the proposed war you wish to perpetrate upon the People of Iran.
Amelia Free, Middletown, California
The ‘power of the purse’ is ours! When our representatives refuse to use it, we must!
David Lubeck, Los Gatos, California
Why don’t we quit with the token resistance and stop paying taxes altogether. Are we afraid we might go to jail… get our property seized. What good are things in a totalitarianism. Civil Disobedience is the shadow of real resistance. Those in power will not relinquish it without a struggle. We can ‘protest’ all we want but the press will ignore us just like the government has been doing. The War costs 270 million/day. That makes me sick… and to support it through my taxes makes be an accomplice. I’m sorry, I just can’t do it.
Matthew Schmidt, Barnesville, Ohio
Demonstrations are important, but 100,000 resisting taxes would make more of an impact than 500,000 attending a demonstration.
anonymous, Washington, D.C.
If our ‘public servants’ will not listen to the concerns of the people then we can and will take matters into our own hands.
Bethany Norris, Cincinnati, Ohio
Based on my religious and ethical beliefs I cannot in good conscience partake in war in any form. This includes funding it through taxes. The courts have ruled again and again that we do not have the right to do refuse taxes based on conscience, that we do not have free exercise of conscience even if we exercise it in non-violent ways. Free exercise of religion must entail free exercise of conscience or else it means nothing. I intend to donate the full amount of taxes I owe in ways that will not fund the war.
Thomas Gokey, Syracuse, New York
I’ve been resisting war taxes since we invaded Afghanistan, but I want to add myself to this list. Everyone, think about this: if you met an Iraqi who lived through the war in Iraq, could you look him in the eye and say you did everything you could to stop the U.S. from destroying his country? everything? If we attack Iran will you be able to say the same to an Iranian?
Steev Hise, Tuscon, Arizona
It’s about time we got together and presented a fearless, effective, united effort at war resistance.
Maicol Kelee, Sonoma, California
This may finally be something that the administration can’t ignore.
Joseph Italiano, Wilmington, Delaware
It is immoral to pay taxes that fund an illegal war and when I pay my taxes I am just as criminal as our three branches of government in continuing our illegal occupation of Iraq. I refuse to be held hostage to an immoral tax system.
Laila Selk, La Honda, California
More than thirty protesters were arrested while trying to storm the barricades surrounding the front entrance to the IRS headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“Just as military recruiters supply bodies for the war, the IRS supplies the funding,” stated New York City WRL organizer Ed Hedemann.
“So, I’m doing my part in disrupting that relentless flow of money by standing in front of the IRS entrance and by refusing to send my taxes to the IRS.”
Among the organizations sponsoring this part of the protests commemorating were NWTRCC, War Resisters League, United for Peace & Justice, and Code Pink.
And speaking of Code Pink, they continue to draw new tax resisters to sign up for their Don’t Buy Bush’s War campaign.
Some of the latest signers gave the following “signing statements:”
Thank you Code Pink for organizing this media communication. Our politicians don’t have to listen to our votes when we keep paying our taxes. Bravo!
anonymous, Burlington, Vermont
If the idiot Republicans and their minions want this war, they can pay for it. And no soldiers ‘died for me’; they died because they volunteered to enter an immoral war.
John Bisceglia, Bellingham, Washington
I’ve refused to pay taxes for over 20 years now, and I doubt our inept government and the IRS will ever be able to find all of us tax resisters. There are simply too many ways to make money and keep it out of banks, and many ways to live without personally owning any property.
Scott Johnston, Cincinnati, Ohio
War. Murder. Destruction. Illegal occupation of a sovereign nation. Extraordinary rendition. Secret Prisons. Torture. Illegal wiretapping. More spending on military than all other countries combined. And I’m helping to pay for it. Not any more!
Patrick West, Boulder, Colorado
I am a Conscientious Objector to all war, and I have been openly refusing federal war taxes every year since ! IRS never succeeded in collecting a dime from me until I began receiving Social Security checks in ! Now they take 15% from each check, but I continue each year to refuse to pay for war and weapons.
Robin Harper, Wallingford, Pennsylvania
I’m going to withhold $100 anyway; get enough signatures and I’m in for the full whatever-godawful-number-it-is percent of my taxes.
Friend Reynolds, Chicago, Illinois
Thank you. Every penny I have ever given to support the things that are meaningful and positive in the world is utterly negated — and then some — every time I pay my taxes.
