Peace Tax Fund Documentary
- Google Video
Peace Tax Fund Documentary
This documentary is about the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, an organization based in Washington DC. Duration of the film is 15 min. Freedom of Conscience Freedom of conscience was at the very core of the founding of this nation. Starting in 1662, most American colonial governments made provisions for those who objected to military service on the basis of conscience. The first Continental Congress resolved in 1775 that it would also recognize the rights of those who could not bear arms because of religious scruples. Many immigrants, however, who came to the United States to seek religious freedom and escape forced military service found instead that conscientious objectors to war were persecuted and imprisoned. During World War I, there was little allowance in the law for conscientious objectors. Four hundred objectors were imprisoned. Several died in prison as a result of mistreatment. Since 1940, when legislation was passed establishing alternative service for drafted conscientious objectors, there has been some protection for the rights of conscience. The Struggle Continues Although conscientious objectors to war have not been forced to serve in active combat for more than 50 years, they are still required to support the military through taxation. Increasingly, the ability of a government to wage war relies less on conscripted soldiers and more on drafted dollars to pay for advanced technology. These advanced weapons wreak incredible destruction and death when used. These same weapons also kill when not used by denying resources to those most in need. This is a double violence. Today citizens who are conscientious objectors risk fines and jail sentences to withhold taxes that support war. Some impoverish themselves and their families rather than be legally bound to pay such taxes and thus violate their deeply held beliefs. These are people deeply driven by values born of conscience. Is there a way to permit sincere conscientious objectors to pay their full tax obligation without violating deeply held religious or ethical beliefs? The Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Bill is a proposal designed make such accommodation and to ensure that legal penalties are not imposed because of those beliefs. The Peace Tax Fund Bill was introduced in Congress in 1972. Support in Congress has grown since its inception.
Google Video | December 30, 2006
