Massive Hunger Strike Against Iraq War Arrives At State Capitol Today (Monday)

URGENT NEWS ADVISORY
Monday, July 10, 2006
Contact: Natalie Wormeli, CodePink 530-756-1900

ATTN: Assignment Desk

Massive hunger strike against Iraq war
arrives at State Capitol Monday; Strikers
led by Cindy Sheehan, others in D.C. protest

SACRAMENTO – The "Troops Home Fast" – led by Cindy Sheehan, Dick Gregory
and at least 3,400 others throughout the country and internationally –
began this morning (Monday, July 10) at 6 a.m. at the State Capitol (South
Steps).

State Capitol hunger strikers will fast through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9
p.m. Supporters are expected to join the "rolling hunger strike,"just one
of scores – in addition to a big one in Washington D.C. – ongoing
throughout the world protesting the war in Iraq.

In California, hunger strikers are also focusing on Assembly Joint
Resolution 36, which opposes the Iraq war.

The historic hunger fast, organized by CODEPINK, Women for Peace and Gold
Star Families for Peace, began July 4 in front of the White House.
Demonstrators vow to remain outside the White House with their message to
bring the troops home from Iraq.

Among the Washington fasters are Cindy Sheehan, legendary comedian/civil
rights activist Dick Gregory, environmental activist Diane Wilson, former
army colonel Ann Wright, Iraq war veterans, Iraqis and Pentagon
whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg.

They are joined by almost 3,000 others from around the United States and 18
other countries. Celebrities and other well-known public figures have
committed to join the fast, including Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn and Danny
Glover, musicians Graham Nash and Willie Nelson, writer Alice Walker, and
more.

"While others are enjoying their barbecues and fireworks today, we will be
going hungry for the most noble cause of all: peace," said Gold Star mother
Cindy Sheehan. "Our founding fathers cautioned future generations against
engaging in wars of aggression for empire and economic gain, lest we lose
our national soul. And the war in Iraq is exactly the kind of war our
nation's leaders once cautioned against."

The hunger strike will continue throughout the summer. For updates, see
http://www.troopshomefast.org.