Today I just learned about the growing fast in protest of the horrendous upcoming budget cuts.
I, like many other Kossacks, have been struggling for the past several years to keep my head above water. The continuous assault on our economy, on the poor, on children, on women, etc etc etc, has just been exhausting, and having to keep my eye on paying my rent has diverted my attention and energy from participating in any actions.
To watch the dems sit by seemingly helpless to fight this GOP machine of greed, selfishness and cruelty makes it even more overwhelming. As the media converged on "dozens" of teabaggers in DC, yet systematically avoids reporting on gargantuan real grassroots protests, I became more and more disheartened.
That is, until I found out about the fast. Please follow me below the fold ~ Kossacks, I hope you'll join me!!
I searched diaries about this and only found one, on April 1st, by Justin Ruben of MoveOn.org
Why I'm Fasting Against the Budget Cuts
Joining the fast with him are, among others:
...Mary Kay Henry of SEIU; Deepak Bhargava, of the Center for Community Change; Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins,of Green For All, James Rucker of ColorOfChange.org; Rick Jacobs of Courage Campaign; Joaquin Guerra of Presente.org; and Michael Kieschnick of CREDO.
Mark Bittman of the NYT (of Minimalist fame) also joined for four days, writing an eloquent op-ed Why We’re Fasting
Not to mention plenty of religious folks, like Rev Jim Wallis of Sojourners and Tony Hall of 1993 fasting fame.
For me, this is a meaningful way to express my frustration and anger with the leadership in this country. It is a way for me to connect, all be it superficially, with the suffering of those less fortunate than I. It is something that I can do, and I would love it if we could line up a mess of Kossacks to do this together!
I will start a fasting group if I can get enough people interested. Here is a good article that I found if you are concerned about the health risks/benefits:
Nutritional Program For Fasting
And please - if you have any health concerns please talk to your doctor before joining!!
There are many ways to participate; an all-out fast is not the only way. I plan on fasting tomorrow through Sunday. Please join me!!!