'Troops Home Fast' hunger strikes continue

Organized by CODEPINK: Women for Peace, a group of long-term fasters launched a historic hunger strike against the war in Iraq on July 4 in front of the White House. During the first week of the fast, two people left for medical reasons, but the others have remained strong. The fasters have spent their time meeting with senators, such as Richard Lugar and Christopher Dodd. They've fed ice cream to the homeless to highlight the need to spend tax funds on helping the poor, not war. They signed up thousands of people on a Voters for Peace pledge, saying they would only vote for peace candidates. And this week, they will be walking the halls of Congress calling on representatives to vote to bring the troops home. Over 3,700 supporters, celebrities, veterans, mothers and concerned citizens across the country are also participating in a rolling fast over the summer, fasting as long as they are able and then passing the fast from person to person. Many will fast in solidarity from their hometowns, urging local leaders to stand for peace. Fasters include musicians Willie Nelson and Michael Franti, actors Danny Glover, Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon, Gulf War vet Michael McPherson, writer Alice Walker and labor leader Dolores Huerta. The fasters have appeared in the major press, from "Hannity and Colmes" and "Hardball" to "Democracy Now!" to the Washington Post. Diane Wilson, who has engaged in several hunger strikes as an environmental activist, says she will not set an end date to her fast. "My goal is to bring the troops home. I don't know how long I can fast, but I'm making this open-ended," she said. "I plan to take this as far as I've ever taken anything in my 58 years. I fear our future is at stake, and I'm ready to make a major sacrifice." They will continue to stand outside of the White House until Aug. 15, when they will move to Camp Casey in Crawford, TX, for two weeks. They will return to Washington until the fast ends on Sept. 21, International Peace Day, when activists around the country will initiate a week of nonviolent actions against the war as part of the Declaration of Peace.