Day 30: Down 15 pounds, and I am not quitting

With a full month behind me, the pressure is mounting to have me end my protest and go home to my family. I wish I could comply with those folks who have my well-being in mind and at heart. But, as Mike wrote to an associate today, this effort has had more attention in one month, than his 35 years of education on the bigger picture of why this sort of thing is permitted to happen. While that is a sad commentary, it speaks to the kind of action that gets attention. All to say that I am not quitting. No one knows what the next weeks will bring, how my health will hold up, but please know that I feel strongly that what I am doing is 'right' for right now.

I had information today that the response to "The National" report has been huge. What people are commenting on is that they did not realize that uranium mining was taking place in areas outside of the north. This is great. People need to know this. Please keep the letters going to the Premier, the Prime Minister and the 'responsible' Ministers. As well, whatever encouragement is being given the media, keep it on. Keep on doing everything that you are doing because it is working.

I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Radio-ecoshock this a.m. The interview may run on Nov. 9th, as a teaser for a program scheduled for Nov 30th, which will also feature Jim Harding, author of "Uranium - Canada's Dirty Secret," and author of a great letter in Nov. 6th Uranium News. It will also go out to 13 community college and university radio stations and will be streamed on Youtube. Once the program has aired, a link will be provided for those with high speed.

More questions: Having said that I was taking in about 600 calories, am I a nutritionist?

I am not. I got that information from the label on a maple syrup bottle, (based on how many tablespoons I use). The juice is a guestimate. I'm assuming no calories in herbal teas, since I don't add sweetener. How can I have only lost 15 lbs. over a month-long period?

When first denied sufficient calories the body goes into starvation mode, where it holds on to weight temporarily. I suspect that this has happened and, while I've lost 15 lbs. (for an average of ½ lb. per day) to date, I cannot be sure that that 'schedule' will continue, but I do promise to keep you up-to-date. What do I say to people who may be wondering whether my hunger strike is 'legit' and that "I should be in the hospital after a month without food?"

There will always be naysayers, in this case, those who do not believe me truthful. I cannot change that. In regard to why I am not in the hospital, all I can say is that I am as surprised as anyone as to how well I am feeling. It may be that my strength is holding as well as it is because there is a higher power at work, or just that I have a strong constitution. I do know that our fight is a good fight, worth the struggle, sacrifice and conflict that inevitably results. In any case, keep the prayers coming. I'd be pleased to welcome any skeptics to my humble abode. They are welcome to come spend 24 hours, or 72 for that matter, to see for themselves whether my actions here stand up to scrutiny. What can we do for others in similar situations, but without the settler support that this effort is blessed to be making history with?

If you have the time and energy for one more letter, please consider supporting the efforts of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) of Big Trout Lake, in their effort to hold off the presence of Platinex. There too, the Native population was not consulted before exploration began and, after spending 600,000 to 700,000 dollars, they have been forced to declare bankruptcy. For more info please see: www.kitchenuhmaykoosib.com and www.kitelecom.myknet.org

Tomorrow is my youngest daughter's 18th birthday. Happy Birthday Elisha. I will catch a visit with her (and a shower) before heading over to the Gordon Edwards talk in Carleton Place.

Blessings,

Donna