strategy
Denying right of conscientious objection to military service
Claim:
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, 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. 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. Broader:
Denying rightsViolating human rights Constrained by:
Establishing peace tax fund Subjects:
Communication → CensorshipDefence → Military
Type Classification:
G: Very Specific strategies