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Join us for the 11th Annual 40-hour FAST Why do we fast for 40 hours? In our fasting, we lift up our belief that the deepening injustice of America’s budget and tax priorities must not go unchallenged. The number 40 has special significance in both religious and labor traditions. The 40 days of Lent and the Israelites’ 40 years wandering in the wilderness are examples of this deeply symbolic number. The 40-hour work week, giving workers the weekend for rest, was won only after years of struggle and sacrifice by men and women in the labor movement. How do we fast? We invite you to go without solid food for as much of the 40 hours as you can. This may mean fasting from sunset to sunrise. It may mean fasting from one or more meals, or forgoing a special desert or snack. What do we do while we fast? We reflect on the immorality of an economic system that “legally” steals from the poor to give to the rich. We follow our conscience in calling for a new America where the silent war against the poor and low-income Americans is not allowed to continue. We join with others for an opening ritual to begin the fast the evening of March 15, 2006 or for a closing at noon on March 17. We can choose to respond to the action suggestions offered here.
Last Updated:02/06/2006 |