Document. Rebuttal to the Freedom House statement concerning conscientious objection as it appeared in the New York Times. ~ Contrary to statements in the Times: Historically, service was voluntary so a personal conviction that a given war was unjust would allow them to excercise that option. Zahn contends that a similar conviction and subsequent refusal to serve in the Vietnam War must be respected and supported by our nation if we are truly democratic. Not only those who are members of "peace churches," but also individuals with personal moral conviction should be allowed the conscientious objector classification. A new principle of "conscientious objection to taxation" should also be introduced so that the person who refuses to kill will also not be responsible to subsidize the killings, and "alternative payments" could be arranged. ~ Worldview ~ 03/? ~ pages 4-6