For a limited time if you donate $100 or more, NWTRCC will send you the War Tax Resister’s Guidebook written by Ruth Benn and Ed Hedemann. The newest edition of the guidebook, published by the War Resisters League, has updated information on changes in IRS policies over the decades. The comprehensive Guidebook addresses many questions for people beginning their journey to refusing to pay for war as well as a handy reference resource for those who have been practicing WTR for some time. It showcases the variety of tactics people have used over the years and the creative approaches some have employed to express their opposition to paying for war.
Some examples that stand out include John Ed Croft of New York who in 1987 attempted to pay the taxes assessed against him in recyclable cans, “currency of the homeless.” Donna Johnson was a part of a war tax resistance community in Colorado Springs that employed creative actions over the years. For a few years the group redirected tax money from the military to the people by attaching money to helium balloons and releasing them outside of the IRS building. They distributed money at the unemployment office with a letter expressing their motivations and directly distributing money. Another year they plowed 2 acres of land at the Air Force Academy for a garden. Donna also became a minister of the Universal Life Church and established her own church “Discussions of Peace’ and contributed half of her income towards community based programs. The IRS ruled against Johnson’s redirection efforts in Tax Court deemed tax resisters in Colorado Springs “a major problem.”
The various tactics utilized by resisters are inspiring as well as their words of explaining their motivations. Priscilla Adams emphasizes the need to be intentional in her resistance. “There is no other area of my life where so much of my personal resources are demanded for destructive purposes, so I try to be as effective as possible at keeping my resources used for the military.”
Robert Catlett is one of the rare WTR convicted for refusing to pay for war. In his case it was for refusing to file taxes. He states: “It’s immoral to pay someone to do what it would be immoral to do yourself. War is immoral, and I can’t pay taxes that will buy war.” Even though Catlett did not file taxes he was given two refunds from the IRS. 
The book highlights tactics and the inspiring personal stories of resisters, as well as, practical knowledge. One example is a Chapter titled ‘Conducting a Session on War Tax Resistance’ that suggests materials to bring, a detailed outline including time allocations and outreach promotion in one’s community. Having the Guidebook might be the best resource on hand for any WTR event.
You can find various ways to send your support to NWTRCC here; be sure to let us know that you would like a copy of the guidebook. Maybe you already have a copy and want to gift one to a friend or two. It could be a good summer read for some but definitely a great resource for war tax resisters and those who want to share up to date tactics with people interested in refusing to pay for endless war. It is nice to have on hand for inspiration for WTR as well as for a reference with a detailed glossary and footnotes.
The WTR network is grateful to Ed and Ruth for all the time and energy put into the guidebook, the editions and all the updates over the years. They capture the inspiring collective knowledge of WTRs who are so generous and enthused to share their lived experiences. Be sure to donate by the end of June to get your copy of the new WTR Guidebook. Thanks in advance!
Post by Chrissy Kirchhoefer