Christ in the Rubble by Kelly Latimore
People are mobilizing, taking a variety of actions to call for an end to the slaughter in Gaza; making connections of how our struggles for liberation are bound together. It is encouraging that so many people are seeking out information about how to resist paying for war and then collaborating with others to learn more and share with others. As 2023 was coming to a close, NWTRCC was hosting weekly introductions to war tax resistance (WTR 101.) There are quite a few 101 sessions planned for 2024 as well as Town Hall Meetings hosted by We the People that are calling for a #Tax Blackout, calling for strikes and other strategic actions to mobilize people.
On the first day of the year, Israel declared that the bombing of Gaza would continue for months; actions in the first few days threatened an expansion of the war in the Middle East or as some refer to the area as West Asia/North Africa- WANA. The disruption of shipping routes by Houthis in the Southern Red Sea, the assassination Hamas leaders in Lebanon and the bombing in Iran on the anniversary of the US assassination of Commander Soleimani which killed close to 100 people are increasing tension in the area.
In addition to the bombing that is expected to continue for months, the people of Gaza are facing starvation as well as many preventable diseases related to lack of water and sanitation. Arif Husain, the chief economist at the World Food Programme, told The New York Times, “I’ve been to pretty much any conflict, whether Yemen, whether it was South Sudan, northeast Nigeria, Ethiopia, you name it. And I have never seen anything like this, both in terms of its scale, its magnitude, but also at the pace that this has unfolded.”
Western Asia from Wikimedia Common
While much of the major news is focused on the violence and speculating what may happen next, little attention is paid to nonviolent resistance. In response to the assassinations in Lebanon there was a call for a general strike in Palestine just weeks after a global general strike was called to demand a ceasefire to the bombing of Gaza. Not only are we often unaware of current resistance but also the long history of creative and courageous forms of resisting the oppression of the state. Beit Sahour the little town outside of Bethlehem has a long history of nonviolent resistance including tax resistance, economic boycotts and other creative forms of resistance like buying 18 cows to provide for their own needs.
It is imperative that we learn more of these stories to spark our imaginations of what is possible, to share them with others so that we can conspire together; bringing forth the world that we collectively long for. With the huge influx of interest in tax resistance, we would love your support in sharing your experience with those who are navigating the waters of this powerful movement with a rich history.
Downloadable and Printable Flyer
We will share details about the three WTR 101 sessions we have scheduled over the next two weeks to share in your networks. NWTRCC will be hosting a Counselor’s Training on February 17 to assist others in helping others make informed decisions about WTR. We would love to hear about the actions you have been involved in and ideas you have for expanding and strengthening our network. Consider printing out a flier with our QR code to attach to a sign or some half sheets to share with those who have signs expressing outrage of how US taxpayer money providing ammunition to the genocide in Gaza.
Post by Chrissy Kirchhoefer
I haven’t facilitated a WTR workshop in a while but plan to in the near future. When you write about the 101 sessions do you have an outline? Thanks
Chris,
We do have created a powerpoint for the 101 sessions that provides a great overview of WTR.
Thank you so much for writing this and sharing the info with us. I would love to attend the counselor’s training, how do I sign up?
Taylor,
Glad to hear of your interest! We will be sharing how to register for the counselors training in the next few weeks and will have the information on our website as well as in upcoming emails.
We cannot give money for war and weapons because these will only lead to more violence and bloodshed.
I could not agree more.
Question: Do you have a United States Postal Service address where I can send you a check?
Kathleen,
Absolutely-
National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee
PO Box 5616
Milwaukee, WI 53205
Thank you for your support!
Thank you for this thoughtful and inspiring roundup. It gives us hope to see so many people coming together in forms of direct action and resistance to what is an all-hands-on-deck situation across the globe… the theft of resources, at the expense of occupied people, being buttressed with our tax money, which is being diverted from our needs and wellbeing. The time for unity against tyranny is now and we could not be more proud to align with wonderful and dedicated organizations, such as yourself, to create the change we demand to see in the world.
So grateful to partner with you at this critical time when we continue to pivot our resources and crativity towards the we long for!