A group of peace activists from across the state plans to host a concert for war tax resistance Wednesday at the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine on the campus of the University of Maine at Augusta.

The Maine War Tax Resistance Resource Center, of Portland, promotes war tax resistance and supports potential and current war tax resisters in Maine. “War tax resistance” is defined by the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee as refusing to pay some or all of the federal taxes that pay for war.

The event begins at 7 p.m. with a sharing circle followed by the concert at 8 p.m. Organizers are encouraging people to bring food and drinks to share.

The sharing circle will include peace activists from across Maine sharing their experiences, thoughts and strategies to address the increased militarization of U.S. domestic and international policy, according to a news release.

“It is essential to take personal and collective action today as the militarization of our culture continues its insidious attack on all aspects of our lives,” said Doug Rawlings, a founding member of the Veterans for Peace organization and former University of Maine at Farmington instructor.

Performers include Ruth Hill, Katherine Rhoda, Gray Cox and Jason Rawn.

The release said Rhoda can bring an audience to tears or leave them smiling. Rawn is an activist, artist and musician who has played at demonstrations and protests all over the world. He recently was involved in a civil resistance trial in Sagadahoc County. Cox is a singer-songwriter who plays bones and guitar and teaches at the College of the Atlantic.

Admission is free but a donation is suggested.


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