Lies, lies, and more lies.
When setting out to take part in Climate Justice Fast!, I steeled myself for a lot of negativity. After all, hunger striking is controversial- that’s part of the reason it can be so effective in focusing attention on issues and spurring debate. However, I have to admit that while preparing for a barrage of criticism, I completely forgot to prepare myself for being completely, and blatantly, lied about.
Was I naïve?
I guess so.
But I just did not expect to see bare-faced lies printed about myself. Perhaps I figured that there would be enough ammunition for people opposed to CJF to use if they wanted to criticize me, without having to resort to untruth. But how wrong I was.
Here is Malcolm Farr of the Daily Telegraph, reporting that “Connor isn’t going to give up all food; he’s just not going to have as much as he usually would.”
A lie. I have drunk water only since November 6th.
We have contacted Malcolm and asked him, in the name of journalistic integrity, to retract his report. But he hasn’t responded.
And here is a fellow called ‘Jack the Insider”, who surprised me today with the news that I am no longer on hungerstrike!
Also a lie. (Unless I have missed something rather pertinent!)
So, it’s not very pleasant, being lied about. But I suppose that I should not be surprised. After all, given that there are people in this world who are willing to spread lies about something as important as climate change (see video below), it’s hardly surprising that there would be some folks willing to lie about me.
All I hope is that maybe these writers will eventually feel a pang of conscience for misrepresenting me and Climate Justice Fast!, and that just as Gandhi taught us, “Truth alone will endure, all the rest will be swept away before the tide of time’.
(Note: this is one video out of many in the series 'Climate Denial Crock Of The Week'. I strongly recommend watching more,if not all, of these videos, and sharing them as widely as possible)
You have my full respect. take care, you are awesome.
M
By Melissa, NZ on Sat, 21/11/2009
I almost lose it hearing about this shit. The fact that they resort to lies to press their agenda shows that even they seem to realise they don’t have a leg to stand on when it comes to reality. Keep it up.
By Joel Dignam, on Sat, 21/11/2009
You are doing something wonderful for everyone’s future! stay strong and persevere Paul! I believe that you will succeed because of our strength and support from your loved ones.
By A, on Sat, 21/11/2009
I’m not surprised that they lie about you - they lie about climate change all the time.
Don’t take it too personally. Justice will prevail.
By Anna, Copenhagen on Sat, 21/11/2009
Paul,
The people who spread these lies are obviously afraid. Afraid of you and your commitment, afraid of CJF, afraid of the world progressing into a new and sustainable place. So, they combat this with lies to make themselves feel better.
You on the other hand, you’re worried about climate change, one of the biggest threats the world will ever encounter. And you don’t lie to yourself to feel better, you take intense action to make a statement!
Pretty easy to see the idiot (idiots actually) here. I hope you don’t spend too much time worrying about this, because these guys just really aren’t worth the effort.
Save the energy that you do still have to keep up the good and just fight!
xox,
-A
By April H., Burlington, VT, USA on Sat, 21/11/2009
Hey Paul, Excellent work.Keep it up. You guys are an inspiration. Peace.
By Luke, Castlemaine on Sun, 22/11/2009
their lies will undo themselves as the world awakens to the climate monstrosity we are creating - you have my full respect and I send you great heart and love on this journey you are taking on behalf of the Earth
By Georgia, Melbourne, Australia on Sun, 22/11/2009