Fasting for Peace in Iraq
56 days on the steps of the Oregon State Capitol
March 17, 2003 to May 11, 2003 
updated 02/09/04 at 13:44 PST

The mind of man
knows no employment
more worthy of its powers
than the quest of righteousness
In human affairs
no goal of its labours
that is superior to
the discovery of the good
in the guidance of life

--Inscription to the 
right of the doors 
to the Capitol of Oregon

Day 4

21 March 2003

Last night, I slept on the ground instead of my usual lawn recliner. I woke this morning in a wet sleeping bag--despite the tarp which shielded us from the rain. I was struck by the realization that millions of people are homeless in this country and endure these conditions year 'round involuntarily while our government sees fit to spend our tax dollars on the genocide of our sisters and brothers worldwide. 

Later on in the day, when the destruction of Baghdad started, it was brought home again to me how injustice and war have pervaded and dominated the earth for too long, and how our short times together here are meant for us to quest for the answers that will again unite us in the common spirit of love and peace on this fragile planet. 

I draw such great strength and energy from the beauty and solidarity of the community that has been my home since I was a child. People from all walks of life--from the very young to the grandparents of people--all sharing hope, dreams, and memories. Within the darkness, there is a light that engulfing us all. A light that is drawing us nearer and nearer to eternity.

With great love and solidarity from Salem, the city of Peace,

--Michele Darr

 
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Fasting for Peace in Iraq
 
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Journal entries by their respective authors.