The Pittster is promoting Patrick R. McElligott's, AKA H2O Man, hunger strike

[Tucker]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002163385

Fri Jan 13, 2012, 10:20 AM

Star Member WilliamPitt (50,167 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

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DU's H20 Man will begin a hunger strike on Monday to protest fracking. This is his story.


Natural gas wells owned by Cabot Oil and Gas in Dimock, Pennsylvania, in December 2009. (Photo: Fred R. Conrad / The New York Times)

In the Clearing Stands a Boxer: One Man's Fight Against Fracking
By William Rivers Pitt
t r u t h o u t | Op-Ed

Friday 13 January 2012

There is a natural prejudice against fasting as part of a political struggle. It is considered a vulgar interpolation in politics by the ordinary politician, though it has always been resorted to by prisoners. My fast should not be considered a political move in any sense of the term. It is obedience to the peremptory call of conscience and duty. It comes out of felt agony.

- Mahatma Gandhi, January 1948

What can the "little person" do?

We live in a country dominated by Citizens United, by "super-PAC's," by corporate wealth and power of such vast depth and breadth that to even contemplate a challenge against such powers is paralyzing. They are watching, they are listening, and if you step on the wrong set of toes, as the song goes, "The Man come and take you away."

It is all well and good to be inspired by the words of men like Mario Savio, who said, "There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part. You can't even passively take part! And you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus and you've got to make it stop!"

All well and good, yes...but when the moment arrives to actually lay oneself upon the gears and wheels, so many of us become daunted, diminished, or simply too afraid to act.

What can the "little person" do against such might?

Recently, however, an example of courage was gifted to us all. It began in New York City with "Occupy Wall Street," and spread like wildfire across the nation. Thousands upon thousands of people laid themselves upon those gears and wheels and said, simply, No." For their trouble, they were greeted with the truncheon, the chemical spray, the taser, the punch, the kick, imprisonment, and the hard truth of state-sanctioned violence. The Occupy struggle continues, but the machine opposed by that movement still grinds on.

What can the "little person" do?

One man is about to give his answer.

I was privileged, many years ago, to become friends with a man named Patrick R. McElligott. He was once a boxer, and we first bonded over the story of the day I met Muhammad Ali. Over the years, our friendship grew as we endured, and struggled against, the mayhem and insanity of the George W. Bush administration.

Last week, I received a note from him letting me know that, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, he would be undertaking a hunger strike directed against New York State officials who are bound and determined to make the Southern Tier of the state a showcase for the effectiveness of a process called Induced Hydraulic Fracturing, or "fracking." The process, aimed at releasing buried energy sources like natural gas or petroleum, is accomplished by blasting high-pressure water and other chemicals into the ground. The industries behind fracking will tell you that the process is perfectly safe and not in need of much regulation, but Patrick McElligott knows better.

(snip)

Mr. McElligott made many attempts to engage local political officials, on both sides of the aisle, in a dialogue on the potential hazards of this process. He was uniformly rebuffed. He wrote them repeatedly to no avail, and likewise wrote to his neighbors to explain the dangers of fracking.

Finally, when all other avenues had been exhausted, Mr. McElligott made his decision. He would lay himself upon the gears and the wheels, even as it put him in great personal peril.

On Monday, Mr. McElligott will begin his hunger strike. Earlier this week, I spoke at length with this "little man," my friend, so he could explain his motivations and his intentions.

The rest: http://www.truth-out.org/clearing-stands-boxer-one-mans-fight-against-fracking/1326401455

Response to WilliamPitt (Original post)

Fri Jan 13, 2012, 10:23 AM

Star Member trumad (29,660 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore
2. I really wish he'd reconsider..

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Last edited Fri Jan 13, 2012, 10:23 AM USA/ET - Edit history (1)
This last year he has been in bad health... Surgery etc.

I admire what he is doing but I don't want to see him hurt himself by doing this.

What's the worst that could happen?

Response to trumad (Reply #2)

Fri Jan 13, 2012, 12:37 PM

Star Member madokie (31,791 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore
46. Yes it does make an old mans eyes water

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I wish him well

Bong smoke has the same effect.

Response to WilliamPitt (Original post)

Fri Jan 13, 2012, 11:28 AM

Star Member Major Hogwash (10,136 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore
22. Not exactly what I expected him to do.

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Unless the New York Times gets involved, or something of that nature, I don't think this will have a happy ending.

One can only hope that you're correct.

Response to WilliamPitt (Original post)

Fri Jan 13, 2012, 12:05 PM

Star Member MADem (66,285 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore
33. I hope his actions call attention to the issue without killing him.

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As a society, Americans don't always respond real well to hunger strikes. I wish a bunch of people in his state would stage some focused protests. I wish him luck and good health.

I can see the headlines on the NY Post now, "Another group of moonbats are protesting something completely different."

Response to MinervaX (Reply #35)

Fri Jan 13, 2012, 12:46 PM

Star Member hfojvt (27,721 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore
53. to meet with Governor Cuomo

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It might help if 100 DUers called the Governor's office 1-518-474-8390

http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php

Just remind the Governor that you're a member of the democrat party and that you voted for him.

Response to WilliamPitt (Original post)

Fri Jan 13, 2012, 12:28 PM

Star Member librechik (22,396 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore
43. Will, I will speak to my boss & see if there's any way we can cover the story

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A human interest angle on a subject we generally want to do more on, has to be hard $cience oriented though too--no promises, of course

D

Nadin's sock puppet?

[BEG]

The only thing I would go on a hunger strike for is my children (I can't think of a reason I would need to either).  I'm sitting here eating left over homemade spaghetti and meatballs...and it is GOOD.

[Karin]

Something to watch.  H20 Man at the DUmp is going to embark on a hunger strike to protest fracking (natural gas mining) in NY state.  Pittstain is behind it all the way, writing a really long article in truthout, and promoting it on both versions of DU.  Of course, Will won't be missing any meals. 

DUmp Link

58 cheering, weeping posts. 

MinervaX (25 posts)
35. When will he end the hunger strike?

What are his demands?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Response to MinervaX (Reply #35)
Fri Jan 13, 2012, 12:43 PM
 WilliamPitt (50,168 posts)
51. A dialogue with public officials on the issue

Period.

So he can break for lunch if they have an email exchange or something?  Are just tweets OK?   

EFerrari (158,733 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

23. These are the steps he says we can take to support him:

Well, I think it would be really nice if people would call NYS Senator Tom Libous, and tell him that they think he should talk to the leaders of the grass roots groups that are opposed to hydrofracking. That doesn't mean that he will change his position on fracking. But an elected representative should be willing to listen to people he disagrees with. He really should welcome the opportunity, even if he isn't going to change our positions.

He has offices in Binghamton and Albany. The Binghamton phone numbesr are: 607-773-8771, and 877-854-2687. The Albany number is: 518-455-2677. His e-mail is: senatorsenatorlibous.com .

People can also call Governor Andrew Cuomo on this. You do not have to be a New York State resident. His phone number is: 518-474-8390.

Governor Cuomo has appointed his ex-brother-in-law, environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to an advisory position on hydrofracking in New York State. Robert disappointed the environmental community by initially being pro-fracking, except near the NYC watershed. He's taken a somewhat different position since the summer. Robert has the Governor's ear, and he knows me. It would be good if people called his office at Pace University, and tell his secretary, Mary Beth Postman, to have Robert call Cuomo on this issue. That number is: 914- 422-4343.

What else? Believe in the power of ideas. Have faith in the power of yourself. Act upon your ideas. Take steps to protect the environment, work for social justice. There may well be people who tell you to shut up, and who try to discourage you. Trust yourself. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

  Moonbattery.

Dear Senator Libous:
I support fracking, as natural gas is clean and affordable.  I am a New Yorker. 
Signed, Karin

[franksolich]

Whoa.

Wait.

What?

.....the story of the day I met Muhammad Ali.

The Bostonian Drunkard met Muhammad Ali?

Wow.

What a coincidence.

So too did the young franksolich, near the end of February 1978; we were on the same flight from London to Chicago (he was returning from Manila where he'd fought with Joe Louis or somebody); we even had a little three-minute chitchattery, at the end of which we shook hands.

I wasn't into boxing, but he struck me as being smaller than I thought he'd be.

He also seemed detached, out of it, and had all these big guys around him.

For the record, he eyed me and approached me; I didn't approach him.  I dunno why that happened.

Thanks for the long-ago-forgotten memory, flaccid greasy one.

[FiddyBeowulf]

Fracking is bad? A Halliburton exec drank the fluid they use in the process. Maybe Pitt's pal can use that fluid to keep himself alive like Cindy Sheehan did with smoothies during her "hunger" strike.

[Karin]

Tucker and I posted at the same time.  Thanks for combining. 

[GOBUCKS]

It'll be great if this DUmbass doesn't eat until he actually dies. That would be truly hilarious, and would earn him some kind of special award during the 2012 DOTY voting period.

I'd simply love it if a DUmmy would actually have some balls and literally starve himself to death. But of course he doesn't, and he won't.

When this pathetic stunt is over, we'll still be sending a welfare check to his sorry ass every month.

I'm sure his "fast" will be in effect for sixteen hours per day, like the ditch witch's famous scam, or some other such hoax.

If he actually dies, I'd like to pay some retired Marines to go piss on his worthless carcass.  

[franksolich]

When this pathetic stunt is over, we'll still be sending a welfare check to his sorry ass every month.

I believe we already are paying; I vaguely recall the watery primitive, the H2O man primitive, as being on disability.

[67 Rover]

It'll be great if this DUmbass doesn't eat until he actually dies. That would be truly hilarious, and would earn him some kind of special award during the 2012 DOTY voting period.

I'd simply love it if a DUmmy would actually have some balls and literally starve himself to death. But of course he doesn't, and he won't.

When this pathetic stunt is over, we'll still be sending a welfare check to his sorry ass every month.

I'm sure his "fast" will be in effect for sixteen hours per day, like the ditch witch's famous scam, or some other such hoax.

If he actually dies, I'd like to pay some retired Marines to go piss on his worthless carcass.  

IIRC from one of the picture threads it will be awhile before he burns through his reserves but as long as the end result is the same I can wait.

[JohnnyReb]

I will think of the idiot next Thursday while I'm am eating a hearty meal in honor of and in memory of.... Robert E. Lee.

[beefeater]

Seems to me if this MORON was really serious about protesting oil and gas exploration he would self-immolate on the steps of Cabot Oil and Gas Co.

Now that would get some major press coverage.

 

[JohnnyReb]

Getting old is no fun. I just remembered I was supposed to remember to do something next Thursday while having a hearty meal on Robert E. Lee's birthday....alas, I have forgotten....

[JakeStyle]

A post a few weeks ago made by GOBUCKS motivated me to order 2 four-packs of Skyline chili.  They just arrived last night, I'm going to honor H2O mans hunger strike with a 3-way.

[Wineslob]

Fracking is bad? A Halliburton exec drank the fluid they use in the process. Maybe Pitt's pal can use that fluid to keep himself alive like Cindy Sheehan did with smoothies during her "hunger" strike.

Of course it is. Anything good for the Imperialist United States of Amerika is bad, especially if it means developing our OWN energy sources.

"Greenies" are trying to stop ALL fracking.

[Karin]

I'm sure his "fast" will be in effect for sixteen hours per day, like the ditch witch's famous scam, or some other such hoax.

It's only until he "establishes dialogue" with "officials."  So, this state senator could call up, say "How ya doin?"  and there you go.  What's for lunch?  Mmmm Reubens. 

[Mike220]

Will this be an "Occupy-style" hunger strike with rotating 8 hour shifts of not eating?

[tanstaafl]

I will think of the idiot next Thursday while I'm am eating a hearty meal in honor of and in memory of.... Robert E. Lee.

I'm thinking of him right fracking now!

I'm just about to go off to a seafood smorgasbord at the local eatery. To celebrate that I'll be off expenses this weekend and will have to forage at the local supermarket starting Monday.

[diesel driver]

It'll be great if this DUmbass doesn't eat until he actually dies. That would be truly hilarious, and would earn him some kind of special award during the 2012 DOTY voting period.

I'd simply love it if a DUmmy would actually have some balls and literally starve himself to death. But of course he doesn't, and he won't.

When this pathetic stunt is over, we'll still be sending a welfare check to his sorry ass every month.

I'm sure his "fast" will be in effect for sixteen hours per day, like the ditch witch's famous scam, or some other such hoax.

If he actually dies, I'd like to pay some retired Marines to go piss on his worthless carcass.  

I'm sure you won't have to pay them for that service.  They would happily volunteer to do it, especially if you tell them he was one of the POSes that spat on our returning soldiers back in 1973.

Hell, I'LL volunteer to do it, and I'm NOT a Marine.   

[Ogre]

It's pretty sad when Pittstain has to write about this just to get views.

Once upon a time the unwashed masses waited on and hung of every boring god forsaken word the Pitt would write.  Now days he's lucky if his threads get over 50 replies.

One day you're the cock of the walk, the next day you're a feather duster.

[Boudicca]

Will Pitt has only to persuade Lord Watering Pot to yield the fraking fasting mantle to Sir FlipperFoot, and perhaps by Christmas poor Jeannette can be a stay at home hausfrau, luxuriating in all the luxuries her (finally) employed husband brings to her.

And Willie, you are still nothing but a bore no matter what you post.

[franksolich]

One day you're the cock of the walk, the next day you're a feather duster.

Good one, sir.

Awesome.

[Ralph Wiggum]

If this "meeting" between Wee Willie & Muhammad Ali really took place, I wish the former heavyweight champ would have pummeled Pitt into oblivion.

[Chris_]

Bad liberals!  Bad!

President Barry's own EPA goon says fracking is perfectly okay.  Who are you to go against party orthodoxy?

Racists.

[diesel driver]

Question:

If a DUmmie goes on a hunger strike, dies in the woods, and gets eaten by a bear, will PETA protest when the bear dies, and the EPA declare it a toxic site for superfund cleanup?

[USA4ME]

MinervaX

When will he end the hunger strike?

What are his demands?

WilliamPitt
 
A dialogue with public officials on the issue

Period.

Why should they?

The self-importance these idiots attach to themselves is hilarious.

"If only I could get an audience with some public officials, then it would be broadcast on TV and I could brilliantly explain to the public why they should be opposed, too.  And they would be opposed after I explained it, you know.  Did I mention that I'm brilliant?"

Dolts.

.