My Participation in CJF: How Justified Is It?
Below is a section from an entry of a blog I write for my university.
I thought I could handle not eating for at least 24 hours, and I was right. What I can’t handle is deeply thinking about the fact that my friends who are fasting long-term are putting their lives on the line for the outcome of this conference, for a solution from the world to stop climate change. My friends could DIE for this. How does one handle such an intense situation?
I have no idea. Sometimes I want to join them for the full-length, especially when I get more and more depressing news about the outlook at Copenhagen. But at the same time that defers me from the idea. Bad outlooks for Copenhagen mean unlikely success, which means no end to the fast, which means dire consequences for the participants. I care about this issue more than anything. It literally consumes my life. But apparently I won’t put my life on the line for it. What does this say about me? About my dedication?
To be honest, I’m not completely sure. I feel a bit guilty, but at the same time I know I’m much more active than a lot of people in this world. Does that make it okay though? That I won’t risk dying for climate justice. Not necessarily, but I think the fact that I believe I’m more useful to this movement alive than dead sure does. Radical action is important. Hunger strikes are one of the most self-less and drastic forms of protest one can undergo. So, I fast in solidarity with CJF, and I dedicate my time to the climate movement. I’ll fight to solve this global problem with all my strength. And when the participants of CJF start to physically loose theirs, I’ll fight even harder. For them, and for the survival of all the peoples who will be affected by climate change.
To view the entire blog entry, click here: http://ahillma1.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/starving-for-climate-justice-literally/
-April Hillman
GOT Alum, Washington, DC Spring 2009
Hey April, I really appreciate your participation! What you’re doing is completely justified and encouraging to everyone else involved
By Mikayla, New York on Mon, 23/11/2009
Yo April,
What you are doing is completely justified and admirable. Most people in the developed world haven’t gone without food for more than a day in their life. You are doing something amazing.
As a long-term faster, I have to say that I am not going into this with an *intention* to die. I very much love life and health, and I want to survive this fast. Equally, I want to see political shifts to solve climate change. If we see huge paradigm shifts towards climate justice at Copenhagen, then both of these ‘wants’ of mine can be fulfilled.
I am not yet sure how or when the fast will end - it is a decision that I will reach at that time.
With love and appreciation,
AnnaK
By Anna K, Copenhagen on Tue, 24/11/2009
April,
Our duty is to get the biggest media coverage possible for these crazy, marvelous, upsetting Climate Justice Fasters.
By Jean Sireyjol, Bordeaux on Thu, 26/11/2009