Post by isiahcarlsmith on Jan 17, 2005 21:09:32 GMT -5
Many people have serious questions about whether it is right to take part in war. They may not know the term, or even that there is such a thing as conscientious objection to war, but they may be conscientious objectors.
The Constitution gives the government the power to raise an army, so people can be drafted to fight. But, there is also an established right to conscientious objection dating from before the Constitution. It is rooted in our cultural value of freedom; and many religious groups originally came here so they could follow their religion without government interference. Many of these groups came specifically because their belief that killing and war are wrong created problems for them in the country they were fleeing.
Once people hear about conscientious objection, they often want to know what is necessary to qualify as a CO with the government. That process is sometimes hard. The rules are fairly specific (and not always fair). However, if COs are properly prepared, generally they will be recognized.
Living Buddhism has discussed what it means to be a CO, and as an organization that stands by principles of nonviolence, we have decided to make a push to inform others further and start a larger discussion. As a new organization with no political affiliation, in order for us to inform the JMU Campus at large we will need the assistance of already established organizations. Not all of our members will be going through the process of becoming a CO, but most are still interested in informing and working with other people on these issues and with other organizations. If you feel that some members of your organization or your organization as a whole would like to join us in forming a group of students to inform other students about conscientious objection on campus please contact us as soon as possible.
The Constitution gives the government the power to raise an army, so people can be drafted to fight. But, there is also an established right to conscientious objection dating from before the Constitution. It is rooted in our cultural value of freedom; and many religious groups originally came here so they could follow their religion without government interference. Many of these groups came specifically because their belief that killing and war are wrong created problems for them in the country they were fleeing.
Once people hear about conscientious objection, they often want to know what is necessary to qualify as a CO with the government. That process is sometimes hard. The rules are fairly specific (and not always fair). However, if COs are properly prepared, generally they will be recognized.
Living Buddhism has discussed what it means to be a CO, and as an organization that stands by principles of nonviolence, we have decided to make a push to inform others further and start a larger discussion. As a new organization with no political affiliation, in order for us to inform the JMU Campus at large we will need the assistance of already established organizations. Not all of our members will be going through the process of becoming a CO, but most are still interested in informing and working with other people on these issues and with other organizations. If you feel that some members of your organization or your organization as a whole would like to join us in forming a group of students to inform other students about conscientious objection on campus please contact us as soon as possible.