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Via Workers World News Service
Reprinted from the April 18, 1996
issue of Workers World newspaper
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FAST FOR LIFE: FIGHT AGAINST BLOCKADE TARGETS CAPITOL HILL

By Andy McInerney

Four activists continue to put their lives on the line opposing the United States blockade of Cuba. The Rev. Lucius Walker, Lisa Valanti, Brian Rohatyn, and Jim Clifford are entering their eighth week on a hunger strike, demanding that the U.S. Treasury Department release 400 computers destined for Cuba.

A fifth hunger striker, Seya Sangari, reluctantly ended his fast on April 5 after becoming unable to walk and collapsing. "I will go off the fast because of Dr. David Levinson's recommendation following extensive examination, and my strong desire not to impede the efforts of the other fasters," Sangari explained.

"The reason I remained on the fast for this long was the brutal U.S. policy toward Cuba, and as long as that remains, I will work to change it."

The hunger strike began on Feb. 21 after the U.S. government seized 400 computers. The computers were part of a humanitarian aid shipment to Cuba organized by the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization/ Pastors for Peace. They were to be part of the Infomed computer network in Cuba, linking hospitals and universities with rural health clinics throughout Cuba.

After spending 33 days in San Diego, the fasters moved their encampment to Washington, D.C. They have set up on the lawn of the Methodist Building, in sight of the Capitol and Supreme Court.

The fast has been a focal point for opposition to the U.S. blockade, both in the United States and in Canada. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union as well as San Francisco Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Walter Johnson sent letters to President Bill Clinton supporting the fasters and opposing the blockade.

Pastors for Peace reports solidarity fasts, demonstrations, and parliamentary actions across Canada- from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. The Canadian government, a capitalist trade rival to the United States, has been increasingly vocal in its opposition to the U.S. blockade since Congress passed and Clinton signed the Helms-Burton bill. That law imposes penalties on any country that trades with Cuba.

In Washington, the fasters are tired but busy. They have been meeting with members of Congress, ambassadors, and local solidarity groups. The fast prompted Rep. Lynn Woolsey to circulate a "Dear Colleague" letter in Congress. Fifteen members signed it.

Andrea Saenz, a volunteer with Pastors for Peace in Washington, told Workers World that despite the media's refusal to report on their struggle, the fasters are stepping up their lobbying campaign. She reported that they now have 35 members of Congress actively engaged in the case.

The fasters have scheduled a meeting with local Cuba solidarity activists for April 10 to set plans to broaden the campaign.

Saenz urged supporters of the fast to call Clinton, Congress and Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin. Supporters can contact Pastors for Peace at the Washington office at (202) 544-3825 or the Minneapolis office at (612) 870-7121, or by e-mail at p4p@igc.apc.org.

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