Are hunger strikes effective? - Democratic Underground

RagingInMiami

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Fri Apr-13-07 12:19 PM
Original message

Are hunger strikes effective?

I wrote an article that was posted today about two Haitian American hunger strikers protesting against the detention and possible deportation of the 101 Haitian migrants that landed in South Florida last month.

I've always been skeptical about hunger strikes, but in doing research for this article, it seems that they can be effective. Probably even more effective than just standing in the corner holding up a sign.

What is your opinion?

http://www.category305.com/index.php

http://www.category305.com/magic-city/starving-for-justice-2.php

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no_hypocrisy

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Fri Apr-13-07 12:23 PM
Response to Original message

1. Ultimately.

Historically, the suffragettes in England (Mrs. Pankhurst and her daughters and their followers) went on a hunger strike in jail. Tubes were forced into their esophaguses, breaking their clenched teeth in the process, to forcefeed the inmates.

Mitch Schneider, in D.C., went on a very long hunger strike to advocate for homelessness. This compromised his overall health and he died consequently.

Both these example brought attention to their causes. Though it wasn't the hunger strike itself, it was the public awareness, and the public demanding reform that made the difference.

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Captain Hilts

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Fri Apr-13-07 12:26 PM
Response to Original message

2. Bobby Sands starved himself to death, and 20+ years later, peace.

You make the call.

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RagingInMiami

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Fri Apr-13-07 12:29 PM
Response to Reply #2

4. But Northern Ireland is still under British rule

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Captain Hilts

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Fri Apr-13-07 04:39 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. Yes. So far, he's died for nothing. Shame. nt

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JitterbugPerfume

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Fri Apr-13-07 12:28 PM
Response to Original message

3. sometimes

it is the only weapon available to the disenfranchised

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Parche

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Fri Apr-13-07 05:04 PM
Response to Original message

6. hunger strike

Food for thought............I dont think it is effective at all

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