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Resist Newsletter, May 1997

Resist

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Recommended Citation Resist, "Resist Newsletter, May 1997" (1997). Resist Newsletters. 293. https://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/resistnewsletter/293 Inside: War Tax Resistance

Celebrating 30 Years A Call to Resist Illegitimate Authority May 1997 Making Money for Social Change Activists Bank on Community Currency

SUSAN MEEKER-LOWRY economies. (The E. F. Schumacher Society the communities can regain independence has been at the forefront of community­ and begin to unplug from the federal sys­ e fabric of our local communities based economics since it was founded in tem: to take back their rights to generate oday is being torn and shredded 1980 to promote the work of E. F. their own regional currencies." T:by the corporate-controlled status Schumacher, author of Small is Beautiful.) quo. Chain stores; which sell the same mass­ Wltt explains, "Basically, we're looking to History of Local Currencies produced goods in Vermont as they do in People have always traded and bar­ Texas, are replacing the small, locally­ tered with each other. In the early days, owned hardware, drug, clothing, and money was generally a commod­ book stores. And the money ity-something valued by the spent in these stores goes to people who agreed to use it. the same corporate head­ Iron nails were used as quarters- out of town, money in Scotland, dried out of state, often out of cod in Newfoundland, country. One strategy sugar in some West used to counter this Indies Islands, salt in trend is community- ancient Rome, wam­ based currency. pum by Native Ameri­ Since community cans, corn in Massa­ currency can only be chusetts in the 1600s. used locally, the money Sometimes money was stays in the community backed by a commodity. rather than flowing out into For example, the first Latin the coffers of multinational coins were stamped with the corporations. In the short term, image of a cow and redeemable for local currency benefits individuals cattle. and small businesses directly by in­ Paper money was created in the creasing spending power. But it is in the Alternative currency builds on a barter 1700s and was basically an IOU backed system. Illustration by Jim Houghton medium to long term that the real social by gold and silver. But these standards change potential of community currencies find the way in which wealth generated in were abandoned (first in 1933 by President will become apparent. the region can be kept in the region. Our Roosevelt for U. S. citizens, then in 1971 Susan Witt with the E. F. Schumacher local banks, which did a very good job of by President Nixon for everyone else), so Society in Great Barrington, Massachu­ that in the past, have now been bought up today our money is backed by nothing but setts, sees local currency programs as part by larger and larger holding companies .... promises (and debt). of a larger strategy to strengthen regional A regional currency is ultimately the way continued on page two

Vol. 6, #4 RESIST Newsletter Page I Activists Bank on Community Currency continuedfrom page one Here's how it works: Joe cuts firewood nesses that joined, typically accepting 25 Community currency isn't new. In fact, for Mary, who is a welder. Mary is now in percent payment in LETS, found that their it wasn't until 1913 that the Federal Re­ debt to the system for the amount of the business increased. In Western Australia, serve Act mandated a central banking sys­ transaction ($75.00, let's say), and Joe's ac­ it is estimated that LETSystems pumped tem. Before that Act, currency in the U.S. count is credited for that amount. A few the equivalent of A$3 million into the was based on everything from lumber to days later, Joe calls Mark for help fixing his economy, which grew to include 1,500 busi­ land. Then, during the Great Depression of car. Joe's credit is reduced by the $50.00 nesses the first year. The same "rule" ap­ the 1930s, scrip was often issued and ex­ Mark charged and Mark's is credited with plies to these systems: businesses can changed for goods and services when fed­ eral dollars were scarce. Examples include wooden money in Tenino, WA; cardboard money issued in Raymond, WA with a pic­ ture of a big oyster on the back; and corn­ backed money in Clear Lake, IA. Scrip was even issued by Vassar seniors that con­ sisted of pea green, blue, and yellow cards. Scrips were used to pay teachers in Wild­ wood, NJ; to make the payroll in Philadel­ phia and numerous other cities and towns across the country. Scrips were issued by state governments, school districts, mer­ chants, business associations, various agencies, even individuals. Today's community currencies, like those of the Depression, are varied and diverse. Some are true currencies-that is, Green Mountain HOURS represent a growing portion of the economy in Central they physically exist and are traded for Vermont. This currency is printed on paper made locally from corn leaf or hay. goods and services like federal dollars. Other systems are actually barter or work that amount. Then Mark wants some weld­ exchange networks with no physical cur­ ing, calls Mary and so it goes. The unit of rency exchanged. The "rules" for these exchange, what Linton calls "the green dol­ currencies also vary, depending on the lar," remains where it is generated, provid­ needs and desires of community members. ing a continually available source of liquid­ What they have in common is a commit­ ity. The ultimate resource of the commu­ ment to community building, to support­ nity (the productivity, skills, and creativity ing what's local, and to gaining a greater of its members) is not limited by lack of understanding of the role of economics and money. And these resources are the "back­ money in our daily lives. Local currencies ing" behind green dollars. are backed by something tangible that the Today there are numerous LETSystems, community agrees has value, as the fol­ and variations on the theme in the U.S., ILLEGITIMATE AUTIIORlff ,=-c..,Gli,,, ~-..( CNltMfll ~ "'61 lowing examples illustrate. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Austra­ For information and grant guidelines, lia. There are nearly 200 LETS in Britain. write to: RESIST, 259 Elm Street, Suite 201, Somerville, MA 02144; LETS Australia offers a major LETS success [email protected] LETS is a local currency system created story. When Britain joined the European by Michael Linton in the Comox Valley of Union's Common Market, Australia lost its RESIST Newsletter ( ISSN 0897-2613) is British Columbia in 1983. As an unem­ main export market. Food stocks destined published ten times a year by RESIST, Inc., 259 Elm Street, Suite 201, Somerville, MA ployed computer programmer with an in­ for Britain had to be destroyed, and unem­ 02144 (617)623-5110. The views expressed terest in community economics, Linton saw ployment and bankruptcy became common. in articles, other than editorials, are those of that many people were in a similar posi­ But LETS had found its way to Australia, the authors and do not necessarily repre­ tion: they had valuable skills they could providing welcome relief to people who sent the opinions of the RESIST staff or offer each other yet had no money. He also became involved in these non-monetary board. RESIST Staff: Robin Carton saw the limitations of a one-on-one barter economies that developed in scattered com­ Carol Schachet system. If a plumber wanted the services munities around the country. RESIST Intern: Danya Greenfield of an electrician, but the electrician didn't In 1992, the Australian government in­ Staff Assistant: Dillon Paul need plumbing help, the transaction vited Linton to set up LETS throughout couldn't take place. LETS solves the prob­ the country,with the government provid­ Newsletter Editor: Carol Schachet Printing: Red Sun Press lem by opening the exchange to a whole ing funds for education, publicity, com­ 0 Printed on recycled paper with soy ink. ~ ft community of members. puter equipment, and other expenses. Busi-

Page2 RESIST Newsletter May 1997 only spend LETS units locally. As a result, including the one in the Comox Valley, ex­ ing (both of which are skewed to benefit some give their earnings to charity and then perienced high levels of debt. One group monied interests over the rest ofus) , Swann qualify for a tax rebate. LETS earnings do­ decided to impose a 300-clam (the name of has tirelessly sought alternatives to the nated to charity have enabled churches to their currency) limit for the first year of federal currency system. help unemployed youth and provide other membership, and 500 thereafter in response In 1989, a deli, well loved by many people necessary services. Patrica Knox, writing to problems posed by transiency within the in Great Barrington, MA, had to relocate in the Winter 1995 Earth Island Journal community. because its lease was running out and a observes, "If the global economy crashes, new lease would double the rent. Frank, Australia would be the country most likely Scrip the owner of the deli, went to several banks to survive, having developed a thriving al­ Robert Swann, president of the E.F. to borrow money to move to another loca­ ternative economy." Schumacher Society, was involved in eco­ tion and was turned down. Finally he ap­ LETS is not without its problems, of nomic alternatives for years before the So­ proached SHARE (Self-Help Association course. One of the most commonly asked ciety was founded in 1980. With Ralph for a Regional Economy), the Schumacher questions is, "What about a person who Borsodi, he pioneered the community land Society's loan-collateralization program. spends heavily in the system and then is trust model in the 1960s, and in the 1970s Susan Witt, SHARE's administrator, sug­ unable or unwilling to repay?" In the early developed the rev·olving loan fund model gested that he issue his own currency­ days Linton said this didn't happen often with the Institute for Community Econom­ Deli Dollars-and sell them to his custom­ enough to be an issue. ics. In addition to questioning conventional ers to raise the money he needed. Each But as the years passed, some systems, private land ownership and project financ- continued on page four Ithaca HOURS Makes Social Change Pay "Print Money Locally and Make Revolution Globally"

PAUL GLOVER other, rather than as competitors for scarce serving organic agriculture. Further job cre­ dollars. This decreases-the brutal compe­ ation and import replacement (local eco­ D evolutions are assumed to begin with tition for jobs which can exacerbate racial logical manufacture of shoes, pasta, soap, ~rgent manifestos, grand congresses conflicts. tools, etc.) become more possible as our and speeches, proceeding to general HOURS have made us bold enough to money supply expands. strikes and street fighting. There is now, take further steps in building an alterna­ Rather than isolating Ithaca, local cur­ however, a spectre haunting capitalism that tive economic system. For example, we're rency makes us strong enough to reach seeks instead merely to dissolve it city-by­ now creating our own nonprofit · Health out to other communities, to visit them, to city, to take away its authority nonviolently, Fund. About 40 percent of Ithaca's resi­ import and export more than before. So far, and to underthrow its government. dents have no health insurance, according Ithaca's HOUR example has spread to 45 I'm talking about locally printed and to a random community-based survey. The cities and towns in North America. To­ maintained currency systems. Activists in Health Fund enables residents to support gether we represent a grassroots national Ithaca, NY, began printing our own money each other, with less dependence on giant product that puts people at the center of in 1991 and now trade it for nearly every­ insurers. We've begun by emphasizing pre­ our economy, making community while thing we need. Each Ithaca HOUR is val­ ventive and innovative care, then we ex­ making a living. ued at $10, double the federal minimum pect to hire salaried doctors (partly with wage. To date, $60,000 worth of Ithaca HOURS) to meet our needs. HOURS have recirculated within our com­ We're intending, with HOURS, to fund Paul Glover is an economist and munity, buying thousands of goods and municipal projects such as extensive community organizer who founded services including food, clothing, mortgage weatherization, transit extension, and the Ithaca HOURS. Ithaca HOURS received payments and rent worth an estimated purchase of land and easements for local- a grant from RESIST in 1996. $2,000,000. By this means we have taken responsibility for issuing money, backing it by laboring people rather than capital markets. In addition to using Ithaca Currency Starter Kits HOURS for purchasing goods and ser­ Ithaca HOURS offers two resources for individuals or communities vices, participants have been making interested in starting a local alternative currency project. The Hometown grants of HOURS to community organiza­ Money Starter Kit is available for 2.5 HOURS, or $25; and the video can be tions, and lending HOURS (micro loans $50- purchased for 1.5 Hours, or $15. For more information or to order, contact: $1 ,000) without charging interest. HOUR Town, Box 6578, Ithaca, NY 14851; 607/272-4330; As importantly, Ithaca HOURS helps www.publiccom.com/web/ithacahour. connect local people as resources for each

Vol. 6, #4 RESIST Newsletter Page3 Activists Bank on Community Currency continuedfrom page three note sold for $9 and could be redeemed for Participants are able to use HOURS for $10 worth of food, and was dated so that redemption was staggered over time. rent, plumbing, carpentry, car repair, "I put 500 notes on sale and they went in a flash. It was astonishing," Frank said. chiropractic services, food, firewood, child Before long, Deli Dollars were turning up care, and other goods and services. all over town as people exchanged them instead ofU. S. dollars for goods, services, or debts. In effect these paper notes, which obtained through conventional sources to While this may not sound like much, were essentially nothing more than small, finance their operations . these HOURS have circulated within the short-term loans from customers, became community many times generating hun­ a form of community currency. They so Ithaca Hours dreds of thousands of dollars oflocal trad­ excited the people of Great Barrington that In the U.S., the community currency re­ ing, adding substantially to what Paul calls they were followed by Farm Preserve Notes ceiving the most attention these days is "our grassroots national product." issued cooperatively by Taft Farms and the the Ithaca HOUR in Ithaca, New York. The Each Ithaca HOUR is equivalent to Com Crib. Each farm raised about $3,500 system was created in 1991 by Paul Glover, $10.00 because that's the approximate av­ the first year and issued new notes in suc­ a community economist, ecological de­ erage hourly wage in Tompkins County. ceeding years. Five other businesses also signer, and author of Los Angeles: A His­ The notes come in five denominations from issued scrip, including the Monterey Gen­ tory of the Future. Since then, close to a two-HOUR note down to a one-eighth eral Store, and Kintaro restaurant and sushi $50,000 in local currency has been issued HOUR note, and the designs feature na­ bar. Together, these businesses raised thou­ to over 900 participants and has been used tive flowers, waterfalls, crafts, farms, and sands of dollars that they couldn't have by hundreds more. people respected by the community. Since the currency must be easily distinguish­ able from federal currency, they are a RESIST is on the Move slightly different size from federal bills and After months of searching and negotiating, RESIST' s office moved to a wheel­ are multicolored, some are even printed on chair-accessible office building in the Davis Square area of Somerville. The new locally made watermarked cattail paper. location offers easy access to public transportation and added floor space for both Participants are able to use HOURS for rent, interns and a grants library. plumbing, carpentry, car repair, chiropractic Numerous factors prompted the move, but it was our recognition that we were not services, food (two large locally-owned adhering to our own funding criteria that pushed us into action. RESIST prioritizes grocery stores as well as farmer's market funding groups and events that accommodate participation by people with a range of vendors accept them), firewood, child care, abilities-including handicapped-accessible locations and sign language interpreta­ and numerous other goods and services. tion. However, the office of RESIST was located for the past 10 years on the second Some movie theaters accept HOURS as do floor of an old building without an elevator or chair lift. While we enjoyed the com­ bowling alleys and the local Ben & Jerry's. panionship of other radical groups and the low rent, we could not remain in a space Participants pay one U.S. dollar to join that remained inaccessible to many people who might either work or visit the office. and receive four HOURS when agreeing to As with all non-profit organizations, RESIST's board was faced with the reality be listed as backers of the money. A free that following one's convictions can be costly. In our case, moving to a wheelchair­ newsletter, Ithaca Money, is published six accessible space meant more than doubling our relatively deflated rent. While as a times a year and lists a directory of mem­ proportion of our overall expenses the rent remains low, it was still an act taken with bers' services and phone numbers, as well full awareness that we had to "put our money where our mouth is." as related articles, ads, and announce­ During the process of packing, moving and setting up, we have done our best to ments. Every eight months those listed may maintain both the Grants and the Newsletter programs. We apologize, however, you apply to be paid an additional two HOURS have received any materials late. for their continued participation. This is For those individuals and groups in the Boston-area, we welcome visitors. We are how the supply of currency in the commu­ in the process of forming a "Grants Library" to help radical groups find additional nity is carefully and gradually increased. funding sources without having to go to larger, more traditional grant libraries. While ostensibly everyone's work is Special thanks to those who helped us in our move, including our architect Susanne valued equally, some negotiation does take May; packers Eileen Bolinksy, Pam Chamberlain, Louis Kampf, Dillon Paul and Susan place for certain professions like dentists, Trotz; movers Dan's Van; EVB Designs; and the patience of our many supporters. lawyers, massage therapists, and the like Please send any letters, donations, or applications to our new address: who typically make more than $10 an hour. Glover explains, "With Ithaca HOURS, 259 Elm Street• Suite 201 everyone's honest hour of labor has the Somerville• MA 02144 same dignity. Still, there are situations where 617 • 623 • 5110 an HOUR for an hour doesn't work. For example, a dentist must collect several

Page 4 RESIST Newsletter May 1997 HOURS for each work hour because the To intentionally remove ourselves from individuals in the system in favor of con­ dentist and receptionist and assistant are the larger, global market in favor of creat­ ventional consumer roles? How to value working together, using equipment and ma­ ing stronger local ones is a political state­ goods and services is also an issue. terials that they must pay for with dollars. ment with repercussions that extend be­ Should participants put a price on their So, a lot of negotiating must take place." yond our local communities. In fact, it is services, just like in the conventional Potluck dinners are held monthly dur­ my opinion that originators of currency money system, or be more creative? Should ing which members get together and dis­ systems have a responsibility to educate an HOUR have any dollar value at all? cuss HOUR-related business. Occasionally members regarding these larger issues. This Could it represent just an hour of time? members decide to grant HOURS to a well­ is not to say that everyone has to agree, Finally, if we want to get away from the deserving commu- feelings of greed, nity organization. So competition, scar­ far, more than $4,000 city, powerlessness, has been donated to and inequity engen­ 20 community orga­ dered by conven­ nizations. Members tional money sys­ have plans to de­ tems, why create an­ velop a community other form ofmoney? cannery, to start a re­ Why not do away cycling warehouse, with currency and and to buy land to be move toward a sys­ held in trust. "We re­ tem that provides gard HOURs as real everyone with what money, backed by they need in ex­ real people, time, skills, change for labor? and tools," Glover Local currencies, like this Ithaca HOUR, reflect the values and character of the area. The problem (and states. HOUR Loans This HOUR note is the first U.S. money to honor an African-American woman. the beauty) of mod­ are made without in­ els like LETS or terest charges. HOURS is the spe­ cifics. Therefore, an­ Tools for Change? swers to these ques­ People often ask, tions really depend "Are local currencies on the community political or economic implementing them. enterprises?" Here in Whether a system is Central Vermont we designed merely to did not promote increase buying Green Mountain power, or to put a HOURS as a political monkey wrench into project because we business-as-usual felt it would limit in­ depends on the val­ volvement to those ues and politics of who feel comfortable participating in po­ but there should be an overarching vision those who create it. Today, most (ifnot all) litical activities. Instead we wanted to reach that doesn't get lost in the day-to-day groups currently involved in some kind of out into the wider community, to everyone practicalities. This is one way that local community currency system, whether the and anyone, regardless of their politics. We currency projects can be an important tool barter model or the HOUR model, have did, however, promote the project as a way for social change. stated that community building is a major to keep our money in the local community It is important to look at currency sys­ goal, ifnot the major goal, of the project. and as a way to have a say about the type tems with a critical eye. What prevents a of enterprises we want to see here. Of system like HOURS from becomingjust like Dollars Versus Community Currency course we also stressed the financial ben­ federal money? Once people become used Unlike conventional money that is based efits to individuals. to it, won't it feel like just another com­ on scarcity and that fosters competition, In reality, local currency projects are ex­ modity to earn and spend? While the prin­ community currencies are designed to in­ tremely political. Educating people about ciple of "everybody's work is equal" clude everyone who wants to participate. the project inevitably brings up other, sounds good, the fact is the HOUR system By doing so they take advantage of a wide broader topics like the money (its history, admits this is not true for all members. range of skills and resources, unlike the what it is, how it works, etc.), trade and Where's the equity in this? Another con­ conventional economy which values cer­ national/international markets, economic cern is the role of business: will business tain skills and devalues or ignores others. injustice, local control, and similar issues. participation limit the relationships between continued on page six

Vol. 6, #4 RESIST Newsletter Page5 Activists Bank on Community Currency continued from page five portant for those implementing it to have communities. Currency activists say, "Of As mentioned earlier, federal dollars tend an understanding of the larger picture of course.That's why we're doing it." to flow out oflocal communities where they which their project is a part. In the case of On the level of the individual, commu­ are most needed to those who already con­ currency, we need to understand the his­ nity currencies can be empowering as they trol large pools of wealth like banks and tory of money and trade relationships. We encourage us to consider offering skills corporations. The very nature of commu­ need to have an understanding of the role and/or services to the community that we nity currency prevents this outflow. of markets in creating communities and in­ may not have previously considered "mar­ Further, there is no benefit to hoarding terpersonal relationships, not to mention ketable." Our communities benefit for all large amounts of community currency the hidden and not-so-hidden agendas of the reasons already stated. And over time, it is possible that as more systems are cre­ ated and reach maturity we could partici­ pate in the biggest boycott of all: people Community currency can't be invested in employed within local systems, earning and the stock market, it is worth nothing on spending local currency. The huge corpo­ ration is simply unnecessary. A wild fan­ international currency markets, and you tasy? Who knows. Why don't we find out?

probably wouldn't want to will a bunch of it Susan Meeker-Lowry helped launch to your grandchildren. Green Mountain HOURS, a local currency in Central Vermont, which received a grant from RESIST in 1996. She is also the author a/Economics as if since it is worth something only in local national and international markets. To in­ the Earth Really Mattered (1986) and trade. Community currency can't be in­ tentionally remove ourselves from these Invested in the Common Good (1995), vested in the stock market, it is worth noth­ larger markets in favor of creating stronger both by New Society Publishers. ing on international currency markets, and local ones is a political statement with re­ Portions of this article are reprinted you probably wouldn't want to will a percussions that extend beyond our local from Z Magazine (July/August 1995). bunch of it to your grandchildren ( except as a matter of curiosity). "HOUR money has a boundary around it," Glover explains, Where Your Income Tax Money Really Goes "so HOUR labor cannot enrich people who then take our jobs away to exploit cheap 26% labor elsewhere. It must be re-spent in the community from which it comes. It does 23% not earn bank interest so it is not designed for hoarding. It benefits us only as a tool for spreading wealth." But what's to prevent HOURS from be­ coming like any other establishment cur­ rency? The values and consciousness of its members. According to Glover, "Local currency activists generally seek to fundamentally transform society, rather than merely make it endurable." People starting currency sys­ tems must be very clear about what they 6% are doing and why. If a goal is to change the system and move away from valuing people's time and labor in dollars; ifa goal is to build relationships within the commu­ nity based on mutual respect and reciproc­ ity then members have a responsibility to 14% 31% take steps along the way to ensure these goals are being achieved and not left be­ hind in the excitement of printing money and expanding individual spending power. The War Resisters League created this chart based on a line-by-line analysis in the Analytical Perspectives book of the Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 1998. For any project, currency or not, to real­ The percentages are Federal Funds, calculated after removing Trust Funds (such as Social istically work for systemic change it is im- Security) which are raised and spent separately from income taxes.

Page 6 RESIST Newsletter May 1997 You Get What You Pay For Creating an Alternative Economy Through War Tax Resistance

KAREN MARYSDAUGHTER exposed to war tax resistance will neces­ tively minor in comparison. And the per­ sarily decide to try it, as with other forms sonal risks of redirecting my taxes seem eating economic alternatives is about of civil disobedience it inspires many like nothing in comparison to the risks of C emoving support from a system based people to take the next step in their own those facing the guns that U.S. tax dollars on greed and exploitation, and instead activism. are buying, and of those starving because building institutions that will lead to a more In addition, war tax resistance redirects of federal spending priorities. just and peaceful world. Local money sys­ actual cash dollars to the groups we sup­ tems, barter networks, cooperatives and port. Alternative funds, which are made up Overcoming "Economic Terrorism" collectives, land trusts, credit unions, com­ ofrefused tax money pooled for redistribu­ Even so, the thought of doing war tax munity development loan funds, etc., are tion, are currently giving away over $50,000 resistance strikes fear into the hearts of all efforts to use our labor and our re­ a year in the U.S. This may not be much most people. Not surprisingly, since the sources for the common good. A great idea! compared to the military budget, but it is a government is engaged in what I call "eco­ But the very people who are working so lot to the groups we support, for whom nomic terrorism" against its own citizens, hard to establish alternative economic sys­ $100 can make all the difference at a crucial keeping enough people homeless on the tems are at the same time being coerced moment. An unknown number of individual streets so that the rest of us toe the eco­ into using their labor and resources for resisters are also redirecting money each year. nomic line to save ourselves. However, to what they don 'twant, in the form offederal paraphrase a well-known Audre Lorde income taxes. Alternative Economic Systems quote: paying taxes will not protect us! Our Military-related expenses eat up about Additionally, because of a commitment only real possibility for security is to take 50% of each federal income tax dollar taken to keep money away from the military, war charge of our lives, including our money, out of people's paychecks. While we pas­ tax resisters are especially active in efforts and make the whole world a safer place. sionately strive each day to create a better to initiate and maintain alternative economic All economies are based on labor and world, militarism steadily undermines our systems. Jerry Chernow of Madison, Wis­ resources. Where do we want ours to go? efforts. Think about how hard we work to consin, made his printing business into a In the federal budget debate, human and provide shelter for homeless women while collective to prevent IRS collections efforts. environmental needs are being cut drasti­ our tax dollars are busy destroying the David Elliott has helped set up and main­ cally while military spending is barely men­ homes of more women than we can count. tain the Ithaca HOURS local money sys­ tioned. The same happens in our personal Or about doing a workshop for students tem in upstate New York. Barb Kass, Mike economic lives. We go to our meetings at on tolerance and diversity while our tax Miles, and their three children live at the food co-op, the labor union, the envi­ dollars pay the military to teach hatred and Anathoth Farm in rural Wisconsin, an in­ ronmental organization, and try to figure fear. Think aboutthe organizing we've done tentional community that experiments with out how to keep going on less money, of­ to clean up the environment while govern­ nonviolence and sustainable living. Betsy ten fighting among ourselves for dwindling ment-financed nuclear weapons produc­ Corner and Randy Kehler' s home that was resources. Meanwhile, a lot of money is tion is creating tons of radioactive waste. seized by the IRS in 1989 is part of the Val- being taken out of our paychecks each War tax resistance is an alternative that 1ey Community Land Trust. Larry week. If we want Congress to look at mili­ allows people to pay for what they do want Dansinger initiated the committee that tary spending in their funding debates, we and not pay for what they don't. It is a form founded the Waldo Community Develop­ also need to look at what we are personally of boycott that has empowered social ment Credit Union in Belfast, Maipe. These contributing to the military when we do our change movements for thousands of years are common stories in the war tax resis­ own budgetary decision-making. and in many parts of the world. Conscien­ tance movement. War tax resistance is a practical, effec­ tious objectors to war refuse to voluntarily There is some risk involved in war tax tive alternative to our militaristic economic pay either some or all of their federal taxes, resistance, but when people ask me if I'm system. When enough ofus decide to take using various methods from W-4 resistance afraid of refusing to give the government charge ofourtax money, the Navy will have to self-employment. They instead use that my taxes, I say that, considering what we to hold a bake sale to build its destroyers. · money to fund life-affirming projects. are getting for our money, I am much more War tax resistance serves a number of afraid of not refusing to give it to them. By Karen Marysdaughter is the Coordina­ important functions in the broader social far the greatest risks to me and all I love are tor for the National War Tax Resistance change movement. By providing a model the threat of war, the destruction of the Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC). of courageous risk-taking and successful environment, increased violence and re­ Last year, NWTRCC received $3,349 in resistance, it offers hope in the face of per­ pression, the dismantling of social sup­ donor-directed grants from R.ESIST. For vasive discouragement about "fighting ports, all created or exacerbated by milita­ more information on war tax resistance, City Hall." Although not everyone who is rism. What the IRS can do to me is rela- contact NWTRCC at 1-800-269-7464.

Vol. 6, #4 RESIST Newsletter Page 7 As part ofthe series ofreflections on JIBSIST's 30-year history, against some signers who were brought to trial for their resis­ printed below are portions of the original "call to resist illegiti­ tance to the war in Vietnam. To be historically accurate, we have mate authority" written in 1967 and signed by more than 20,000 not altered the gender exclusive language originally used in this people. The call was printed in the New York Review of Books, the call. To receive the entire "Call to Resist" send a self-addressed Nation and other public forums, as well as used to organize resis­ stamped envelope to the JIBS/ST office, 259 Elm Street, Suite 201, tance to the war in Vietnam. The document was used as evidence Somerville, MA 02144; [email protected]. A Call to Resist Illegitimate Authority To the young men ofAmerica, to the whole of the American people, and to all men ofgood will everywhere:

An ever growing number of young in Vietnam violates the Geneva Accords draft exemption from men whose religious 1American men are finding that the of 1954 which our government pledged to or profound philosophical beliefs are American war in Vietnam so outrages support but has since subverted. The opposed to what in Western religious their deepest moral and religious sense destruction of rice, crops and livestock; tradition have long been known as unjust that they cannot contribute to it in any the burning and bulldozing of entire wars. way. We share their moral outrage. villages consisting exclusively of civilian Therefore, we believe on all these We further believe that the war is structures; the interning of civilian non­ 5grounds that every free man has a 2 unconstitutional and illegal. Congress combatants in concentration camps; the legal right and a moral duty to exert every has not declared a war as required by the summary executions of civilians in cap­ effort to end this war, to avoid collusion Constitution. Moreover, under the Con­ tured villages who could not produce with it, and to encourage others to do the stitution, treaties signed by the President satisfactory evidence of their loyalties or same .... Each must choose the course of and ratified by the Senate have the same did not wish to be removed to concentra­ resistance dictated by his conscience force as the Constitution itself. The Char­ tion camps; the slaughter of peasants and circumstances .... ter of the United Nations is such a treaty. who dared to stand up in their fields and We believe that each of these forms The Charter specifically obligates the shake their fists at American helicop­ 6of resistance against illegitimate au­ Untied States to refrain from force of the ters;-these are all actions of the kind thority is courageous and justified. Many threat of force in international relations .... which the United States and the other of us believe that open resiftance to the The Untied States has systematically victorious powers of World War II de­ war and the draft is the course of action violated all of these Charter provisions clared to be crimes against humanity for most likely to strengthen the moral resolve for thirteen years. which individuals were to be held per­ with which all of us can oppose the war Moreover, this war violates interna­ sonally responsible even when acting and most likely to bring an end to the war. 3tional agreements, treaties and prin­ under the orders of their governments .... We will continue to lend our support ciples of law which the United States We also believe it is an unconstitu­ 7to those who undertake resistance to Government has solemnly endorsed. The 4 tional denial ofreligious liberty and this war. We will raise funds to organize combat role of the Untied States troops equal protection of the laws to withhold draft resistance unions, to supply legal •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• defense and bail, to support families and otherwise aid resistance to the war in Join the RESIST Pledge Program whatever ways may seem appropriate. We firmly believe that our statement Yes/ I'll become a We'd like you to consider is the sort of speech that under the RESIST Pledge. 8 becoming a RESIST Pledge. First Amendment must be free, and that Pledges account for over I'll send you my pledge of $__ the actions we will undertake are as legal every month/two months/ as is the war resistance of the young men 30% of our income. quarter/six months (circle one). By becoming a pledge, you help themselves. In any case, we feel that we guarantee RESIST a fixed and [ ) Enclosed is an initial pledge cannot shrink from fulfilling our responsi­ dependable source of income on which contribution of $___ . bilities to the youth whom many of us we can build our grant-making teach, to the country whose freedom we program. In return, we will send you a [ ) I can't join the pledge program cherish, and to the ancient traditions of monthly pledge letter and reminder now, but here's a contribution of $ ___ to support your work. religion and philosophy which we strive along with your newsletter. We will to preserve in this generation. keep you up-to-date on the groups we Name ______We call upon all men of good will to have funded and the other work being Address ______done at RESIST. 9join us in this confrontation with City/State/Zip ______immoral authority. Especially we call on So take the plunge and become a RESIST Pledge! We count on you, and Phone ______universities to fulfill their mission of the groups we fund count on us. enlightenment and religious organiza­ tions to honor their heritage of brother­ RESIST• 259 Elm Street• Suite 201 •Somerville• MA• 02144 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• hood. Now is the time to resist. Page8 RESIST Newsletter May 1997