And, a little more recently, from the Spokane Chronicle, this letter-to-the-editor:
Won’t pay income tax now
Federal taxes are collected to be channeled into the needs of the American people.
Health care, housing, employment, food, education, culture and art are a few of the most fundamental needs that are required to create a whole and healthy society.
Once the U.S. tax system exists on this basis, I will contribute my share of dollars again.
But currently, I absolutely cannot.
My public statement of not paying my federal income tax is my way of shaking off this numbness and of practicing my democratic and human right to oppose the wars we are engaged in.
The facts are that 64 cents of every dollar spent are directed militarily; that three nuclear bombs are built daily, adding to a great probability of nuclear war; that U.S. aid is used to injure, kill and terrorize citizens of El Salvador, Nicaragua and other Central American countries; that the United States has 102 bases in England alone, making it just one example of the way we keep other countries around the world hostages to our brand of militarism.
In the meantime, a large percentage of Americans cannot receive health care because they cannot afford it; many Americans are hungry, and many are unemployed; many are depressed and fearful.
Once this is reversed, with military spending being minimized and the basic concerns of the population being given first priority, then I look forward, in good conscience, to paying my taxes.
But until then, I will send the money I earn to organizations and agencies that fund basic human needs and productive social change.
It is not that I refuse to pay; it is more that I must redirect my money to where it is needed most urgently.
Shannon Stahmer
Spokane
