By Maria Sari
NEW YORK — A "Fast for Life" called by the solidarity and aid group "Pastors for Peace" on February 21 after US Customs agents seized 400 medical computers and other aid bound for Cubs is now in its 11th week, Although one of the fasters had to drop out after severe health complications, four others, including 65-year-old Reverend Lucius Walker, are determined to continue fasting until all the computers are released.
The initial confrontation with Treasury agents took place on January 31, when tens of Pastors for Peace volunteers with humanitarian aid for Cuba were stopped at the Mexican border. Treasury agents attacked the volunteers, causing one to be hospitalised, and seized 325 medical computers which were to be donated to Cuban hospitals. Seventeen people were taken into custody, but have not so far been charged.
Pastors for Peace made a second attempt to cross the border with 70 more computers and other medical aid on February 17, accompanied by hundreds of supporters calling for an end to the US economic blockade which is strangling Cuba. US customs officials went so far as to close the US-Mexico border at San Diego, the busiest border crossing in the world! Another border crossing to Canada, where hundreds more volunteers were trying to cross, was also closed. Again, all the computers and other aid were seized.
A "Fast for Life" was declared until all the medical computers are released. The fast began in San Diego near the Mexican border, but was later moved to Washington, where a small chapel was constructed in front of the White House.
Supporters of the fasters and opponents of the Cuban embargo have put increasing pressure on the US government to release the computers. Fifty members of Congress and numerous churches have expressed support for the fasters and forwarded demands to the US Treasury and other government heads who have authority over the seized computers.
The national news media have ignored the fast to the best of their ability. It was only on April l0 that an article came out in the Washington Post; the New York Times has yet to scratch out as much as a single line on the issue.
The four fasters, who have taken only salt and water with small amounts of lemon juice and syrup for over two months, remain in good spirits. Support for them across the country continues to grow. International pressure is also needed. Protests can be sent to President Bill Clinton at 1 202 456 2461 (fax) or The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 20500.