"When the actions of government become dangerous to the security of the nation, it takes a special courage for men and women inside the government to speak out. If we care about keeping democracy alive, we must welcome this book." Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the U.S.

During the run-up to war in Iraq, Army Colonel (Ret.) and diplomat Ann Wright resigned her State Department post. She was one among dozens of government insiders and active-duty military personnel who leaked documents, spoke out, resigned, or refused to deploy in protest of government actions they felt were illegal.

In Dissent: Voices of Conscience, Ann Wright and Susan Dixon tell the stories of these men and women, who risked careers, reputations, and even freedom out of loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law.

"Voices of conscience are usually smothered in spin. That the stories of these heroes are recorded here gives me great hope and shows that it is still possible to do the right thing." Ray McGovern, Retired CIA Analyst and Presidential Briefer for George H. W. Bush

"As a soldier and a diplomat, Ann Wright always placed her country, its direction, and its welfare at the top of her priority list. She is, without question, one of the most honest and ethical individuals I have been privileged to know. I salute Ann Wright and the powerful voices of truth heard in Dissent." Brigadier General (Ret.) Pat Foote, Former Commanding General, Fort Belvoir, Virginia

Prior to the war in Iraq, diplomat Ann Wright resigned her State Department post in protest--one of dozens of government personnel who spoke out, resigned, leaked documents, or refused to deploy in protest of government actions they felt were illegal. "Dissent" tells their stories.

Ann Wright grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas, where she received a master’s and a law degree. She also has a master's degree in national security affairs from the U.S. Naval War College. After college, she spent thirteen years in the U.S. Army and sixteen additional years in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Colonel. She is airborne-qualified.

Susan Dixon grew up in Connecticut and received a bachelor's degree in Asian studies from Trinity College in Hartford. She earned a master's degree in geography from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she is a doctoral candidate. She teaches on the geography of peace and war as well as on political activism and nonviolence.