If you are reading this, then chances are you are a supporter of conscience.  You understand hundreds of military personnel rely upon the services provided by CCW to help them understand their rights in the military.  You understand military conscientious objectors rely upon our support during their CO application process.  You understand thousands of civilian conscientious objectors rely upon our information on Selective Service.  You understand hundreds of thousands of people in the United States rely upon our advocacy against a potential draft.  And, most importantly, you understand the power of conscience in advocating for peace.

President Bush and Congress have always spent taxpayer money—your money—as they saw fit, racking up trillions of dollars of military expenses in the two current wars.  Now President Bush is encouraging you to spend money from taxes as you see fit.

On January 24, Congressional leaders and President Bush agreed on an economic stimulus package that would include rebates for people who file their yearly income taxes with the IRS.  Hailing the plan as “an effective, robust and temporary set of incentives” that will boost the economy, Bush praised the ability of taxpayers to spend the rebates “as they see fit.”

Obviously, with the current economic slowdown, everyone is taking a hit.  This includes CCW.  We need not let the work of protecting the rights of conscientious objectors and promoting the ideals of peace and justice suffer when it is now, more than ever, that soldiers in the battlefield and young people facing draft registration depend upon our service and advocacy.

The President tells you to spend the rebate as you see fit.  CCW’s work depends upon you to follow your conscience.  Please remember CCW when you receive your rebate in the mail.