Protesting and investing for peace will be the subjects of two events sponsored Jan. 26 by Columbia River Fellowship for Peace.

“Patriots for Peace” training in non-violence, for citizens opposed to war, will take place beginning 10 a.m., at Overlook Park, State and Second streets, Hood River.

David Duncombe will lead the training. Duncombe, of White Salmon, is a minister and peace activist whose fast last autumn challenged the U.S. legislative branch to support debt reduction for developing nations.

The training is intended to teach people how to respond nonviolently in tense or dangerous situations while protesting injustice or war. (In case of rain, the event will be postponed one week. For further information, contact CRFP coordinator Theresa North, 386-4074.)

A public forum, “Green Investments and War Tax Resistance,” starts at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of Riverside Church, State and Fourth streets, Hood River. There is no admission charge.

Ron Cohen of Portfolio Resource Group and Ann Huntwork and John Grueschow of Oregon Community for War Tax Resistance will discuss options available to persons whose moral beliefs preclude financial participation in war.

“Each year, thousands of Americans are forced into a desperate dilemma: violate their consciences by paying taxes for war, or risk their solvency and freedom by refusing,” said coordinator Linda Short of the CRFP.

“And others, seeking to help, not hurt, the world through their nest eggs, wander lost in the financial markets.”

Oregon Community for War Tax Resistance a group of longtime and newer resisters to war taxes, meets monthly to support and discuss such resistance.

Cohen, owner of Middle Mountain Tax Services in Hood River for 25 years, offers tax preparation and business consulting specializing in “socially responsible investing.”

“Returns on socially responsible investments have improved and research shows that returns are not diminished by socially responsible investment,” said Cohen, who is currently with Portfolio Resource Group, which specializes in alternative energy companies.

According to Short, in 1972 Oregon’s Sen. Mark Hatfield was among the first to endorse the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund. H.R. 1921 would enable conscientious objectors to war taxes to have their federal taxes directed to a special fund for solely nonmilitary use.

For further information, contact Short at (541) 490-9287.