“I Refuse to Kill will inspire and move you deeply.” — Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul & Mary)
A HISTORICAL MEMOIR by
Francesco Da Vinci
Share in Francesco Da Vinci's dramatic transition from bystander to nonviolent activist, and witness the triumphs and tragedies of the '60s.
At the risk of a 5-year prison term, Francesco Da Vinci struggles with his Virginia draft board to be recognized as a sincere conscientious objector to the Vietnam War. Because of his controversial stand as a CO and activist, Da Vinci experiences intense intolerance, which spills over to his family and fiancée.
While his CO case is on appeal, Da Vinci forms a peace group in San Diego called Nonviolent Action. The peace group becomes a national movement, and its campaign to help end the war reaches the halls of Congress with the help of Sen. George McGovern.
You might ask, why now for a ‘60s memoir? The issues raised in I Refuse to Kill are today’s top issues - social justice, police brutality, government surveillance, persecution of nonviolent activists, and war versus the nonviolent resolution of conflict.
Musician Peter Yarrow adds, “This amazing timely story confirms that one person, acting with courage and conviction, can successfully oppose war and help change a part of history. Francesco Da Vinci’s story reminds us that acts of conscience are never pursued in vain.”
The contributions of COs and sixties activists have been largely omitted from our history or flagrantly distorted for political reasons. I Refuse to Kill sets the record straight.
PRAISE FOR I REFUSE TO KILL
“If there is a saving grace in the sordid record of atrocities in Indochina, it is in the conscientious objection of young men to serve in a criminal war. Francesco Da Vinci’s pioneering role in this courageous course is an inspiration for us all.”
— Noam Chomsky, Historian
“Da Vinci willingly paid a high price to counter perpetual war and champion nonviolence.”
— Governor Michael Dukakis
“Francesco Da Vinci’s story is the testament of a brave activist risking his own freedom to ensure the humanity and dignity of others. May this book embolden people to oppose war and violence.”
— Joyce Ajlouny, General Secretary - American Friends Service Committee
“It is time that the people of this country are more offended by war and more encouraging of peace and conscientious objection. Da Vinci’s eye-opening book is an important step toward that end.”
— Ed Asner, Actor
I Refuse To Kill is more than a memoir; it is a guide book on how to stand by our convictions for peace no matter what the odds."
— Garett Reppenhagen, Executive Director - Veterans For Peace
“Da Vinci’s story of resistance, in which he risked everything for his moral convictions, could not be more timely as the US continues to be mired in numerous, seemingly endless, and equally senseless wars of choice.”
- Daniel Kovalik, author of No More War
About FRANCESCO DA VINCI
Francesco Da Vinci is a journalist, nonviolent activist, public speaker, and documentary film producer. Previously, for more than 20 years, he was a celebrity portrait photographer with Getty Images. Publication of Francesco’s work include The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Time, and LIFE Magazine. Currently, Francesco lives and works in Los Angeles, where he is developing a documentary film based on I Refuse to Kill. The film will promote social justice, nonviolence, and altruism. Around his writing and film work, Francesco gives talks that pay tribute to conscientious objectors, past and present.
