Veterans For Peace (VFP-111)Gitmo Hunger Strike Solidarity Action
On Friday, June 28, a VFP-111 Gitmo hunger strike planning discussion convened to discuss possible solidarity actions in support of ending the atrocities being perpetrated by the US at Guantanamo. During that meeting it was determined that a rolling fast by our membership and supporters might best demonstrate our solidarity with the heroic sacrifices of Veterans For Peace hunger strikers Elliott Adams and Tarak Kauff, now on open-ended fasts to end forced-feedings and torture at Guantanamo Bay prison.
Like our VFP brothers and other hunger strikers around the country we advocate for the closure of Gitmo, but until President Obama actually lives up to this promise, or at least ends the illegal detention of eighty-six detainees already cleared for release, the time for long-overdue action is now. Lives are in the balance, with each new day more critical than the last.
On a global scale thousands of fasts and other actions have been implemented in recent months for the purpose of not only drawing attention to a hell hole like Gitmo, but to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and take action. Recent hunger strikers among our ranks, Diane Wilson and Brian Willson, only ending their efforts after a White House arrest and a traffic accident, have been such inspirations for decades. This is the time to follow their lead as a chapter.
While rolling hunger strikes are not new, our planners agreed that this nonviolent tactic may be more of a risk health-wise for some of our membership than to others. For this reason it was decided to promote such fasting, but only with the type and duration to be left up to the individual participants. Examples of such fasts can be found on CloseGitmo.net and Witness Against Torture.
The success of a Chapter 111 rolling fast will likely never be measurable, but every one begins with the first participant passing their fast, after completion, to the next person, in relay-style. And whether it is a week or midnight to midnight version, or a half day, or a couple of meals, we should each act as if it makes a difference, because it does.
A “Gitmo Rolling Fast” Doodle poll for July was created to schedule all participants. Select a day, even an overlapping day, once you enter the site. If you would prefer to remain anonymous – that is, to not advertise on the Doodle poll – that’s understandable. If that’s the case, or if you have a question or comment, just email one of the VFP-111 Rolling Strike contacts. Besides me, the contacts are Michael Jacobsen [email protected] or Ellen Murphy [email protected].
UPDATE: Check out Elliott Adam’s passionate 25 minute interview on this afternoon’s Joe Show on 930KBAI. Here’s the link - http://930kbai.com/the-joe-
Street theater, vigiling/bannering, along with outreach, media efforts, even non-violent civil disobedience, will also be integral to its success. We welcome any and all suggestions.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZorfNu4xxWg]
by 
Hunger Striker's Blog
U.S. Faster in Solidarity w/Gitmo & Pelican Bay Prisoners
Foreground: EMT prepares the tool for the nasal intubation. Background: U.S. Embassy, Buenos Aires, Argentina Middleground:...agony awaits.
The feeding demo is extremely painful, yet it is done with consent. The long-term solidarity fast continues with nasogastric nourishment in front of U.S. governmental symbols of power. The twice-daily force-feeding of Gitmo hunger strikers is nonconsensual and therefore real torture by the standards sponsored by U.S. taxpayers and authorized by members of Congress who just raised the debt ceiling to nearly $17 trillion. President Obama's actions continue to belie his empty words "Close Guantánamo." As Commander-in-Chief, he could easily order an end to what the Pentagon refuses to call "forced-feeding." The force-feeding is premeditated relentless forced penetration of plastic into their innermost sacred cavities !
Andrés Thomas Conteris - fasted on water and coconut water with vitamin and electrolyte supplements. Solidarity fast began July 8, 2013 with 30,000 hunger striking California prisoners urging fulfillment of 5 Core Demands of the Pelican Bay supermax prisoners. Force-feeding protests began Sept. 6 & Sept. 25 in front of the White House & later in front of the Oakland Office of CA Dept of Corrections and Rehab (CDCR) to depict how prisoners in Guantánamo are tortured with force-feeding twice-daily and how CA prisoners as future hunger strikers have been threatened with a court order authorizing force-feeding. On Oct 4 and Oct 8 he was tube-fed in front of the U.S. Embassies in Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina. On Oct 15 a similar protest took place in Santiago, Chile. On Friday, Oct 18 the feeding protest returns to Washington, DC outside a Federal Court hearing on the lawsuit challenging force-feeding in Guantánamo. He is now on a maintenance fast losing about 1 pound per week, unlike the 5 pounds/week the first 11 weeks. In January 2014 with the anniversary of Guantánamo on Jan. 11, the force feeding protests will recommence. Please spread the word.
U.S. Hunger Strikers who have suspended their fast
Diane Wilson - Water only 58 days (lost 48 lbs). Diane, co-founder of CodePink and member of Veterans for Peace, suspended her hunger strike on June 27, 2013 after detention following her arrest for scaling the White House fence the day before. She faced a jury trial in DC District Court on Sept. 5th, 2013.
S. Brian Willson - Suspended Hunger Strike on June 10, 2013 after 31 days on 300cal/day, when a car accidentally hit him. Supporters continue a vigil with a rolling fast, in Portland, OR.
Elliott Adams - Went 80 days on 300 cal/day from May 18, to August 4, 2013 losing 45 lbs. He is past President of Veterans for Peace.
Tarak Kauff - Ended fast on August 4, 2013 after 58 days on 300 cal/day since June 7. He lost 29 lbs. On Board of Directors for Veterans for Peace.
Cynthia Papermaster - After 84 days on 300 cal/day, Cynthia suspended her hunger strike on Sep. 6 which began June 15, 2013. Code Pink member, lost 35 lbs. The transfer of two Algerian prisoners on Aug. 29, 2013, inspired her to suspend her fast.
Collaborative of CloseGitmo.net Organizations
- Campaign for Alternatives to
- Meta Peace Team: "Pursuing peace
- Metta Center for Nonviolence
- NRCAT
Daily Updates
- Articles: Guantánamo: Where Being Cleared for Release Means Nothing January 26, 2014
- Articles: Video: Washington D.C. Protest on the 12th Anniversary of the Opening of Guantánamo January 16, 2014
- Articles: Join Us in Washington D.C. on Jan. 11 to Tell President Obama, "Close Guantánamo Now!" January 6, 2014
