Portraits of Conscience: by Jackie Renn
Celebrating the First Amendment During
a Time of War 2002-2007

In the fall of 2002 the beat of the Iraq war drums sounded. Citizens of the United states began to form peace groups throughout the country. Their purpose was to speak out against the war and the policies of the Bush administration. I saw a need to document this conscious action in a time of trans-generational civic unrest.

People who demonstrated in the streets were either ignored by the media or found their numbers underreported in ways that weakened protesters' efforts and undermined their messages and presence.

I began photographing Seattle war protests early on because not only was this an historical event but people needed to have their words, thoughts and actions documented and preserved for the future. Every citizen who dissents is exercising their First Amendment rights: the right to choose, free to express their consciousness. After all there is a reason why the First Amendment is the first.

In viewing "portraits of conscience" I hope that these images inspire, encourage, and empower you to take part in speaking your truth.

My current project in progress is Voices of Conscience: a documentary film on conscience and war. This film looks into the history of conscientious objectors (CO) in the United States. Interviews with COs of WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, and the Iraq war talk of their reasons for standing by their convictions even if it meant societal pressure and or jail.

If you know a CO or would like to contribute to the Voices of Conscience, contact me at jackierenn@gmail.com