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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDU's H20 Man will begin a hunger strike on Monday to protest fracking. This is his story.
Natural gas wells owned by Cabot Oil and Gas in Dimock, Pennsylvania, in December 2009. (Photo: Fred R. Conrad / The New York Times)
In the Clearing Stands a Boxer: One Man's Fight Against Fracking
By William Rivers Pitt
t r u t h o u t | Op-Ed
Friday 13 January 2012
There is a natural prejudice against fasting as part of a political struggle. It is considered a vulgar interpolation in politics by the ordinary politician, though it has always been resorted to by prisoners. My fast should not be considered a political move in any sense of the term. It is obedience to the peremptory call of conscience and duty. It comes out of felt agony.
- Mahatma Gandhi, January 1948
What can the "little person" do?
We live in a country dominated by Citizens United, by "super-PAC's," by corporate wealth and power of such vast depth and breadth that to even contemplate a challenge against such powers is paralyzing. They are watching, they are listening, and if you step on the wrong set of toes, as the song goes, "The Man come and take you away."
It is all well and good to be inspired by the words of men like Mario Savio, who said, "There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part. You can't even passively take part! And you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus and you've got to make it stop!"
All well and good, yes...but when the moment arrives to actually lay oneself upon the gears and wheels, so many of us become daunted, diminished, or simply too afraid to act.
What can the "little person" do against such might?
Recently, however, an example of courage was gifted to us all. It began in New York City with "Occupy Wall Street," and spread like wildfire across the nation. Thousands upon thousands of people laid themselves upon those gears and wheels and said, simply, No." For their trouble, they were greeted with the truncheon, the chemical spray, the taser, the punch, the kick, imprisonment, and the hard truth of state-sanctioned violence. The Occupy struggle continues, but the machine opposed by that movement still grinds on.
What can the "little person" do?
One man is about to give his answer.
I was privileged, many years ago, to become friends with a man named Patrick R. McElligott. He was once a boxer, and we first bonded over the story of the day I met Muhammad Ali. Over the years, our friendship grew as we endured, and struggled against, the mayhem and insanity of the George W. Bush administration.
Last week, I received a note from him letting me know that, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, he would be undertaking a hunger strike directed against New York State officials who are bound and determined to make the Southern Tier of the state a showcase for the effectiveness of a process called Induced Hydraulic Fracturing, or "fracking." The process, aimed at releasing buried energy sources like natural gas or petroleum, is accomplished by blasting high-pressure water and other chemicals into the ground. The industries behind fracking will tell you that the process is perfectly safe and not in need of much regulation, but Patrick McElligott knows better.
(snip)
Mr. McElligott made many attempts to engage local political officials, on both sides of the aisle, in a dialogue on the potential hazards of this process. He was uniformly rebuffed. He wrote them repeatedly to no avail, and likewise wrote to his neighbors to explain the dangers of fracking.
Finally, when all other avenues had been exhausted, Mr. McElligott made his decision. He would lay himself upon the gears and the wheels, even as it put him in great personal peril.
On Monday, Mr. McElligott will begin his hunger strike. Earlier this week, I spoke at length with this "little man," my friend, so he could explain his motivations and his intentions.
The rest: http://www.truth-out.org/clearing-stands-boxer-one-mans-fight-against-fracking/1326401455
dipsydoodle
(42,239 posts)and hope he don't suffer no harm as a result.
cyberpj
(10,794 posts)the process and the dangers yet.
trumad
(41,692 posts)This last year he has been in bad health... Surgery etc.
I admire what he is doing but I don't want to see him hurt himself by doing this.
think
(11,641 posts)Thank you.
madokie
(51,076 posts)I wish him well
varelse
(4,062 posts)we cannot afford to lose him.
juajen
(8,515 posts)His health is uppermost in my mind. He is such a good man, and I would hate to lose him. Please, please reconsider.
bigtree
(85,915 posts)outstanding_
Not looking forward to the effects on Mr. McElligott's health.
randr
(12,408 posts)Out here in Western Colorado we are just begining our fight against the fracting industry. We received notification on the possible lease of 30,000 acres of land in our small mostly organic valley. We have been joined in our fight by many people across our nation.
The struggle against the Koch roaches, as we prefer to call them, is pandemic. They are reaching into every corner of our planet to extract public resources in a most vile manner. They must be stopped at all costs.
I urge all DUers to educate themselves to the issue and support your local efforts with all you have. If you are lucky enough not to live in one of the sacrifice zones find a group that is struggling with this attack and support them.
Thanks Will and Power to the waterman.
Tsiyu
(18,186 posts)Some men hear what they want to hear and disregard the rest...
H2O Man is demanding that they listen....
hlthe2b
(101,702 posts)I could not be more proud of a DUer's determination to make a stand. I could not be more overwhelmed by an advocate's selflessness towards this cause.
That said, I fear for H2OMan's health. I can't help but fear for the individual, no matter how important the cause.
Thank you, Will for letting us know. I will do my best to be supportive, though worried. Best wishes, H20Man. You are greatly admired.
Mopar151
(9,965 posts)The man - or the groundwater.
Spazito
(49,735 posts)I will keep him in my thoughts as I fear for his health.
Mnemosyne
(21,363 posts)Zorra
(27,670 posts)A person with the courage of convictions.
Our country needs many more people like H2O Man.
Mitakuye Oyasin.
xchrom
(108,903 posts)i wish him Strength and Courage in Abundance.
Response to xchrom (Reply #10)
WilliamPitt This message was self-deleted by its author.
Laurian
(2,593 posts)I have great respect for H2O Man and have always appreciated his DU posts. Like others, I am concerned for his personal well being in this endeavor and hope that we will receive regular updates on his status. Best of luck and many thanks to H2O Man.
babylonsister
(170,960 posts)remember how valuable you are to so many people. I/we admire you greatly, and don't want to see you hurt yourself.
I'll be rooting for you!
era veteran
(4,069 posts)PA Democrat
(13,225 posts)all of our support and love from DU.
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)Please be careful- make sure you get enough water- we don't want to lose you.
I'll be sending all the positive energy I can your way.
/hug
Marrah
joeybee12
(56,177 posts)byronius
(7,369 posts)jsmirman
(4,507 posts)to help publicize his efforts?
I am humbled by and so grateful for the effort he is undertaking and the sacrifice he is about to make.
His message and his convictions should be spread as widely as possible.
What are your thoughts on using social media to do this? Are there plans already in the works?
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)If you want to do so, have at it. All the info you need - his letters, his plans, numbers people can call - is in the article:
http://www.truth-out.org/clearing-stands-boxer-one-mans-fight-against-fracking/1326401455
jsmirman
(4,507 posts)if you think he'd have no objection, I think I'm going to do this.
I can think of few things that so comprehensively represent the things I think need to be stood up for and the things that people need to stand up against.
If you could confirm that he would be amenable to such a plan, though, that would be great. I wouldn't want to do anything that he felt didn't appropriately fit with his struggle.
(along those lines, facebook is facebook, and there are many issues with all of that, but it still remains a very good way to spread the word among friends and acquaintances who share some of the same concerns and passions.)
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)If you want to make sure, he will be dropping in on this thread (or starting his own) later today, and you can ask him yourself.
jsmirman
(4,507 posts)I will be sure to do so, or, if he drops in on this thread, I will look for his reply.
Great article, btw (from an ex-journo).
Speaking of my past life, actually, I do still have a number of contacts in the media. I could try to bring the story to the attention of a variety of people (it's a pretty good story in terms of how media people view these things - compelling subject, timely, frankly, the Hurricane Carter tie-in - I apologize for being so crass, but these are the crass factors that drive their decisions, as you probably already know).
You have framed the story eloquently on your own, of course. If you would like me to include you in any of my efforts to contact the people I know, that can be arranged. I would, obviously, be using your article as the most digestible source material to convey the contours of the story.
Please let me know your thoughts.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)I plan on being in touch with Patrick throughout this protest to keep tabs and let people know what's going on. Some of it will be on Truthout, some on my FB page.
jsmirman
(4,507 posts)you seem like a talented journalist, and while, clearly, the most important thing is to spread the word as widely as possible, I wouldn't want someone to run with "your story" (of course, this *is* H20 Man's story) if I could also help you at the same time.
I'm going to send you a PM, regardless, to give you the three people, in order, that my instincts say to pass the story along to.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)This isn't about me in any way, shape or form. The more notice this story gets, the better.
jsmirman
(4,507 posts)I sent you a PM with my list of choices to reach out to, if I don't hear back from you, I'll go in the order I laid out in the PM.
Major Hogwash
(17,656 posts)Unless the New York Times gets involved, or something of that nature, I don't think this will have a happy ending.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)He'll be here later, you can doom-and-gloom at him personally.
speaking of the contacts I mention above, some of them are at the Times.
I think this story is something that they would be very interested in (again, please see above).
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)the kind of readership that would support this kind of action.
If you want to help, and have a twitter account eg, that will help get the story to a huge number of people in a short amount of time. Also all media can be reached directly on Twitter, which I am going to do. TV and print media also radio. The are all on Twitter.
Keith, Rachel and Cenk Uygar, should be willing to cover this and put it on their Twitter accounts.
Going to do that right now. I love this twitter button, makes this so much easier.
EFerrari
(163,986 posts)Well, I think it would be really nice if people would call NYS Senator Tom Libous, and tell him that they think he should talk to the leaders of the grass roots groups that are opposed to hydrofracking. That doesn't mean that he will change his position on fracking. But an elected representative should be willing to listen to people he disagrees with. He really should welcome the opportunity, even if he isn't going to change our positions.
He has offices in Binghamton and Albany. The Binghamton phone numbesr are: 607-773-8771, and 877-854-2687. The Albany number is: 518-455-2677. His e-mail is: senator@senatorlibous.com .
People can also call Governor Andrew Cuomo on this. You do not have to be a New York State resident. His phone number is: 518-474-8390.
Governor Cuomo has appointed his ex-brother-in-law, environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to an advisory position on hydrofracking in New York State. Robert disappointed the environmental community by initially being pro-fracking, except near the NYC watershed. He's taken a somewhat different position since the summer. Robert has the Governor's ear, and he knows me. It would be good if people called his office at Pace University, and tell his secretary, Mary Beth Postman, to have Robert call Cuomo on this issue. That number is: 914- 422-4343.
What else? Believe in the power of ideas. Have faith in the power of yourself. Act upon your ideas. Take steps to protect the environment, work for social justice. There may well be people who tell you to shut up, and who try to discourage you. Trust yourself. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Hell Hath No Fury
(16,327 posts)I will be using it today!
ellisonz
(27,709 posts)I'm bookmarking to call Cuomo and Kennedy on Tuesday when I think I'll have the best chance of getting someone on the line. H20MAN has been a good DU friend and he deserves our efforts in support of his noble action. I'm going to simply state that they ought to hear out the grass roots, and that it is shameful that a local activist of Mr. McElligott believes he has to engage in an action such as this to get the attention of his elected officials.
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)hootinholler
(26,449 posts)He told me he was busy with fracking issues and probably wouldn't be around for a while, but damn.
Solidarity Pat! I stand with Mother Earth and H2O Man.
annabanana
(52,791 posts)Waterman's health is not the best to start with....
highplainsdem
(48,718 posts)MADem
(135,425 posts)As a society, Americans don't always respond real well to hunger strikes. I wish a bunch of people in his state would stage some focused protests. I wish him luck and good health.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)They have been. That's the problem.
MADem
(135,425 posts)What am I missing?
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)to convince them to pass moratoriums. We are in a time crunch--the gas co.'s want to swing into action in a hurry; they want to get leases signed before people can gather enough info to protect themselves.
www.frackfreegenesee.org
MADem
(135,425 posts)It's not like we can "do without" water. It's LIFE. I hope you succeed.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)Our board seems to be leaning toward doing the same.
Very republican out here---the boondocks, you know. But there are also us, the informed, intelligent liberals.
One of the Town Board members lives across the street from me, is a flaming teapuke nut, the Board member who claims to have gone to PA and seen no problem with fracking.
He went on a long irrational rant at the first board meeting that the group attended--he somehow managed to include Pete Seeger in his argument.
I'm not surprised at him. He ripped me off big time for an excavation job I needed done in a hurry years ago when I first moved out there--and then afterwards (before I realized how shoddy his work was), sent a stream of emails to my boyfriend at that time, as an offer of friendship. They were such topics as pictures of yachts with envious commentary (huh? Why?) and jokes, including the infamous, misogynistic "women/snail trail" joke........
I can NOT STAND the guy!
MADem
(135,425 posts)What, does he think he'll be able to drink coke instead when flames start shooting out of his faucet? You can't fix stupid, but wouldn't it be nice if we could?
Water and air, we really shouldn't be screwing them up. When I was a kid, no one was allergic to anything, except maybe pet dander, ragweed and dust, and all "allergic" meant was "Ahhhhhh-CHOOOOO!" and a runny nose. No epi-pens, no dramatic runs to the hospital. Now, it seems EVERYONE is allergic to something, and I think that all this pollution of our world house might be a contributing factor. It's one thing to work your immune system, another thing entire to beat it to a pulp.
Who is that beautiful woman with the fantastic dog (and what kind of dog is that?) in your sig line? What a brilliant smile!
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)Shrimpy is a Pomeranian...but she's really not a dog. She's a Princess, and a Baby! She weighs 5 pounds.
Anyway, yes, I totally wish we could fix the stupid.....these tea bag jerks...I don't know, it's like they think this is all like rooting for their sports team, not our actual survival. They want to "pound the shit out of 'em", but they don't know the difference between getting whoop-ass at a football game and responsible stewardship. They're callow brutes, as introspective as a wart hog in rutting season.
MADem
(135,425 posts)The dog is cute, too! Looks very loveable!
Keep fighting the good fight! Maybe someone should get some of that PA water and light it on fire, or send them DVDs of that documentary. Say, do you have public access tv in your neck of the woods? Maybe you could get permission from the GASLAND producers to do a one-time airing of that film, or maybe even a nice, salient chunk of it--worth asking, anyway.
http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)Thanks! That's so nice of you to say..... you made my day
And yes, Shrimpy is incredibly lovable!!!!! She is infinitely SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE-zy! She drives me MENTAL with her cuteness!!!! EVERYONE falls in love with Shrimpy.
I'd love to get some PA water and light it at one of the meetings!!!
It's looking like our town board is coming around, and will probably agree on moratorium.
Most all the other towns that I know of have already passed moratoriums......my concern is what happens next? A moratorioum is just a waiting period. After the year, I'm sure the bastard lying gas co.s will be out in force again.
P.S. I always love your sig pic. I always have to stop for a minute and watch. Love it!
MADem
(135,425 posts)The cat looks like one I had years ago--he thought he was a dog, and the dogs didn't let on that he wasn't!
MinervaX
(169 posts)What are his demands?
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)Period.
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)It might help if 100 DUers called the Governor's office 1-518-474-8390
http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)malaise
(267,791 posts)Rec - nice to hear about H2O Man
PRETZEL
(3,245 posts)if there's anyone who can elevate people to the issues and dangers of fracking, it's him.
frylock
(34,825 posts)this dude walks it!
librechik
(30,663 posts)A human interest angle on a subject we generally want to do more on, has to be hard $cience oriented though too--no promises, of course
D
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)and thanks!
G_j
(40,366 posts)Little Star
(17,055 posts)Best wishes and take care of yourself H2O Man.
Solly Mack
(90,740 posts)K&R
raouldukelives
(5,178 posts)Right on H2O Man!
wakemewhenitsover
(1,595 posts)It is disgraceful that appropriate governmental forces have not yet responded to the conscientious efforts of yourself and others in this important cause.
Great article, Will.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)Am I missing something?
Thank you; great article. Great Spirit be with Patrick McElligot.
I'm in Ontario County, NY and there is citizen action in the little rural towns out here to get our town boards to pass moratoriums on letting the gas co. come in. Some people have already signed leases with the companies. Most town boards are agreeing to set a moratorium, most people I meet on petition drives are very much against allowing fracking. This is the Finger Lakes and it is sublimely beautiful. The disaster in PA demonstrates why it MUST be stopped.
www.frackfreegenesee.org
FRACKING=POISON
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)He talks about him in the interview.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)but it is Elligot who will be doing the hunger strike, not H2O man.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)He adopted the name as an homage to Waterman.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)bananas
(27,509 posts)bleever
(20,616 posts)and admiration.
Hell Hath No Fury
(16,327 posts)We're there with you in spirit!
Uncle Joe
(58,107 posts)Thanks for the thread, WilliamPitt.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)would have the courage to do this. Not someone to say no to, they didn't know him I guess.
I hope the news papers in his area publish this, maybe we could call them.
The more publicity he gets, and maybe the local OWS groups, Albany, Buffalo eg, could support him.
He is a perfect example of real strength of character.
MilesColtrane
(18,678 posts)Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)Fracking is wrong on so many levels. Best of luck.
DesertFlower
(11,649 posts)it takes courage to do this.
badtoworse
(5,957 posts)I've read two studies on this that contradict each other. One study. done by Duke University, shows a correlation between methane concentrations in water drawn from wells near fracked sites. Another, more recent and more in depth study done by Penn State draws the opposite conclusion, i.e. that there is no correlation between fracking and contamination of drinking water wells.
The Penn State study points out that the Duke study was done before legislation requiring upgraded well casings and cementing was implemented in Pennsylvania which casts doubt on the applicability of Duke's findings to current practice. The study also points out that Pennsylvania is one only two states that have no standards covering the construction of private drinking water wells and that about 40% of the 233 wells studied failed at least one safe drinking water standard prior to the occurance of fracking. Methane seepage in the ground has been known to occur in Pennsylvania and high concentrations of methane in the water have been observed prior to fracking taking place.
My suggestion to the H20 Man would be to better educate himself on the subject and wait for a conclusive determination of the dangers and benefits of fracking before he goes on his strike.
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2011/05/02/1100682108.full.pdf+html
http://www.rural.palegislature.us/documents/reports/Marcellus_and_drinking_water_2011_rev.pdf
blaze
(6,268 posts)that the industry better educate themselves and wait for a conclusive determination of the dangers and benefits before proceeding any further.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)about what he learned to give me the impression he knew a lot more than most people about the issue. I trust his judgement, more than studies until I know who funded them. There is enough tragic evidence in this world that when there is money to be made, people do not matter. I would prefer to err on the side of people.
MADem
(135,425 posts)badtoworse
(5,957 posts)...not films that may or may not be telling all the facts.
MADem
(135,425 posts)WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)who may or may not be telling all the facts.
My name is Will Pitt.
What's yours?
juajen
(8,515 posts)badtoworse
(5,957 posts)I think I gave a fair synopsis of both studies, but why don't you read them and let us know what you think? Both studies were done by a well known university and are credible, at least in my opinion. There is, however, no question that they reached different conclusions which was my main point.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)badtoworse
(5,957 posts)To my knowledge, you are the only poster on DU that uses his real name. I don't see where that changes the credibility of your posts because facts are facts and opinions are opinions. If you're claiming something is a fact, I'd expect you to provide appropriate citations whether or not you really are William Pitt. As far as opinions go, I respect yours whether I agree with it or not.
You've made a lot of very good posts on DU that were well worth reading and I follow your posts on the strength of that. There are a few other posters on DU that I similarly follow and they are not using a real name. I don't think that detracts from the quality of their posts.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)as being part of his reason for what he is now doing. Seems you have not read it.
badtoworse
(5,957 posts)I'm posting from a BlackBerry and looking for the study is a bit tedious with it. I'd be very interested to read that study and will have access to a computer tomorrow night.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)is mentioned there by H2OMan.
badtoworse
(5,957 posts)See Post No. 73 for a link to that study and to the Penn State Study.
pa28
(6,145 posts)zeemike
(18,998 posts)And this does not suprise me at all...Mr Watterman is one tough guy and if you get in the ring with him you are in for a real fight...
And he chose the issue most dear to him and his people and I admire him so much for it.
ellisonz
(27,709 posts)mopinko
(69,803 posts)go h20 man. change is in your hands.
Mira
(22,378 posts)I wish Patrick more than the best, all his efforts will one way or another be rewarded, he has
Conviction and Courage and he is a powerful man.
( I am the daughter of a hunger striker, it stirs up much emotion, and oceans of support)
grantcart
(53,061 posts)SidDithers
(44,228 posts)is this a "I'm not going to eat until they stop fracking"? Or is this "I'm not going to eat for a month to publicize the issue of fracking"?
If it's the former, then I worry for H20Man's health and welfare. If it's the latter, then I applaud his commitment and wish him all the success in the world.
Sid
ellisonz
(27,709 posts)A dialogue with public officials on the issue
Period.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002163385#post35
A very reasonable request. I worry about his health, but he's always been the stubborn type.
handmade34
(22,755 posts)"...also call Governor Andrew Cuomo on this. You do not have to be a New York State resident. His phone number is: 518-474-8390
Governor Cuomo has appointed his ex-brother-in-law, environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to an advisory position on hydrofracking in New York State....Robert has the Governor's ear, and he knows me. It would be good if people called his office at Pace University, and tell his secretary, Mary Beth Postman, to have Robert call Cuomo on this issue. That number is: 914- 422-4343..."
suffragette
(12,232 posts)That's a beautiful combo.
K&R
Wind Dancer
(3,618 posts)Wishing H20 Man the best of luck in fighting TPTB. It's an admirable mission to prevent fracking and hopefully this will get enough attention to make a difference. He's a beloved DUer and respected by everyone here.
I am concerned about his health issues but sometimes you must take a stand for your beliefs.
Be safe!
juajen
(8,515 posts)any way that is preventable. He is so brave, and I never want to not support him, but this just hurts. I will make calls tomorrow, but that seems like such a small thing to do. Can't we get a group to at least join him? I am a diabetic, or I would go to be with him. My early demise or emergency room visit wouldn't help the cause, I don't think, or would it?
mmonk
(52,589 posts)H2O Man
(73,308 posts)Recommended, while admittedly not 100% objective.
Thanks to everyone.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)jsmirman
(4,507 posts)I'm working on trying to get your story out there. It needs be told as loudly as possible.
Thank you.
stevedeshazer
(21,653 posts)You are one brave dude.
Sending vibes from Cascadia >>>>> Souther Tier.
immoderate
(20,885 posts)Who better to save the water?
--imm
ellisonz
(27,709 posts)And remember, even Gandhi himself drank water with lemon in it!
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sourish-bhattacharyya-on-anna-hazare-fast-gandhi/1/148709.html
juajen
(8,515 posts)Fire Walk With Me
(38,893 posts)Taverner
(55,476 posts)etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)Warm thoughts and much admiration
democrank
(11,052 posts)with H2O Man.
~PEACE~
City Lights
(25,171 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)A hunger strike might or might not work, dependent on the attention it gets and it can be very harmful and shorten his life. If that happens then what about all the work he won't be doing because he's too ill or worse?
Sometimes one has to fight the fight where it is in their lives. Changing minds, educating people, caring, and always doing the best one can to make things better for everyone can be an everyday endeavor, with no fanfare or recognition. But it's just as important.
Having said that I support H20 Man completely.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)Not an easy course of action. We will ring phones and such in support, and I suspect think of him each time we eat while he does not.
Dragonbreathp9d
(2,542 posts)Much love and support from this man!
Wilms
(26,795 posts)Wow.
tpsbmam
(3,927 posts)That's what I tweeted, along with a link to your story. H20 Man, always liked & respected you on DU. Now I'm awed. I, too, have many physical limitations and am constantly trying to find a balance between pushing myself to do maybe more than I think I can and, at the same time, acknowledging that I can push just so far before I start to do real damage. I think I wimp out before I need to too often lately. You give me impetus to do more -- thank you.
Be well, sir. I don't know what your physical challenges are, but please take care of you through all of this. Will, I read your article at Truthout -- thank you for bringing PM's story to us. H20 Man, I'm not a believer but I'm going to be doing my version of praying for you everyday, many times a day.
shanti
(21,670 posts)one of DU's best for many years! I wish him well, this is such a powerful move against something so terrible.
YankeyMCC
(8,401 posts)because I hope to help spread the word in the hope it will facilitate a quick end of H2OMan's need to do this.
It is an act of great compassion for his community and the children of this nation and world. I am concerned for his health and safety, I hope he remains well and will also not hold himself to unreasonable standard.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)But I wish he wouldn't. He's too valuable a voice to undermine his health.
However, I wish him god speed because I know he will go ahead with this regardless. If others joined in his fight and became a voice to big to be ignored, this might not be necessary.
calimary
(80,693 posts)Solidarity with you, H2O Man! I'm honored to consider you a DU friend!
CRH
(1,553 posts)A fast is a healthy and spiritual experience, can last many, many, days, ... and will deliver physical and mental benefit; often the tranquil experience will open windows and doors into contemplation and meditation, otherwise blocked by the stress of everyday life.
A hunger strike on the other hand is a political demonstration, can be stressful, and sometimes deteriorate the being, physically, mentally, and other.
The two should not be confused.
Some have mentioned H2O man has had some health considerations, and worry. In more cases than not the 'fasting' will be beneficial for the cleansing effects and balancing of the processes of elimination, blood pressure, pulse, respiration and true relaxation that provides rest and recuperation. If H2O man is indeed ailing I wish him well and wish the experience whether a fast or a demonstration, to benefit his health.
As for the political, the fast, or cessation of nutrition and sustenance other than water, has often been used in the past with varying degrees of effect. It should be noted, most people are ignorant of the state of fasting, and greatly exaggerate its potential danger to most people even in less than optimum health. For sure there are exceptions, diabetics on insulin, transplant survivors, drug dependent individuals, etc. ... The subject immediately raises emotions of fear in many, but the fact is most people will suffer no ill effects from three to four weeks without food, providing cessation of the fast is accomplished with limited intake of juices and gradual restoration of feeding on fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and beyond to animal proteins if thought to be necessary. Some people have fasted for much longer with no ill effects, it has individual limits finding basis in many different circumstances and conditions.
Perhaps the most significant risk to H2O Man, is in realizing when a fast becomes starvation, when healthy and beneficial, becomes a political demonstration resulting in self destruction. The two are separated only by intent and intelligence.
I have read H2O Man for many years, and wish him well with his cessation whether political or with dual considerations that include better health and function. No danger should follow if the signs of 'true' hunger, a sweetness of breath, instinctive sensual salivation, brightness of mind, and an unmistakable sensation of well being; are recognized and heeded.
I have confidence in his intelligence and judgement, and wish him the best of experiences and results.
glinda
(14,807 posts)riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)While I think it's a noble cause and a truly courageous effort, he's been so unwell in the past few years. I'm worried he'll lose his life doing this.
Honestly, I believe he'd think that was okay. But I'll miss his "voice". Fracking is an insult to our great mother Earth. I'm guessing Patrick did everything he could to try to change things by conventional means and decided to take this drastic step. He knows, deeply understands, how much fracking harms all of us. I am in awe of his courage and spirit but fearful for the man we've come to love.
Good luck Patrick! You are in my heart and spirit as you embark on this next adventure....
L. Coyote
(51,129 posts)spanone
(135,630 posts)Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)burrowowl
(17,605 posts)Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)it.
May you be strong
We love and admire you
Norrin Radd
(4,959 posts)louslobbs
(3,224 posts)Lou
JonLP24
(29,322 posts)juajen
(8,515 posts)As usual, Waterman is prepared and so right that it is sickening. I've often thought that the only way we could get this country to pay attention to what's going on around us, is for those us who are elderly, or not in good health, to make a huge commitment to put ourselves in harms way to prevent our children from being hurt. After all, we are winding down and they are the future. Plainly put, it is harder to ignore us, than our young people that they hold in such disdain.
So, I reluctantly add my support to our beloved DU friend and will do what I can to alert people to what is going on where he is and all around our country. There is so much worrying the people I know, that they are on "disconnect" and feel helpless to do anything, but hold on to their electronics, play games and socialize, and try to hang on to their jobs, or get one if they are unemployed. Indeed it is a sad time in our country. So, let our DU hero be what he is meant to be, and I pray people will get off their proverbial asses and do something, even if they think it is minute.
Love to my friend, Waterman, who helped me through a tough time, and inspires me. I hope I can, in some way, return the favor. Since it's a holiday I am afraid I will be unable to reach any governmental "friends", but I will begin. We all have a voice. It is past time to use it to defeat this attack on our land and what sustains us. Join in and do what you can.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)prairierose
(2,145 posts)for all that you do to try to save the planet from the monsters set on destruction. I hope this will be successful and that you will come to no harm. I will be sending emails to the officials and good thoughts for your health and safety.
This is such an important issue for all. I hope that your sacrifice will bring more attention to this vital subject. None of us can survive without clean water.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)But I am a little worried. He was sick not too long ago.
Shankapotomus
(4,840 posts)Respect, well wishes and thanks. Quite literally, as I always wanted to make the Catskills NY area my home.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)I did and it did work, although it's now showing on the window here.
Quantess
(27,630 posts)maybe someone wants to start an argument about the finer details of fracking.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)ellisonz
(27,709 posts)Maybe fluoride?
annabanana
(52,791 posts)& love
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)stopped by to tease me this weekend -- he form of affection, I suppose. The first thing he does when he comes here is look in the cupboards, etc .... and he said, "I think you've been forcing the whole family to go on a hunger strike for the past month. Buy some food, Old Man."
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)malaise
(267,791 posts)Stay strong!
kentuck
(110,950 posts)Hang in there Waterman! We will do our best to help you keep this issue at the top.