Peace Talk — Autumn 2006
The Quarterly Newsletter of Peace Action MaineOn July 4, CODEPINK and Gold Star Families launched a hunger strike called TROOPS HOME FAST, calling for the U.S. government to bring our troops home from Iraq‹FAST. A core group of long-term participants is fasting in front of the White House.
Fasting for social change has a long history. Among those who have fasted are Mahatma Gandhi in his efforts to gain independence for India, the suffragettes in their quest for the vote, and independence fighters to gain control of Ireland.
Around the country many people who oppose the war are joining the fast. Greater Brunswick PeaceWorks is calling on opponents to the war here in midcoast Maine to join the fast. It will begin on September 11th and end on September 21st ‹UN-designated International Day of Peace. Participants can choose to fast for one day or as many days as they wish. They can choose to drink water or juices or other liquids. Those who can will gather on the Brunswick mall from noon to 1 o’clock every day of the fast to talk to passers-by about their reasons for fasting.
PeaceWorks member Bruce Gagnon says, “I’ve seen enough of the war and suffering in the Middle East. I have to do more to help try to end it. The U.S. is spending $8.5 billion a month on the occupation of Iraq and is now supplying the bombs to Israel that are killing children. We must begin to take responsibility for what our country is doing in our name. I will fast for 10 days in hopes that others will step outside of their self-imposed boxes and help try to end this madness of war.” FMI: Gagnon at 729-0517.