by Matt Daloisio
January 20, 2009
Washington, DC

As we continue to try and make visible the men who are in Guantanamo, over 110 people from around the country will end the nine-day Fast for Justice, and Witness Against Torture will begin the 100 Days Campaign. Those who have come to DC to participate in the fast will gather in McPherson Square at 7am today, share a simple meal, and then head into the inauguration crowds with our jumpsuits, hoods, leaflets and signs.

On Sunday, eight of us in DC joined the throngs of people going to the Inaugural concert on the Mall. Rather than sporting Obama tee shirts, flags and posters, seven of us wore orange jumpsuits and black hoods and one wore a "Shut Guantanamo" tee shirt. The reception from the celebratory crowd was quite positive.

the circle slowly melts as folks have had to leave the Temple for other parts. a sadness that reminds me of the responsibilities back home but also of the rending of families by the very existence of hellholes such as guantanamo. the hours of the fast dwindle down and i recall Dr. King's final speech "difficult days ahead" and i know that as the fast ends the 100 days campaign truly begins and we must continue. here and at home. we keep hearing "keep the pressure on" and i hope we do.

by Annamarie Hessman

As I near the end of my commitment to fast for ten days, I stand today very
small in the face of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Today at
noon marks the beginning of a ninth period of 24 hours in which I am
abstaining from solid food or substantial nutrients, yet I see how tiny my
efforts are.

Although I often have trouble sticking to various diets I set myself to
follow, my resolve and self-control have been very strong these past nine
days. Witnessing a parade of delicious offerings, I've been able to think
with determination of my commitment to these men who are detained without an
end in sight and of the fellowship of the amazing, committed people who are
part of this fast and Witness Against Torture.

What makes own efforts so small in my eyes is that my resolve is also firmed
by knowing that "I can have that later." -- my awareness of when this can

This morning the fasters went down to the Mall and vigiled at the White House and the Treasury. Reaction was by-and-large positive. One young woman stopped her friends to watch our vigil and said, over and over, "This is love! This is love right here! This is what I'm talking about, y'all! This is love!"

As we were walking home, the police started shutting down the street, and sure enough, the motorcade drove by again.