Michael Morphett ends his fast.
Just a quick blog to officially note that Michael Morphett ended his Climate Justice Fast! yesterday, after 32 days.
His weight had dropped to under 45kg, representing a dangerous fall below %20 of his normal bodyweight, and the risks of going further were simply too much.
I've included a couple of photos of Mike to really emphasise how much of an effort he made, and how much courage it took for a man of his age and size to fast for so long. I think, to be honest, that in getting to this point Mike probably put more at risk for CJF than any of the rest of us, and I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for him.
Mike is in a beautiful place right now. His body is filling with energy, his full mental capacity is returning, and he feels enormous pride and contentment at what he has accomplished. He has earned the respect and lifelong friendship of a huge amount of people here in Canberra over the duration of the campaign, and was in good spirits until the very end. Actually I think that CJF has given him a whole new lease on life.
He will post his thoughts on ending the fast in this space shortly.
Peace and Love to all,
Paul
Thank you Michael, I look forward to hearing your reflections on this.
By greefyre, Ottawa, Canada on Wed, 09/12/2009
“A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.”
- Martin Luther King
Umm, how does Michael’s quitting square with this blog’s banner?
By adrian, sydney on Wed, 09/12/2009
My heart goes out to Mike and all the continuing CJF fasters. Thank you for your dedication to the cause, and for everything you do.
By Jess, Olympia, WA on Wed, 09/12/2009
All my respect Michael!
By Lin, The Netherlands on Wed, 09/12/2009
Well done Michael its amazing what you have achieved and how much you put into the fast.
Look forward to hearing your reflections
By Anna, Melbourne, Australia on Thu, 10/12/2009
Michael.
A huge thankyou for the attention you’ve brought to the matter, to the committment, the passion and the action itself. You’re a gem.
Large regards.
See you around the traps soon.
Hope you’re looking after yourself.
Nick.
By Nick, Manly on Thu, 10/12/2009
Michael - what an incredible commitment you’ve made. You are an inspiration. Glad to hear you are doing well and look forward to seeing you back in Sydney sometime soon. x
By Lindsay, Sydney on Thu, 10/12/2009
Michael, thanks - you are such an inspiration.
On the day that you ended your fast council approved my motion to support the 40% reduction on 1990 levels by 2020 and of 95% by 2050. It is only a small step - but another one of the many that you have contributed to.
By Christina Kirsch, Narraweena on Fri, 18/12/2009
Re MLK’s quote: it needs to be put in a larger context, and not taken so literally. Michael symbolically died every day he fasted. He helped bring attention to the fact that our planet is dying. His actual death would not have contributed to a solution to Global Warming—the reason for the fast. I commend him for choosing to end his fast at the appropriate time and remain on this planet and continue to work and act for change for all our survival. How many of us are as willing as Michael to show our commitment? Thank You, Michael. Be in Health and Carry ON!
By Julia Moore, Olympia, WA U.S.A. on Mon, 21/12/2009