I visited the Capitol Hill Hunger Striker again on Friday night and dropped off a gallon of water in a plastic jug. It's been unseasonably hot for DC in October and it may reach 90 again this afternoon.
He's looking rather thinner. The calorie deficit and quite brutal weather are clearly sapping his energy.
His thought process remains clear and in conversation he exudes a resevoir of determination and strength which comes through in a surprisingly powerful and oddly comforting handshake.
As we talked a few tourists stolled past, pointedly ignoring us. He really does make people feel uncomfortable. Which is one of the reasons he's determined to take this hunger strike beyond the ones that have come before.
How far will he go?
I can't say exactly. Neither can he. At least not directly.
But by his focused act of self deprivation, courage and sheer force of will, he makes us confront our complicity and asks that we directly experience our collective loss of humanity and heart.
Mostly people just ignore him.
And you? What about the DK community? What about the larger blogsphere? The "peace" movement?
He is clearly confronting the political system and imperial war machine directly. But to what effect?
I struggle with how to address the Capitol Hill Hunger Striker (aka George McGinley, aka Start Loving, aka Brother).
It's true that I've brought him water. I've listened to his reasoned explanations for why he fasts, why he has 3 intricate crosses tatooed on his forehead, why he has embraced the teachings (not the church) of Jesus and the applied political non-violence of Gandhi and King.
I encourage others to listen and support and even perhaps join him on the congressional steps.
What else can I (we) do?
When I asked him how I can help, he directed me to this blog ...
http://www.blogger.com/...
... it's a bit dense and holy for my taste, being a super-secular guy and all. But there's a deeper political truth in his words that I can relate to.
More in a few days. In the meantime, if you're in or around DC, get over to the Cannon House Office building with some water and words of support.