Death Fast for Universal Health Coverage

[Morgana Washington]

I am considering a fast unto death to start in Sept. after the Congressional hiatus, to get them to "Quit politics" in the issue of universal health coverage. I will obviously need alot of support including major media, to accomplish this. If we cannot reach the masses with a story like this, the meaning of the fast will be lost. I also would be willing to go down to D.C. while fasting and let the two houses SEE how determined some of us are to get everybody covered with SOME kind of health protection. Anybody have any thoughts?

[Ashni Mohnot]

Morgana, if you are already ill (which I assume since you said you let go your medications), then even a 21 day fast might be too much. Please, please consider your options very carefully. In my mind, it is better not to risk fasting for long if you are ill. Gandhi would probably not recommend that. You can only continue to follow his path of truth and nonviolence if you are alive and well enough to continue to make positive change in the world.
Best,
Ashni

[Morgana Washington]

Yes, unto death means a scary prospect...a 21 day fast might be a better choice. I am going to try and meet with lawmakers while they are on August holiday and sound out the possibilities....

[Morgana Washington]

Yes, it scares me to death. That's why I wanted input from this community. I can see no other way to put the subject into visceral relief for the COngress. Thousands die while the politick this issue with their mid-term elections in the forefront of their thinking. I thought I would begin to locate journalists who would be sympathetic, and congressional leaders too, during their August vacation. The all talk and no action state of affairs is obscene. I know, because I have been very very ill for the month I have had no insurance and had to let go my medicines. I want to be absolutely sure that I undertake such a fast or even if I tone it down to 21 days, that I am doing it for all the right reasons, and not wrong thinking and so I deeply appreciate an ongoing dialogue about this. I need your help everyone to be sure this is a path of truth and not untruth. Namaste.

[Aunty Kamala]

You know, another thought that comes to mind, is that 'health care' in the US means, allopathic care. Laws have been passed that have made it impossible for the advancement of other health care systems. When my precious daughter became sick in 2007, we returned to the US, and she was admitted to NIH. Despite numerous tests, they were unable to even come up with a diagnoses. She did not want the morphine, she said it did nothing except make it so she couldn't communicate. Despite the 'highest technology and scientific advancements' and 'brains' available, she died, without having even a pain killer, and her suffering was terribly intense, although she had a very strong mind.
Just this last summer, I found out that Dr. Yeshi Dhondon, the Dalai Lama's personal physician had conducted clinical trials at Stanford U, and was able, with Tibetan Herbal medicines to arrest stage 4 cancers. If I had only known of this, I would have returned to India, where at least, all systems of medical care are allowed to practice, including Tibetan, and perhaps our Anni would be here with us in the body, today.
I think it is criminal that in the US people are only legally allowed to use one, often failing, system of medicine.
At present in the US, the pharmaceutical companies are conditioning and encouraging people to take prescription drugs for everything. People are losing the ability to cope with their lives from their own inner strength...and rely upon drugs to 'help'. This system relies upon fear, ex. Bird Flu, for huge sales on international markets as well.
We urgently need a health care system that supports the ethical advancement of all types of medical care for people, and freedom of individual choice.
please send me your personal email, so I can send you the Chapter on the Fast.
Loving You,
Aunty Kamala


I think we need

[Ashni Mohnot]

While I admire your commitment to getting healthcare for all Americans, I find myself unable to approve a fast unto death. That is a scary thought - especially if you reach the point where you have to follow through or you lose the media attention you might gather. Please consider the value of your own life to you, how your loved ones will feel etc. before taking such a drastic (in my mind) step.
Best,
Ashni

[Aunty Kamala]

Morgana, is this You? Are You considering this?
I would like to send you a section in our book, Earth Ethics of MKGandhi with Teachings from Holy Mother Amma, which discusses the hows and whys and wherefores of the use of the Fast.
This is one area where I feel there is a lot of misunderstanding on what Gandhi called, "a terrible weapon"
Even for a Fast, the climate has to be right. He said, "A Fast is a whip administered to lethargic Love"
For the Fast to be successful, it is very important to ascertain whether or not you have captured the hearts of the majority of Americans needing health care or at least the people in the House and Senate should have some sort of feelings for you. It is their concern for you that will galvanize change if you take this step. A Fast is a matter between man and his Maker. Gandhi was quite specific that it was not to be used for coercion, ever. Coercion he saw as 'rank violence.'
Please let me get that section to you. Please send me your private email address
[e-mail]
Loving you,
Aunty Kamala