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Comment by blitmap | Hacker News Reader

I am not trying to over-simplify, but should I stop buying goods and services because the taxes taken on these transactions benefit the military?

The dividing line varies from person to person, of course. I think most would agree that improving a guidance algorithm for missile targeting is directly supporting the military. Fixing a kernel bug is not directly supporting the military. I'm a pacifist and I would go by my definition of direct support.

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A group of Quakers drafted a law in the 60s that would have allowed them to pay their taxes to UNICEF instead of the US treasury for that reason.

The concept is called “Conscientious objection to military taxation”

I know of an immigrant couple that although they were green card holders and have been living in the US for about 10 years, they decided to pack up and leave to Europe (to another foreign country, not to their native country) and one of the reasons they said was that they didn't want their tax money to support an immoral government and military. It seemed weird to me at the time, was the first time I ever heard someone say that for a reason to leave the US but they seemed dead serious and knowing them I have no reason to belief they were lying...

What a luxury to be a pacifist. Definition of 1st world privilege.

So because other people might not be in such a position, I shouldn't use my ability to choose not to support the military?

No and I never said that nor implied it but you should recognize that it is absolutely a luxury. There are people around the world literally fighting for their right to exist while you sit here on your "Moral High Ground" as though your position is unassailable but it isn't.

So basically, you're complaining that some people do have the ability to take a stand.

Here's the deal: Yes, some people are not as fortunate. That does not matter one iota in this conversation. Just because others have it worse does not in any way, shape, or form mean that we shouldn't continue fighting for better. You complaining about this is nothing more than you advocating a race to the bottom.

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