Runcible Blog

Yesterday I ended my brief and futile three day fast in protest of the war. I lost 5 pounds and gained a slightly different perspective. I know fasting won't stop this war, but it helps remind me of the much greater suffering happening across the world. Maybe if lots of people went on hunger strikes, it could make a difference in public opinion. I might try fasting again.

I've had a few arguments with people as a result of the generally pro-war attitude at work, the Eagle Tribune. Since the newspaper itself is noticeably biased in favor of war, it's been discouraging to hear so many people cheerleading for the president. Maybe if the paper even bothered to present the harsh realities of war, we wouldn't have to read editorials that describe the "shock and awe" bombing campaign as "riveting". Maybe if more people saw the picture of this guy: , we would think a little harder before sending young people off to die in a war of choice. He won't be coming home, and for what good reason did he die? This prisoner of war might be subjected to torture or death because of his involvement in this illegal war. He is merely a mechanic and looked understandably frightened when his interrogators recorded his answers to their questions. He said he has no problem with Iraqis; he doesn't want to kill anyone but would only shoot back at those who try to kill him. Another POW, when asked why he was in Iraq, answered, "because they told me to come here".