Seattle Ten-Day Fast for the People of Iraq 

Day One Friday August 3

Risking Arrest Risking Hunger

Crowd at opening prayer service for fast.

I woke up today quite nervous. I have never done something like this before. Can I make it ten days without food? Will my will be strong enough? Then I thought back to my trip to Iraq. 23 million people living on next to nothing. I remember seeing so many sick children in the hospitals. About 18 of us gathered at the Seattle Federal Building today. We held a little prayer service, had a little sign regarding the fast and had some handouts. As we started the fast the Navy's Blue Angels flight squadron zoomed overhead on their practice runs getting ready for the Seattle Seafair annual celebrations. It was a surreal moment. In Iraq, the sound of American warplanes overhead triggers horror and means bombing. Our prayer service was interrupted several times by the low flying planes.

Some images from the day. Talking to one of the Federal Building Police Officers about his family. Talking to a guy waiting for a bus about Iraq. Connecting with an Arab women who stopped by at our table. Seeing people commit to fasting for the whole time with us, or giving up a meal a day.

Brian Mack
 

Larry speaking with veteran.

Friday August 3: ..little mist this morning but not cold.....an e-mail announcing our fast says "3 risk prison, now hunger" sounds a bit heroic but really what we are doing is a normal response to an abnormal situation. We can't not respond to a child dying every ten minutes...most of the several hundred children we saw in hospitals in Iraq last August are probably dead....very windy...we had about 18 show up in support....Randall, Sr. Jackie, Bert, Dick Blakeny and others. Gave out several hundred flyers. At least 10 will be joining in the fast. .One former Gulf Vet stopped to talk briefly. He noted that the kids dying now weren't alive when he was there and they are guilty of nothing. Randall gave a brief talk on "Who is my enemy?" I can say that I have no enemies. God made me to understand that I am no less nor more valuable than anyone else. God finds us all equal and equally infinitely valuable. If we believe the beatitudes and want to be disciples of Christ we cannot participate in or support any action which contradicts the message of love, peace, justice and mercy. If God is the King the poor cannot be exploited for any reason.

We left messages to try to set up meetings in the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell. Brian had a good reunion with one of the officers that arrested him at the die-in....a Muslim woman stopped to talk...described herself as an organizer. .She will talk at Interfaith Network of those Concerned for the people of Iraq (INOC) meeting in September to try to help to establish ties with the Muslim community. Dick, Bert and Gerry Haynes will be going with WPSR delegation to Iraq in October. From the end of October to the middle of November when Ramadan starts will be a good time to mobilize efforts. Bert says he is trying to get Alan Pogue's photos taken during several trips to Iraq brought up to be shown in a gallery in Seattle.

Look into the face of the poorest person you know and then ask yourself if the next step you will take will be of any value to that person...M. Ghandi

Larry Kerschner

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Day Two Saturday August 4

The daily lectionary reading from the Bible in the Catholic tradition is about the Jubilee Year. During this year a trumpet resounds and it becomes a year of Atonement, "the trumpet blast shall re-echo throughout your land. This fiftieth year you shall make sacred by proclaiming liberty in the land for all its inhabitants." Lv 25, 1. 8-17   How I would love for this Jubilee to occur now. Atonement means At-One-Ment. Being one with other people. To forgive past grievances, to put aside differences, to become one. While I was in Iraq last year, despite being the enemy from the United States I felt at one with the Iraqi people. They opened me with open arms, the children climbed all over me, even Iraqi soldiers took time out of their lives to share meals with us! One goal of this fast is to be in solidarity with the people of Iraq. To be one with them. They are the ones that are without the basics of life after eleven years of the most comprehensive sanctions the world has ever produced. May my hunger be theirs. May my prayer be focused on them.

Brian Mack
 

Larry Kerschner & Brian Mack.

Saturday August 4: Yesterday there was discussion about how to move the government. Apparently Rep. Jim McDermott has said "Come to me with 100,000 people and we'll get movement." Others suggest the WTO model of filling the streets, shut down the freeway and even breaking a few windows. Maybe...but first we have to get many people more aware before we can get the masses for mass action. Unless we find a rich uncle who will pay for billboards and radio and TV ads the only way I can think of is person-to-person. Unfortunately while we are taking the slow route many babies are dying. They can't wait for us to figure it out......a little quieter in front of the Federal Bldg today....had a good discussion with Antonio who is a revolutionary communist union organizer from Mexico who believes that the power of the love of God is the most important place of strength.....Jesus was the revolutionary....second day of the fast. We discussed the various forms of water we have available: hot, cold, ice cubes, shaved ice, mineral water, club soda, filtered water and tap water. So those who think we don't have enough variety no fear.

To consider persons and events and situations only in the light of their effect upon myself is to live on the doorstep of hell. Selfishness is doomed to frustration, centered as it is upon a lie. Thomas Merton

Larry Kerschner

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Day Three

Vigil across from warship USS Paul F. Foster.

Sunday August 5: Another good day. Last night at the demonstration across the water from the U.S.S. Foster we heard a sailor on a loudspeaker say to us, "Get a life." I'd like to tell him that that is what we are trying to do....get many lives. I know that he and the rest of the sailors on the Foster think that what they do is protecting life and peace. Hopefully God will open their eyes to a different perspective. We had a good time in front of the Federal Bldg today. A dozen or so folks came for the noon prayer service. Brian and I got an enervation from their supportive presence. Just as we were leaving today an Iranian couple came up to talk and asked what they could do to support what we are doing. When I look at the pictures of the children from the trip last year it's upsetting to think of how many are probably dead. My spirit wants to howl in grief for the loss to us all. It's what makes it difficult for me to talk about the children without choking up. The fast itself is going well....a little woozy if I move too quickly but not bad. Talked today to a fellow who did a 14 day fast and he said the first 3 days are the worst so if the worst is past God has spared me some suffering. Thanks for all the support in prayer we are receiving. Assalam alaikem.

He is not a perfect Muslim who eats his fill and lets his neighbor go hungry. Muhammad

Larry Kerschner
 

Ed offering musical reflection.

Last night we gathered at the US Navy Guided Missile Ship Paul F. Foster. This ship was the first to fire missiles at Iraq in 1991. It had come to the Seattle waterfront for the Seafair celebration. This ship is powerful and big! It has large guns on the front and back and a missile delivery console on the forward deck that can launch Tomahawk missiles several hundred miles away at a moments notice. Standing across a small inlet of water was our small little group of thirty prayerful protesters. Our group would be no match physically for the strong seamen, armed with their M-16's. We were a small group of people some weakened from fasting, some high school students and some gray hairs.

Photo of Omran Harbi Jawair, provided by his mother.

Our prayer service began with a person in our group playing the violin. We stood there in silence as we let prayer overcome our ears. The group was invited to pray for concerns and to make statements. Kristine prayed for the Iraqi shepherd boy Omran who was killed by a US missile. She had met his family on her trip to Iraq. Others raised deep questions: What are we accomplishing from US policy towards Iraq? What is the purpose of the embargo / sanctions and who do they effect most? How long must the people of Iraq suffer? Can there be a different way? People spoke from their hearts, we were in solidarity. At the end of the prayer service I felt very powerful.

Brian Mack

Here there is not Greek and Jew, Iraqi or American, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all. Adapted from Col 3: 9-11

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Day Four

Monday August 6: Another good day in front of the Federal Building. Ed Crouch played the theme from Schindler's List to both open and close our prayer service. We had 8-10 folks come down to join us at noon which again was energizing for us. We had a nice article in the PI today and Radio KIRO interviewed Brian. Bert is going to try to get the Times on board. We had our first really negative encounter today. A 60ish man was actually angry with us for what we are doing. He thinks that Iraq should take care of their own problems and the U.S. has no responsibility. He got more angry when I told him that I would pray the Lord would open his eyes. I hope that my response was real and not meant to increase his anger. Pray for him. Brian pointed out today that our weekend fast must have chased away the Blue Angels and the Navy since they were nowhere to be seen today.

Less energy reserve today but hunger is not a problem so far. Hot water for breakfast actually was a nice change.

Just thinking about how the American idea of response tends to be over-response. When I was in Viet Nam there were tons of bombs and thousands of rounds of artillery and bullets used in the smallest situations. Approximately 1600 people were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 200,000 died in the attack on Hiroshima. Iraq invades Kuwait and over 1,000,000 Iraqis have died. I'm not sure that there is such a thing as a just war but even the just war theory calls for response to be equivalent.

We live as candles in the breath of God. Ellis Peters

Larry Kerschner
 

Today is the eleventh anniversary of the sanctions on Iraq. Ironically it is the anniversary of the first atomic bomb being dropped on Hiroshima. The Iraqi sanctions and the use of nuclear weapons start on the same day. Mairead Maguire, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, who visited Iraq, said the sanctions are like an economic nuclear bomb on Iraq.

Day Five

Tuesday August 7: Last night at the Hiroshima lantern ceremony an elderly gentleman wearing a well-worn suit coat came up and handed me $3.00. When I asked what I should do with it he said to use it to help stop the sanctions because they are wrong. I was touched that this man of obviously modest means would want to share with us. I'll add it to the money I have received from selling copies of my poetry chapbook and send it along to support the Voices folks in New York. Today while in front of the Federal building I tried to hand a flyer to a man coming out of the building. He said he had gotten one the day before had begun participating with us. He didn't say what his participation was but again I was buoyed by this support. Another good prayer service at noon. About a dozen were there to witness for the truth. I just noticed on the Voices in the Wilderness website that Archbishop Kassab in Basra is fasting for three days. Meeting him last August was great. He's a man who exudes joy. And the 40 day fast that Voices is doing in front of the U.N. has started. Denis Haliday has joined them for the start. Johannes Limberger who lives in Victoria B.C. is joining them for the forty days. Let's keep them all in our prayers....forty days is a long time. We bombed some supposed radar sites in Iraq yesterday. The President says the pilots are just defending themselves. (of course if they weren't there they wouldn't need to defend themselves) Secretary of War Rumsfeld has stated that the U.S. needs to respond at a level to "solve the problem" more permanently. Maybe the recent war `games' between U.S.-Turkey-Israel in central Turkey weren't just for fun and games. The fast goes well.. a few aching muscles...and not much reserve energy but nothing worse than that. Brian and Kristine were interviewed by the Seattle Times and they are sending a photographer over so watch tomorrow's Times.

An economic war is prolonged torture. M. Gandhi 1926

Larry Kerschner
 

Last night I wanted to quit the fast. I was tired. I was cranky. My roommates were eating meals that looked SO good... A good friend was visiting from out of town and landed a long-sought-after job. I wanted to celebrate with a meal together. I thought, "This is ridiculous. Why shouldn't I be able to just enjoy a special event with someone I care about?" The answer humbled me and focused my resolve. I should be able to do that. Everyone should be able to do that. The people in Iraq were also accustomed to that lifestyle - before our government shredded their economy by 75% in one year. I committed to be in solidarity with the people of Iraq for 10 days. Its a tiny pebble of suffering that I experience. When this ten days is over - I can happily CHOOSE to enjoy a hearty meal - menu of my choice. In my weariness, I am asking myself, "Is it worth the struggle and energy drain to fast this week?" Yes. I am reminding myself and reminding my family, friends and colleagues that the people of Iraq are THIS important. Why do I care? Because I believe in a God that creates every person as valuable and worthy of love. That includes me - and so I must include others. And - there is a sense of urgency here. I don't have time to wait. Too many people are being punished in my name.

Kristine Swenson
 

I read an article about fasting, it says that possible side effects include bad breath, a pasty tongue, light headedness, and even foul discharge from the bowels. So far all but the last prediction has proven true. Today I tried hot water as a treat. For some reason hot water is very different to me. It seemed like a different fluid, refreshing.

Pictures from Iraq we show.

You have a lot of time when you fast. I have noticed how much time I spend on thinking about food, shopping for food, preparing food, eating food, and cleaning up food. On day five I have a heightened appreciation of food. How dependent we are on it. How enjoyable it is. I smelled a ripe nectarine today and it really smelled good, really good, so sweet.

Last night a women and her four children were looking at my pictures of sick Iraqi children. I told the women about how the main killer of Iraqi children is diarrhea because the US blew up the water treatment plants in the gulf war. I told her of the significant increase in multiple congenital malformed (deformed) babies in Iraq. One girl who was looking at the photos asked, "Is this going to happen to me Mommy?" I was touched and knew that Iraqi kids were asking the same questions.

"Refuse to have what millions have not." Gandhi

Brian Mack

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Day Six

Day Seven

Thursday August 9: Today for the first time I considered whether I would be able to finish the ten days. I woke up feeling more weak. After two hours down at the Fed I started feeling nauseous and my back was hurting to the point that I couldn't sit or stand easily. But after returning to Brian's place and rehydrating and resting felt better. Probably just the heat. What was good was my wife Barbara and my son David and my brother Ed came down to support us. David gave a handout to a `gentleman' who partially read it and then crumpled it up and threw it at David. It gave us an opportunity to discuss the need to have compassion for the ignorant even those who are willfully ignorant. Wes lead another good prayer service remembering the victims in Iraq and the victims in Nagasaki. Thinking about my son and the children in Iraq reminded me of a poem I wrote when he was born that I'd like to share with you.

In whom I am well pleased

these twin
dark-haired daughters
delight my heart

this small
blond boy
is the reason
men are said to want sons

If anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of the poetry and essay chapbook Voices in the Wilderness which I wrote last year while in Iraq write to us at: Garlic Press, POB 397, Pe Ell WA 98572. All the money goes to support the organization Voices in the Wilderness. Price is $10.00 plus $1.00 postage. I only have about 20 copies left.

Larry Kerschner
 

The Seattle Times ran an editorial today that declared a local group of homeless that rely on being hosted by different churches and camping on their parking lot as an "embarrassment". Really tough issues that we don't want to face we often call "embarrassments". When we pass by a homeless person we cringe inside. We feel guilty, ashamed, we don't know what to do because their very presence initiates a response in us, we have to react. Usually, we choose to ignore tough issues and walk on by.

The situation in Iraq is an embarrassment. It is something this country doesn't want to look at. The sad part is that we never even have to come across it in our daily lives. The media doesn't cover it, we don't know anything about the situation over there. People often turn to God hoping that God will lead them away from darkness and pain. We think God will make us safe, free from suffering and death. Little do we know that God calls us and helps us to enter into suffering and death, and then emerge transformed.

My trip to Iraq made me face the very heart of death and darkness. Never have I seen such misery and despair. To overcome a wrong one must face it and bring it to the light of day. Are we as a nation prepared to confront our own embarrassments?

Brian Mack

"The biggest sin we commit against our fellow human beings is not to hate them, but not to care about them. This is the essence of inhumanity". Bernard Shaw

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Day Eight

Friday August 10: Physically a little better today. At least for us...not for the Iraqis who were under the bombing from the fifty plane armada that bombed Iraq again today...the kinder and gentler iron fist of baby Bush. We had a good visit with King County Councilman Larry Gossett. He came down to support us. He says the King County council would not pass a resolution calling for an end to the sanctions but he will write a letter and see which of the other council members will sign it and then he'll release it to the press. Had a long interview with Associated Press so hopefully that will lead to a good story. She asked me if we'll consider the fast to be a success when we're done. I told her that we consider fasting a form of prayer and prayer is always successful even if you don't see anything tangible. Sharon Moe led a good service for about 18 or so who were there today. Many of our leaders call themselves Christians and claim to read the Bible. Let us pray the word of God will pierce their self-righteousness.

The Lord tries the just and the wicked, but he that loves injustice hates his own soul. Psalm 10:6

Larry Kerschner
 

Today I feel some adrenaline from knowing I only have a couple of days left. I have slowed WAY down this week - especially my words. I've been searching for my words more than a sandwich... I got an email yesterday from a friend in Iraq. He sent support and thanks for our efforts to "help the people of Iraq end the sanctions." That direct line got me through the day. I wonder when I'll hear from him again... The US bombed "communication" sites today.

Iraqi boys.

I have been thinking of the many others in Seattle who are fasting during this time, and heartened to speak with a couple of them. Terry Morrison, Bert Sacks, and Rich Gamble are also choosing not to eat for these ten days. I am grateful for their witness. We are stronger together.

This morning I showed a friend some pictures from Iraq in January. She has heard a lot about the suffering and tragedy - so I chose to focus on the beauty of the people and the richness of their history. We saw the majestic date palm trees, the mighty Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the colorful tapestries and handcrafts, and the piercing wisdom of a child's face. I recalled watching a group of men play Iraqi songs on traditional wooden instruments... As they played, our bus driver stood and began clapping his hands, followed by the local men, and then the government officials and soldiers. Soon, we were all on our feet, dancing and clapping, holding hands and twirling in circles with laughter. It has become my vision for a new heaven and a new earth.

Kristine Swenson
 

"All we want to do is raise our children. What crime have our children done? The war is continuous on our people. We are dying from sanctions." Iraqi mother

 

Iraqi mother and child.

Last year I ran a marathon. During the race I often didn't know if my body could make it through. Many parts of the race were pure agony, I faced a lack of energy, severe leg cramps, chafing, tired achy joints. At many times during the race my mind simply begged to stop and give up.

The eleven-year sanctions have been like a horrible marathon for the people of Iraq. Highly educated professionals take a day job as a bellhop, and a night job as kitchen staff. People only have electricity 35% of the time. They resort to drinking unclean water because water treatment plants can't be repaired under sanctions.

Families sell off their furniture, their books, and their family heirlooms. Families have to pull their kids out of school and force them to work, some at prostitution, the only job available. Parents often have to tie food up near the ceiling so that it will last through the month. Many family members die because they are malnourished and sick.

When I ran my marathon race I had a choice to enter it but the Iraqi people have had no choice. Iraq's marathon isn't a sports contest for fun, it is a race for life and death. Somehow the Iraqi people keep going despite having no supplies, no support and in this case no finish line. The Iraqi people have been running a marathon for eleven years, during this time one million six hundred thousand Iraqi civilians have died, most of them children. For those that hang on the race for their life continues.

Brian Mack

Our prayer is that we should never hurt anyone weaker then ourselves. Jean Vanier

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Day Nine

Saturday August 11: I have to admit I'm thinking about food today. We had a small but enthusiastic group for our prayer service today. We heard from Kristine that Wada the member of the Foreign Ministry in Baghdad that we met last year expressed his appreciation of what we are doing in an e-mail. Today Ben stopped by to see what we were doing and stated he agreed with us. He works at Ivar's and said to stop by after the fast and he would buy us dinner. The support we have received from the faith community and the general community has been quite inspiring.

Will America, England, and the other great nations of the West continue to exploit the so-called weaker or uncivilized races and hope to attain peace that the whole world is pining for? Or will Americans continue to prey upon one another, have commercial rivalries, and yet expect to dictate peace to the world? M.K. Gandhi 1926

Has anything changed since 1926?

Larry Kerschner
 

It is easy to make war, hard to make peace. We often get caught up in demonizing others. We want to think of ourselves as the best, and having the right way. We find ourselves different, proclaim that we are right and defend ourselves and attack others.

There is a wall that divides everyday Iraqi's from everyday Americans. We have an inability to connect and find out about each other. Our hearts and souls are caged up and prevented from connecting.

God created humans alike and for each other. No language, culture, way of life can keep two fellow humans from the spread of God's love. God meant love to flow not to be stored up. They say that war is the interruption of mercy. The media, our country, keep our two peoples at a distance, keep us from the truth about each other and close off opportunities for dialogue and peace.

When we have no opportunity for connection and truth we live in a false world not connected to reality. We end up believing lies, discarding entire nations as an afterthought.

I have been amazed at the effort our government has shown to keep me from connecting with the Iraqi people. It is "highly discouraged" by the US government to go to Iraq. It is illegal to bring over any humanitarian goods with threats of million dollar fines and twelve years in jail. The whole situation seems like our two countries people are imprisoned and can't get to each other.

Questions arise in me: Why is it so hard to find out the truth? Why is it so hard to connect with others? Why do we have to try to convince the U.S. public that it is not all right to kill children or hold a nation hostage for eleven years?

When people have the opportunity to connect, peace grows. While in Iraq I had a chance to connect, to break bread, share stories, pain, laughter and life with everyday Iraqis. I was treated as a friend, played with children and sang. When we have a chance to meet face to face we discover that the heart of the enemy and the heart of each of us is not filled with hatred but love.

"When we eliminate the poverty of others out of the treasury of our hearts we destroy enemies." Jean Vanier

Brian Mack
 

May we, and the Iraqi people, experience the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.

Kristine Swenson

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Day Ten

Sunday August 12: I was asked what I had learned or gained from the fast. I don't have a ready complete answer. I gained some insight into my own spiritual life and my relationship with God. I have felt that I am a member of the beloved community. There is a certain satisfaction in accomplishing a difficult goal. I think we have made a difference for the people of Iraq despite evidence to the contrary. Dorothy Day said that we aren't here to see results; we're here to do the work. I have gained some new dear friends. I've lost a few pounds. I've reinforced my friendship and brotherhood with Brian. So on the whole I've gained a lot. I'm sure more than I've listed here. I admit I'm ready to eat but I would like the fast to continue. I would ask all who read this to consider picking one day each month to fast and pray until justice is done for the people of Iraq. That would be one way for our fast to be fruitful and multiply. Assalem Alaikem.

My religion requires that I love all men, even my enemies or him who would do me harm, but it does not require that I like him, nor his evil deeds. M.L. King

Larry Kerschner
 

We break our fast taking the Eucharist at church. Eucharist means thanksgiving. As I reflect back on the fast I feel so thankful! So thankful for life, for the ability to fast, for the over 3,000 people I have seen and interacted with this week in front of the federal building. Eucharist also represents for Christians the body of Christ. This means that every one of us is connected as one. As we take Eucharist we truly believe that we are "in communion" with God and each other. This week has enabled me to be in deep communion. With each interaction, each prayer, each exchange of peace, and with speaking from the heart has sent me into incredibly deep places of communion and hope. When I think of the beauty of people, simply coming together to pray and fast for those in the body of humanity that are suffering, it makes me joyous, this joy reverberates eternal faith and eternal hope in my soul. This faith and hope make a joyful noise in our world and to our God.

I especially want to thank my wife Karin for her support and love. I want to thank my fellow fasters, all those on this e-mail list and in the Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq. I thank Randall Mullins for helping to plan out the week. I thank Kristine Swenson and Larry Kershner for their leadership and love. Please pray for the eight fasting for 40 days in New York outside the United Nations. Of course, let us remember to pray for the Iraqi people and the ending of the economic sanctions.

The first principle of the just war is that is support a just cause. Our cause could not be more noble. The war's aim was to keep casualties to a minimum. The war was not concerned with religion per se; it has everything to do with what religion embodies, good verses evil, right verses wrong, human dignity and freedom verses tyranny and oppression... We will prevail because of the support of the American people, armed with a trust in God, and in the principles that make men free. President Bush Prayer for the Gulf War 1991

The tragedy of our time is then not so much the malice of the wicked, as the helpless futility even of the best intentions of "the good". But we ourselves, in or very best efforts for peace, find ourselves maneuvered unconsciously into positions where we too can act as criminals. Thomas Merton

For those of you who want to know about our physical state. We were really ragging at the end. Our mouths hurt, our toungues were white and pasty. Our bodies ached, we didn't get much sleep. Fasting this long on water is excruciating. Thank you for your prayers. They helped and we made it.

Brian Mack

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