One Million Taxpayers for Peace (
http://www.onemilliontaxpayersforpeace.org) was recently launched to unite into one thunderous voice the millions of Americans opposing this country¹s escalating militarism, to proclaim "NO MORE!" Drawing upon the rich and powerful heritage of non-violent protest, the grassroots nationwide campaign invites people to "vote their dissent" April 15, by carrying out a very-low risk civil disobedient act: to reduce their IRS payment a symbolic $10.40 (or pay in full, because of overpayment or other reasons), and send their "peace tax" to One Million Taxpayers for Peace. The collected "peace tax" funds will finance conflict resolution programs in schools and communities nationwide. An accompanying letter-writing campaign clearly tells decision-makers and the public there is indeed widespread opposition to the government's agenda.
Because dissenting opinions have been ignored, or worse, considered unpatriotic, by mainstream media and the government, there is a need to speak collectively in such a way that dissent can no longer be dismissed. One Million Taxpayers for Peace aims to create that collective voice. It was born out of grief and horror at the thousands of lives senselessly lost September 11, 2001, in the U.S., and since October 7, 2001 in Afghanistan, from the need for healing and reconciliation, the necessity that not one more life be wasted, and acknowledgment that tax dollars fund US bombing. While saying "no" to paying for war, there was simultaneously a need to say "yes" to supporting an alternative. By teaching the next generation nonviolent solutions to aggression and conflict, a way out of war and the culture of violence it engenders becomes possible.
Although started by "peace taxpayers" in Sonoma County, CA, One Million Taxpayers for Peace reflects nationwide discussions of recent years by hundreds of taxpayers addressing their complicity with war through paying taxes for it. Knowing that close to 50% of their tax dollars fund military programs that conflict with their ethics, they feel morally obligated to resist, redirect and speak up.