The U.S. government is populated by people with a “World War II mentality,” the idea that the U.S. can invade, militarily defeat, and occupy a country — just like what happened to Japan, Germany, and Italy in WW II — that eventually will convert to a so-called “Western style democracy.” Then there are also morally disturbed people like Henry Kissinger who believe “Nations have to wage war to preserve their virility” (1973). Hmm.

These U.S. war-makers seem to have conveniently forgotten Vietnam (as with the remarkably familiar scene at the Kabul airport a few days ago) and subsequent wars. Especially considering Afghanistan’s history of being invaded and occupied over the centuries, then the invading countries always — always — leaving (e.g., Soviet Union in the 1980s), and the previous regimes always returning.

Given these horrors, I am so thankful to have the fantastic opportunity to openly refuse to pay taxes for war. Doesn’t right all wrongs or solve all problems, but it’s a step in the right direction.