{"article":{"id":77442,"heading":"HUNGER STRIKE! Activists Demand An End To Psychiatric Repression","author":"www.mindfreedom.org","created":"2003-08-17 05:46:40","modified":"2007-02-09 17:59:04","last_modified":"Sat, 10 Feb 2007 00:59:04","article":"

FAST FOR FREEDOM IN MENTAL HEALTH



NEWS RELEASE - 16 August 2003

pre-fast David Oaks 541-345-9106 during fast Mickey Weinberg 626-795-5525

A Fast for Human Rights and Choice in Mental Health

PASADENA, CALIF: On Sat., 16 August 2003 five psychiatric survivors and a dissident social worker from throughout the United States will arrive in Pasadena, Calif. to begin a hunger strike to press for human rights and choice in psychiatry.

Their demand: That the mental health industry produce even one study proving the common industry claim that \"mental illness is biologically-based.\" The hunger strikers charge that the pharmaceutical industry and psychiatry are medicalizing an ever-widening spectrum of human emotion and behavior for financial gain, and are willing to deceive the public while they too frequently humiliate and harm their clients.

\"The government gives virtually total support to a quick-fix, pill-pushing model of mental health at the expense of alternative, less invasive ways of helping people in emotional distress,\" asserts David Oaks, hunger striker and Executive Director of MindFreedom Support Coalition International.

The hunger strikers will subsist on a liquid only diet until the American Psychiatric Association (APA), The Surgeon General, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) respond to seven challenges sent to them concurrent with this news release.

Fourteen mental health academics and practitioners stand ready to review and reply to responses to the strikers' challenge. One, Loren Mosher, MD, former head of schizophrenia studies at the National Institute of Mental Health said, \"What we are dealing with here is fashion, politics, and money... I want no part of a psychiatry of oppression and social control.\"

\"The targets of our fast have muddied the waters of mental health for too long,\" said Mickey Weinberg, hunger striker and MindFreedom board member. \"It's time they come clean. They claim science is on their side. We're just saying, 'prove it.'\"

MindFreedom Support Coalition International is a Non-Governmental Organization with Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations, and a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups to win human rights & alternatives in mental health. Pre-strike contact David Oaks (541) 345-9601 or oaks@mindfreedom.org<\/a>. During the hunger strike phone Mickey Weinberg (626) 795-5525. Web site: www.mindfreedom.org

<\/p>\n","contact":"office@MindFreedom.org","link":"","address":"","phone":"","parent_id":0,"mime_type":"text\/plain","summary":"Posted on behalf of Mind Freedom. Mental health reform activsits are trying to bring to light the quiet state of terror that exists in the so called field of psychiatry today. Educate yourselves about how psychiatrists are an alternative to the police and prisons as a form of repression and social control:","numcomment":54,"fileurl":"\/uploads\/","filesize":null,"article_url":"\/news\/2003\/08\/77442.php"},"attachments":[],"comments":[{"id":77453,"heading":"illustration","article":"graphic \u00a9 2003 by charles amsellem. all rights reserved. activists may reproduce for non profit use only","author":"charles amsellem","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2003-08-17 07:25:12","modified":"2013-11-11 00:24:59","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2003\/08\/rangel_webed.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2003\/08\/rangel_webed.jpg"}},{"id":77876,"heading":"DAY 3 UPDATE FOR SO. CALIFORNIA FOLKS","article":"YO! Indy Media folks in So. California area, especially PASADENA! We are in DAY THREE of Hunger Strike in this rented building here in Pasadena! We're counting on the folks like you critical of CORPORATE MEDIA to help us get the word out about challenging the RICHEST CORPORATIONS IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD -- the psychiatric drug industry (when measured by investments). \r\n\r\nBELOW is a quick update on day 3, but see our web site for lots more info, links to photos, etc. Note we need volunteers, and people can drop by -- but best is between 6 and 8 pm (other than that, best to call first).\r\n\r\nOkay, here you go for FREEDOM!\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n\r\nDAY THREE -- Monday, 18 August 2003 - UPDATE\r\n\r\nATTENTION -- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS\r\n\r\n\r\nHi, this is an update from the Hunger Strike Headquarters\r\nof the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health ... especially\r\nfor people in the So. Cal. area. Please forward this to\r\nothers in the So. Cal area.\r\n\r\n*** WE'RE ALREADY MAKING SOME NEWS\r\n\r\nIt's only Day Three but we're already making some news...\r\n\r\nThe news conference today good attendance... some\r\nof the local media that have done stories or interviews are:\r\nKPCC (local NPR), Pasadena Star News (today page 3a),\r\nPasadena Weekly, KCAL-TV, KNX radio.... This is a good\r\ntime for letters to the editor supporting the hunger strike.\r\nEncourage the media to cover it!\r\n\r\n*** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED -- YOUR HELP NEEDED!!!!!!!\r\n\r\nThanks to the volunteers who are helping... but they're stretched\r\nthin!!! There are many little and big tasks, both simple and\r\ncomplex, to help out a the hunger strike... if you're ready to\r\nhelp, there's often a way you can assist.\r\n\r\nHunger striker Vince says, "Stand up and be counted. We're\r\nhere, come on out and see us... if you can help out, please help...\r\na computer person would be nice." Vince is right:\r\n\r\nURGENT!!! -- At this moment we need someone with "pretty\r\ngood computer skills" to hook up the third computer to\r\nthe DSL line. We need someone fairly comfortable with DSL,\r\nlocal area network, IP addresses, network, etc. NOW, to help\r\nDavid Gonzalez get onto the Internet, to update his web site.\r\nYou can phone (626) 795-5525 or e-mail here.\r\n\r\nIf you would like to volunteer to help the hunger strike, please\r\ne-mail, drop by or phone (626) 795-5525.\r\n\r\n*** *EVERY* EVENING AT 6 PM TO 8 PM.\r\n\r\nAll supporters are invited to drop by between 6 pm to 8 pm\r\nWITHOUT phoning first... We'll have an open community meeting about\r\nthe hunger strike and issues we're raising! Come on by:\r\nAHIA, 277 North El Molino Ave, Pasadena, Calif. (You can\r\nbring water and juice to share, but no food on premises please!)\r\n\r\nYou can also visit at other times, but please phone first, thanks.\r\n\r\n*** REMEMBER THE FREE LECTURE SERIES!!!\r\n\r\nWhat an amazing bunch of speakers we have lined up!\r\n\r\nFrom Sat., 23 August to Wed., 27 August 2003:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike7.shtml\r\n\r\n*** HUNGER STRIKE PAGE with lots of updated links, news release,\r\nphotos, message board to interact with hunger strikers, etc.:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike.shtml\r\n\r\nAND BE SURE TO PHONE NAMI, APA AND SURGEON\r\nGENERAL. DON'T TAKE "HANG UP" FOR AN ANSWER!\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nThis is sponsored by MindFreedom Support\r\nCoalition International. For more info and to join\r\nand\/or donate see http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org.\r\n\r\nPLEASE FORWARD, ESPECIALLY TO INTERESTED PEOPLE\r\nIN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA. THANK YOU.\r\n\r\n- end -\r\n\r\nForwarded by:\r\n-- \r\n\r\nDavid Oaks, Executive Director\r\nMindFreedom Support Coalition International\r\n454 Willamette, Suite 216 - POB 11284\r\nEugene, OR 97440-3484 USA\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\r\nemail: oaks@mindfreedom.org fax: (541) 345-3737\r\nphone: (541) 345-9106 toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE\r\n\r\nFast for Freedom in Mental Health Scheduled to\r\nStart 16 August 2003 in Pasadena, Calif., USA.\r\n\r\nMindFreedom is a project of Support Coalition\r\nInternational, a Non-Governmental Organization\r\nwith Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations.\r\nSCI is a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups\r\nto win human rights & alternatives in mental health.\r\n","author":"David Oaks","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-20 02:41:34","modified":"2003-08-20 02:41:34","fileurl":""},{"id":77890,"heading":"**more** Day 3 news....","article":"[also on Indy Media - LA -- A day three update for So. Calif. The below is more general, for everyone....]\r\n\r\nUPDATE: Your Mind & Human Rights - 18 August 2003\r\nhttp:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org * * please forward * *\r\n\r\n Day 3 of the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health:\r\n\r\n Successful Press Conference!\r\n\r\nPASADENA, CALIF.: This is a brief update on daily events\r\nof the hunger strike "Fast for Freedom in Mental Health."\r\n\r\nFor background see http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org.\r\nFor new photos of press conference and message board: http:\/\/www.cinemaniastigma.com\/pages\/13\/index.htm\r\n\r\n *** NEWS CONFERENCE A SUCCESS\r\n\r\nToday, six hunger strikers and three members of the\r\nscientific panel held a news conference with good turn-out\r\nby media. The last reporter left after more than an hour\r\nof presentations, discussion and questions.\r\n\r\nSome of the media that have done stories or interviews are:\r\nKPCC (local NPR), Pasadena Star News (today page 3a),\r\nPasadena Weekly, KCAL-TV, KNX radio, a major magazine\r\nreporter, BBC, and film crew ("The Committed").\r\n\r\nRomi spoke movingly about how a whole generation may\r\nbe lost to psychiatric abuse if people don't speak up now.\r\n\r\nStatements & photos from the news conference are on the\r\nFast for Freedom web sites.\r\n\r\nThe three expert panelists who attended and spoke out:\r\n\r\nSchool psychologist Al Galves, PhD flew in from Las\r\nCruses, New Mexico just for the press conference and\r\nto support the hunger strikers. \r\n\r\nAuthor and psychologist Ty Colbert, PhD and professor\r\nof neuroanatomy Jonathon Leo, PhD from Western\r\nUniversity of Health Science. \r\n\r\n ***** Other Fast News *****\r\n\r\nDON'T SETTLE FOR HANG-UP! Supporters are calling NAMI,\r\nAPA and Office of Surgeon General back, until they\r\ncan leave a message. Don't accept a hang up! Call\r\nback until a message is taken!\r\n\r\nTHANKS TO LOCAL VOLUNTEERS! Thanks to visitors\r\nand volunteers who dropped by, especially Andy who helped\r\ntake photos and buy juice. If you live in area, you are\r\nwelcome to drop by between 6 to 8 pm. You can drop by\r\nother times, too, but best to call first then. Hunger\r\nstrike headquarters phone is 626-795-5525.\r\n\r\nMICKEY SAID: "David Oaks is making the house smell\r\nwonderful with his 'Earth Blood' juice." Recipe:\r\nOrganic kale, carrots, beets and garlic. Hunger strikers\r\ngive it a favorable review. Vince wants to call it\r\n"Wacko Juice" in honor of a NAMI board member John\r\nMilton who called a striker "wacko." (This NAMI board member\r\nhas since apologized to hunger strike headquarters, but we've\r\nasked him to apologize to the solidarity striker he called\r\nWacko: Jerri Lynn.)\r\n\r\nCONTACT THE MEDIA: You are encouraged to contact\r\nboth major and alternative media and encourage\r\nthem to cover the hunger strike. Thanks to Indy Media LA\r\nfor putting this on the hunger strike on their home page!\r\nAsk media to contact the three entities named in the\r\nhunger strike -- it's harder to hang up on media.\r\n\r\nAPA MATERIAL ARRIVING TOMORROW: UPS & APA\r\nconfirmed that a package from American Psychiatric\r\nAssociation is arriving tomorrow, Tues., with a response to the\r\nhunger strike.\r\n\r\nDAVID GONZALEZ said, "Adding another computer to the\r\nDSL hub was frustrating because I couldn't get the technical\r\nrequirements." If you have technical assistance to offer him,\r\nor just sympathy for how frustrating that can be, feel free to\r\ne-mail to eromaat@yahoo.com. \r\n\r\nOTHER DAVID G. NEWS: And David G. wants to hear\r\nfrom more "solidarity strikers," he's creating an informal\r\ne-mail list to network this international network. If you can\r\nfast even for a day, consider being a hunger striker.\r\n\r\nPLUS, DAVID G. REMINDS WEB MASTERS: If you or\r\nyour group has a web site, please add an endorsement\r\nand link to the hunger strike, http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org,\r\nand David G. will add you link to the list of endorsers.\r\n\r\nAND BE SURE TO PHONE NAMI, APA AND SURGEON\r\nGENERAL. DON'T TAKE "HANG UP" FOR AN ANSWER!\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nThis is sponsored by MindFreedom Support\r\nCoalition International. For more info and to join\r\nand\/or donate see http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org.\r\n\r\n- end -\r\n\r\nForwarded by:\r\n-- \r\n\r\nDavid Oaks, Executive Director\r\nMindFreedom Support Coalition International\r\n454 Willamette, Suite 216 - POB 11284\r\nEugene, OR 97440-3484 USA\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\r\nemail: oaks@mindfreedom.org fax: (541) 345-3737\r\nphone: (541) 345-9106 toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE\r\n\r\nFast for Freedom in Mental Health Scheduled to\r\nStart 16 August 2003 in Pasadena, Calif., USA.\r\n\r\nMindFreedom is a project of Support Coalition\r\nInternational, a Non-Governmental Organization\r\nwith Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations.\r\nSCI is a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups\r\nto win human rights & alternatives in mental health.\r\n\r\nPASADENA, CALIF: Hunger strikers for human rights in\r\nthe mental health system had a jam-packed second day,\r\nin the "Fast for Freedom in Mental Health."\r\n\r\nHunger striker David Gonzalez who flew in from Brooklyn said,\r\n"It was a manic day. It was very productive. We got a lot done."\r\n\r\nYou can now find up-to-the-hour-or-so updates and photos\r\non a web site maintained by David Gonzalez from the hunger strike.\r\n\r\nSee: http:\/\/www.cinemaniastigma.com\/pages\/13\/index.htm\r\n\r\nOn this constantly changing web site you will see many new photos\r\nfrom Day 2... Plus use an easy to use MESSAGE BOARD where you\r\ncan interact "almost live" with hunger strikers... and even read\r\na message from a NAMI board member John Milton calling\r\na striker a "wacko" (more about that hate speech e-mail in a moment).\r\nPlus, see a growing list of web pages that are endorsing the Fast!\r\n\r\nSpirits are high. When hunger striker Romi, 22 years old,\r\nwas asked how she was doing, she laughed and said: "I'll tell\r\nyou how I'm doing. I'm hungry!"\r\n\r\nHere are updates about DAY 2. ( For background about the\r\nFast for Freedom see http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org )\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** DEALING WITH "THE NAMI HANG-UP"\r\n\r\nThe six core hunger strikers in the Fast for Freedom\r\nheadquarters began Day 2 with a two-hour strategy\r\nmeeting.\r\n\r\nOne topic was addressing the main response by NAMI\r\nto the PHONE-IN campaign. Hunger strikers have asked\r\neveryone to phone NAMI every weekday and ask NAMI for\r\nany evidence of "biologically based brain diseases."\r\n\r\nNAMI has officially decided to hang up on almost\r\nanyone who phones them asking about that topic, or who\r\nmentions the "Fast for Freedom." The NAMI operators\r\nare instructed to turn on a long recording about NAMI that\r\nends with a click, with no chance to leave a message.\r\n\r\nThe NAMI "hang-up" is also happening to NAMI members.\r\n\r\nNAMI operators are even mistakenly hanging up on some\r\nmainstream media who have called them about the hunger strike.\r\n\r\nThe hunger strikers agreed today to a two-part strategy:\r\n\r\nSTRATEGY ONE: KEEP PHONING:\r\nAPA, NAMI & SURGEON GENERAL\r\n\r\nThe phone-in is obviously having an effect. The hunger\r\nstrikers ask everyone to RE-DOUBLE efforts to phone\r\nNAMI and also the other two entities named in the hunger\r\nstrike: APA and the US Surgeon General.\r\n\r\nYou can get the basic PHONE-IN contact information here.\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike5.shtml\r\n\r\n"We are relying on the creativity and persistence of our\r\nsupporters to 'get a message to NAMI,'" said David Oaks,\r\nfaster and director of MindFreedom. "Be civil, but\r\ninsist that an actual message be taken. Don't settle for a hang-up."\r\n\r\nSome callers are able to "get around the hang-up"\r\nand leave a message with NAMI by leading off\r\nwith other important topics with the operator -- such as\r\nabout human rights and advocacy -- and asking for the\r\nvoice mail of Rick Birkel, director of NAMI; Tom Lane,\r\nconsumer affairs; or Elizabeth Adams, PR.\r\n\r\nPhone weekdays (until the hunger strike ends), from 8:45 am to\r\n5:30 pm eastern time (703) 524-7600 or TDD at (703) 516-7227.\r\n\r\nYou may also easily phone any of the hundreds\r\nof phone numbers for State and Local NAMI's:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.nami.org\/Template.cfm?Section=State_and_Local_NAMIs\r\n\r\nSTRATEGY TWO: ASK MEDIA TO ASK THE QUESTIONS\r\n\r\nHunger strikers ask everyone to contact media -- newspapers,\r\nmagazines, tv, radio, etc. -- to request that journalists make the request\r\nfor evidence of "biologically-based brain disease."\r\n\r\nNAMI, APA and the Surgeon General will have a very hard time\r\nhanging up on media.\r\n\r\n"People can be shy when it comes to contacting the media," said\r\nhunger striker Mickey Weinberg. "But they need to get over that."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** A Press Conference is scheduled for tomorrow,\r\n Monday, 18 August 2003 at 11 am. See details:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike9.shtml\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Media begin to visit and interview hunger strike\r\n\r\nMedia who have already visited and\/or interviewed hunger strikers\r\ninclude Pasadena Star News, Pasadena Weekly,\r\nKPFA radio , a major magazine reporter, and a three-person film\r\ncrew of "The Committed," led by long-time supporter Beverly Jones.\r\n\r\nBeverly says, "We've gotten some fantastic material.\r\nThis will be the 'book-ends' -- the beginning and ending -- for\r\nour film 'The Committed,' which we've been working on for\r\n14 years."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Visit from Dawn Rider, leader of ASPIRE\r\n\r\nDawn Rider, founder and director of ASPIRE, drove all\r\nthe way from Utah with her fiance Timothy Casey to support\r\nthe hunger strikers today. Dawn, Timothy and Mike Beckler\r\nhelped hang a beautiful huge banner ASPIRE donated,\r\nthat says: "Support Human Rights in Mental Health."\r\nA group including two hunger strikers then went to downtown\r\nPasadena, where Dawn talked to passers-by about the\r\nstrike, and gave out literature.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Calling all solidarity strikers & web sites\r\n\r\nIf you do a SOLIDARITY hunger strike -- even for one day --\r\nbe sure to register with office@mindfreedom.org\r\nPlease include your location and contact info including e-mail\r\naddress and -- if you'd like -- a brief statement of solidarity to be\r\nlisted on the web.\r\n\r\nIF YOUR WEB SITE home page can include an\r\nendorsement and links to the hunger strike\r\nat http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org, please\r\ninform David G. at eromaat@yahoo.com.\r\nHe will add you to the list of endorsers on his\r\nweb site\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Physician Stuart Shipko says American\r\n Psychiatric Association has Written Back to Us\r\n\r\nPsychiatrist Stuart Shipko is one of the 14 on the\r\nscientific panel, and is the liaison to receive\r\n"scientific evidence" from the APA, NAMI and\r\nSurgeon General. Dr. Shipko visited the fast today\r\nto say the APA had sent a package, which should\r\nbe delivered here tomorrow. Stay tuned.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Want to visit, express support, phone?\r\n\r\nIf you are interested in visiting the hunger strike\r\nheadquarters and offering your support, please\r\ncontact the Fast for Freedom.\r\n\r\nIf you want to express your support for hunger strikers,\r\nor ask a question, or even disagree, you can\r\ninteract "almost live" by going to the Fast for Freedom\r\nMESSAGE BOARD at:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.cinemaniastigma.com\/pages\/13\/index.htm\r\n\r\nAt least one NAMI official has sent us hate mail,\r\nthat you can read on the MESSAGE BOARD.\r\nJohn W. Milton -- jay.Milton@worldnet.att.net. -- is\r\na retired business executive who is the 1st vice\r\npresident of NAMI-Minnesota's board and one of\r\ntheir lobbiests. Mr. Milton wrote to Minnesota\r\nsolidarity hunger striker Jerri Lynn and said, "You are a\r\nwacko. Please do not send any more of this crap\r\nto me. The blood of the suicides is on your hands."\r\n\r\nHunger striker Romi Sayama replied, "This is\r\nhate mail. It's wrong for NAMI to refer to people\r\nas 'suicides,' and to refer to anyone as wacko.\r\nSo much for 'stigma busters.'"\r\n\r\nYou can also e-mail support to office@mindfreedom.org.\r\n\r\nIf you need to phone, the Fast for Freedom phone\r\nnumber is now up and running at (626) 795-5525. Or you\r\ncan phone MindFreedom office at (541) 345-9106.\r\n\r\nPlease consider donating and becoming a member, or\r\nrenewing early, at http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org!!\r\n\r\n- end -\r\n\r\nForwarded:\r\n\r\n-- \r\n\r\nDavid Oaks, Executive Director\r\nMindFreedom Support Coalition International\r\n454 Willamette, Suite 216 - POB 11284\r\nEugene, OR 97440-3484 USA\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\r\nemail: oaks@mindfreedom.org fax: (541) 345-3737\r\nphone: (541) 345-9106 toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE\r\n\r\nFast for Freedom in Mental Health Scheduled to\r\nStart 16 August 2003 in Pasadena, Calif., USA.\r\n\r\nMindFreedom is a project of Support Coalition\r\nInternational, a Non-Governmental Organization\r\nwith Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations.\r\nSCI is a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups\r\nto win human rights & alternatives in mental health.","author":"David Oaks","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-20 03:39:23","modified":"2003-08-20 03:39:23","fileurl":""},{"id":77892,"heading":"Day TWO update on Fast for Freedom in Mental Health","article":"\r\nUPDATE: Your Mind & Human Rights - 17 August 2003\r\nhttp:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org * * please forward * *\r\n\r\n Day 2 of the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health:\r\n\r\n "Productive day" reaches media, puts up photos\r\n on web, receives visitors, holds strategy meeting,\r\n and begins on-line MESSAGE BOARD where you can\r\n interact with hunger strikers & scientific panel.\r\n\r\n John Milton, NAMI-Minnesota First Vice President\r\n Writes to a Hunger Striker: "You are a wacko."\r\n\r\nPASADENA, CALIF: Hunger strikers for human rights in\r\nthe mental health system had a jam-packed second day,\r\nin the "Fast for Freedom in Mental Health."\r\n\r\nHunger striker David Gonzalez who flew in from Brooklyn said,\r\n"It was a manic day. It was very productive. We got a lot done."\r\n\r\nYou can now find up-to-the-hour-or-so updates and photos\r\non a web site maintained by David Gonzalez from the hunger strike.\r\n\r\nSee: http:\/\/www.cinemaniastigma.com\/pages\/13\/index.htm\r\n\r\nOn this constantly changing web site you will see many new photos\r\nfrom Day 2... Plus use an easy to use MESSAGE BOARD where you\r\ncan interact "almost live" with hunger strikers... and even read\r\na message from a NAMI board member John Milton calling\r\na striker a "wacko" (more about that hate speech e-mail in a moment).\r\nPlus, see a growing list of web pages that are endorsing the Fast!\r\n\r\nSpirits are high. When hunger striker Romi, 22 years old,\r\nwas asked how she was doing, she laughed and said: "I'll tell\r\nyou how I'm doing. I'm hungry!"\r\n\r\nHere are updates about DAY 2. ( For background about the\r\nFast for Freedom see http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org )\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** DEALING WITH "THE NAMI HANG-UP"\r\n\r\nThe six core hunger strikers in the Fast for Freedom\r\nheadquarters began Day 2 with a two-hour strategy\r\nmeeting.\r\n\r\nOne topic was addressing the main response by NAMI\r\nto the PHONE-IN campaign. Hunger strikers have asked\r\neveryone to phone NAMI every weekday and ask NAMI for\r\nany evidence of "biologically based brain diseases."\r\n\r\nNAMI has officially decided to hang up on almost\r\nanyone who phones them asking about that topic, or who\r\nmentions the "Fast for Freedom." The NAMI operators\r\nare instructed to turn on a long recording about NAMI that\r\nends with a click, with no chance to leave a message.\r\n\r\nThe NAMI "hang-up" is also happening to NAMI members.\r\n\r\nNAMI operators are even mistakenly hanging up on some\r\nmainstream media who have called them about the hunger strike.\r\n\r\nThe hunger strikers agreed today to a two-part strategy:\r\n\r\nSTRATEGY ONE: KEEP PHONING:\r\nAPA, NAMI & SURGEON GENERAL\r\n\r\nThe phone-in is obviously having an effect. The hunger\r\nstrikers ask everyone to RE-DOUBLE efforts to phone\r\nNAMI and also the other two entities named in the hunger\r\nstrike: APA and the US Surgeon General.\r\n\r\nYou can get the basic PHONE-IN contact information here.\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike5.shtml\r\n\r\n"We are relying on the creativity and persistence of our\r\nsupporters to 'get a message to NAMI,'" said David Oaks,\r\nfaster and director of MindFreedom. "Be civil, but\r\ninsist that an actual message be taken. Don't settle for a hang-up."\r\n\r\nSome callers are able to "get around the hang-up"\r\nand leave a message with NAMI by leading off\r\nwith other important topics with the operator -- such as\r\nabout human rights and advocacy -- and asking for the\r\nvoice mail of Rick Birkel, director of NAMI; Tom Lane,\r\nconsumer affairs; or Elizabeth Adams, PR.\r\n\r\nPhone weekdays (until the hunger strike ends), from 8:45 am to\r\n5:30 pm eastern time (703) 524-7600 or TDD at (703) 516-7227.\r\n\r\nYou may also easily phone any of the hundreds\r\nof phone numbers for State and Local NAMI's:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.nami.org\/Template.cfm?Section=State_and_Local_NAMIs\r\n\r\nSTRATEGY TWO: ASK MEDIA TO ASK THE QUESTIONS\r\n\r\nHunger strikers ask everyone to contact media -- newspapers,\r\nmagazines, tv, radio, etc. -- to request that journalists make the request\r\nfor evidence of "biologically-based brain disease."\r\n\r\nNAMI, APA and the Surgeon General will have a very hard time\r\nhanging up on media.\r\n\r\n"People can be shy when it comes to contacting the media," said\r\nhunger striker Mickey Weinberg. "But they need to get over that."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** A Press Conference is scheduled for tomorrow,\r\n Monday, 18 August 2003 at 11 am. See details:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike9.shtml\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Media begin to visit and interview hunger strike\r\n\r\nMedia who have already visited and\/or interviewed hunger strikers\r\ninclude Pasadena Star News, Pasadena Weekly,\r\nKPFA radio , a major magazine reporter, and a three-person film\r\ncrew of "The Committed," led by long-time supporter Beverly Jones.\r\n\r\nBeverly says, "We've gotten some fantastic material.\r\nThis will be the 'book-ends' -- the beginning and ending -- for\r\nour film 'The Committed,' which we've been working on for\r\n14 years."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Visit from Dawn Rider, leader of ASPIRE\r\n\r\nDawn Rider, founder and director of ASPIRE, drove all\r\nthe way from Utah with her fiance Timothy Casey to support\r\nthe hunger strikers today. Dawn, Timothy and Mike Beckler\r\nhelped hang a beautiful huge banner ASPIRE donated,\r\nthat says: "Support Human Rights in Mental Health."\r\nA group including two hunger strikers then went to downtown\r\nPasadena, where Dawn talked to passers-by about the\r\nstrike, and gave out literature.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Calling all solidarity strikers & web sites\r\n\r\nIf you do a SOLIDARITY hunger strike -- even for one day --\r\nbe sure to register with office@mindfreedom.org\r\nPlease include your location and contact info including e-mail\r\naddress and -- if you'd like -- a brief statement of solidarity to be\r\nlisted on the web.\r\n\r\nIF YOUR WEB SITE home page can include an\r\nendorsement and links to the hunger strike\r\nat http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org, please\r\ninform David G. at eromaat@yahoo.com.\r\nHe will add you to the list of endorsers on his\r\nweb site\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Physician Stuart Shipko says American\r\n Psychiatric Association has Written Back to Us\r\n\r\nPsychiatrist Stuart Shipko is one of the 14 on the\r\nscientific panel, and is the liaison to receive\r\n"scientific evidence" from the APA, NAMI and\r\nSurgeon General. Dr. Shipko visited the fast today\r\nto say the APA had sent a package, which should\r\nbe delivered here tomorrow. Stay tuned.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ***** Want to visit, express support, phone?\r\n\r\nIf you are interested in visiting the hunger strike\r\nheadquarters and offering your support, please\r\ncontact the Fast for Freedom.\r\n\r\nIf you want to express your support for hunger strikers,\r\nor ask a question, or even disagree, you can\r\ninteract "almost live" by going to the Fast for Freedom\r\nMESSAGE BOARD at:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.cinemaniastigma.com\/pages\/13\/index.htm\r\n\r\nAt least one NAMI official has sent us hate mail,\r\nthat you can read on the MESSAGE BOARD.\r\nJohn W. Milton -- jay.Milton@worldnet.att.net. -- is\r\na retired business executive who is the 1st vice\r\npresident of NAMI-Minnesota's board and one of\r\ntheir lobbiests. Mr. Milton wrote to Minnesota\r\nsolidarity hunger striker Jerri Lynn and said, "You are a\r\nwacko. Please do not send any more of this crap\r\nto me. The blood of the suicides is on your hands."\r\n\r\nHunger striker Romi Sayama replied, "This is\r\nhate mail. It's wrong for NAMI to refer to people\r\nas 'suicides,' and to refer to anyone as wacko.\r\nSo much for 'stigma busters.'"\r\n\r\nYou can also e-mail support to office@mindfreedom.org.\r\n\r\nIf you need to phone, the Fast for Freedom phone\r\nnumber is now up and running at (626) 795-5525. Or you\r\ncan phone MindFreedom office at (541) 345-9106.\r\n\r\nPlease consider donating and becoming a member, or\r\nrenewing early, at http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org!!\r\n\r\n- end -\r\n","author":"David Oaks","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-20 03:42:44","modified":"2003-08-20 03:42:44","fileurl":""},{"id":77987,"heading":"Sanitized for your Protection","article":"Attention unwashed masses we will protect you from all unauthorized thoughts. \r\nWe know what is best for you.\r\nLet us do your thinking for you\r\n","author":"Sanitized for your Protection","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-20 15:53:52","modified":"2003-08-20 15:53:52","fileurl":""},{"id":77994,"heading":"Where did the steak go?","article":"Is this a Vegan website???","author":"mystery of the missing steak.","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-20 16:24:52","modified":"2003-08-20 16:24:52","fileurl":""},{"id":78118,"heading":"Nope!!!","article":"Here is a nice steak!

\r\n\r\nEditorial note from the IMC: This post is refering to the removal of the picture of a steak on a bbq. The LA IMC has met together and confered with other imc's about the attacks from hostile postings. The IMC network places great value on freedom of expression. It's one of the hallmarks of the indymedia network. Some of us have come the the conclusion that these attacks are orchestrated deliberately from individuals, agencies, or institutions to specifically degrade the newswire to lessen its impact and effectiveness.

\r\n\r\nIt has been decided by consensus that these attacks are degrading the newswire by deliberate hostility that is a turn off to most readers as well as an intentional dumbing down of the messages brought to the newswire that are not seen in any mainstream venue.\r\n\r\n

But what is wrong with just posting an image of a steak, you may ask? The posting of a steak is meant to taunt the hunger strikers that are moved by our efforts to bring attention to their plight. The editorial collective has been identifying those efforts that are specifically aimed at degrading the newswire content and removing their 'contributions'. \r\n\r\n

We have collectively decided that this newswire is an uncommon commons where people should feel both welcome to contribute their ideas and not be unduely subject to degrading taunts when they do so. For example, the person who posted the steak is free to post the image in another newswire article and to speak his mind about the removal at this posting. We do not remove conservative or Republican politics or any sarcasm out of hand. If it doesnt violate editorial policy with pornography, harrassing threats, or slander, it will not be removed. The brave hunger strikers, however will be allowed to draw inspiration from our efforts on this post without being taunted in their weakended condition or having the importance of their message dumbed down by a comment that is aimed deliberately at degrading their message or their struggle.<\/b><\/font>\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\r\n","author":"Free Speech!!!!","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/html","created":"2003-08-21 03:18:06","modified":"2003-08-21 18:32:57","fileurl":""},{"id":78375,"heading":"Day 4 update on Fast for Freedom","article":"\r\n\r\nNEWS: Your Mind & Human Rights - 19 August 2003\r\nhttp:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org * * * please forward! * * *\r\n\r\n Day Four: CALL FOR COMMUNITY ACTION!\r\n\r\n American Psychiatric Association Responds\r\n to Fast for Freedom in Mental Health\r\n\r\n Hunger Strikers Call on Public to Contact\r\n Media, NAMI, APA, Surgeon General\r\n\r\n Solidarity strikers, endorsers, BBC & more....\r\n\r\nPASADENA, CALIF.: This is Day 4 of the Fast for\r\nFreedom in Mental Health. As well as six hunger\r\nstrikers in the hunger strike headquarters, there are\r\na growing number of solidarity hunger strikers internationally\r\nwho have fasted or are continuing to fast in support.\r\n\r\nFor fast info -- including many new links, a busy message\r\nboard, many photos, daily updates, and much more --\r\ngo to http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n *** AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION\r\n RESPONDS TO FAST FOR FREEDOM\r\n\r\nToday, the hunger strikers received a response from\r\nJames H. Scully, Jr., M.D., Sc.D., Medical Director for the APA.\r\nDr. Scully did not cite any specific evidence in his letter, here:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike14.shtml\r\n\r\nThe Fast for Freedom Scientific Panel -- composed of\r\n14 mental health professionals and scientists -- are working\r\non a response at this time. Watch for that soon.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n *** CONTACT THE MEDIA\r\n\r\nToday, hunger strikers called on *all* supporters to\r\nbuild community -- and turn to media -- both\r\nmainstream and alternative.\r\n\r\nMental health authorities are unlikely to\r\nhang up on the media. Ask the media to request\r\nspecific evidence of the "biologically-based brain\r\ndisease" theory that now dominates the mental health\r\nsystem.\r\n\r\nHunger strikers asked people to contact both\r\nmainstream and alternative media, and\r\nalso write letters to the editor. Also create your\r\nown media using e-mail, web, print-outs, etc.\r\n\r\nYesterday's news conference was well attended by\r\nprint, radio and tv journalists. For more info on that,\r\nsee Day 3 update on the web site. Today the BBC ran\r\na live interview with a panelist & striker. Don't forget\r\nindependent media: INDY-LA is giving great coverage.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n *** SOLIDARITY STRIKERS GROWING --\r\n YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN!\r\n\r\nA number of individuals have done support fasts,\r\nor are fasting at this time, in solidarity, internationally.\r\n\r\nIf you would like to add your name to the list of\r\npublic endorsers, e-mail to office@mindfreedom.org\r\nwith your name, e-mail address, intended duration\r\nof your fast, and geographic location.\r\n\r\nIf you want to be anonymous, give a pseudonym.\r\n\r\nRead a partial list of public solidarity fasters here:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike10.shtml\r\n\r\nEven if you intend to do a solidarity fast for just a day,\r\nplease consider adding your name to the list of\r\nsolidarity fasters at office@mindfreedom.org.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n *** PHONE FOR FREEDOM EVERY WEEKDAY!\r\n GETTING AROUND NAMI'S HANG-UP OF 2003\r\n\r\nLast week, the Fast for Freedom asked the public to\r\nphone NAMI during office hours to support the hunger strike,\r\nevery weekday until the end of the strike.\r\n\r\nNAMI responded by creating a special recording that\r\npoints concerned people to their web site, then HANGS UP.\r\nAll personnel are instructed to go the HANG UP message.\r\n\r\nHunger strikers encourage people *NOT* to take a\r\n"hang up" for an answer. Romi, a hunger striker, said,\r\n"It's easy to get around the hang-up... if you're creative."\r\n\r\nHere are some examples of possible ways to get\r\naround the NAMI Hang-Up of 2003, and leave a\r\ncivil but insistent message.\r\n\r\nTOP FIVE TIPS SO FAR;\r\n\r\n(1) During office hours, if you reach the operator,\r\nbe honest but consider asking *first* about any\r\nnumber of other sincere concerns you have such as:\r\nadvocacy, homelessness, restraints, poverty,\r\nfunding, alternatives and more. And ask for a staff\r\nperson such as Rick Birkel, director; Tom Lane,\r\nConsumer affairs; Elizabeth Adams, PR. Then\r\ninclude your message about the hunger strike.\r\n\r\n(2) You can easily leave a message by phoning NAMI\r\nbefore or after office hours, which are 8:45 am to\r\n5:30 pm eastern time.\r\n\r\n(3) Before or after office hours, you can phone\r\nNAMI director Rick Birkel's voice\r\nmail by phoning (703) 524-7600 and at the prompt\r\nentering his voice mail box number 7977. You\r\ncan also find other staff voice mail after hours,\r\nusing the prompts.\r\n\r\n(4) Before or after office yours, you can\r\nphone NAMI toll free at (888) 999-NAMI (6264)\r\nor 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), and hit the prompt\r\nto receive mailed information about "mental illness,"\r\nthen record your request, or wait to the end and leave\r\na message... include support for the hunger strike. \r\n(5) Consider phoning state or local NAMI chapters,\r\nwho are often more open to dialogue, and ask them to\r\ngive feedback to the national headquarters:\r\nhttp:\/\/www.nami.org\/Template.cfm?Section=Your_Local_NAMI\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n *** DON'T FORGET OTHER PLACES TO CONTACT,\r\n E-MAIL, FAX, MAIL AND PHONE.\r\n\r\nFor more info about e-mailing, faxing, mailing and\r\nphoning the APA, Surgeon General & NAMI, see: \r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike5.shtml\r\n\r\n PLEASE POLITELY ASK THIS OR USE YOUR OWN WORDS:\r\n\r\n "I would like evidence of your claim about the\r\n 'biological basis of mental illness.' I support\r\n the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health."\r\n\r\n Please Keep Phoning Every Weekday\r\n Until Hunger Strikers Announce That\r\n Their Requests Are Met!\r\n\r\nNote: APA's Dr. Scully went on vacation as the hunger strike began.\r\nAsk to speak to the "appropriate deputy medical director."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n *** SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS:\r\n FREE LECTURE SERIES, VOLUNTEER\r\n\r\nSouthern California residents, REMEMBER THE FREE LECTURE\r\nSERIES! Check out these amazing speakers from the\r\nFast for Freedom Scientific Panel:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike7.shtml\r\n\r\nThanks to visitors and volunteers who dropped by.You are welcome to\r\ndrop by between 6 to 8 pm without calling. You can drop by other times, too,\r\nbut best to call first then. Hunger strike headquarters phone is 626-795-5525.\r\n\r\nVOLUNTEERS are needed for support, especially outreach\r\nto media. Please contact the Fast for Freedom to help. You can\r\nalso help from where ever you are, via member-only e-mail lists.\r\nIf you're a member, ask at office@mindfreedom.org. If you're\r\nnot a member yet, it's about time! Join: http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n *** WEB ENDORSERS -- SUCH AS GROUP FROM ALASKA\r\n\r\nThe web sites for the hunger strike list a growing\r\nnumber of organizations & individuals WEB SITES\r\nthat have endorsed the hunger strike. If your\r\nweb site lists an endorsement of the hunger strike\r\nand a link to it on its home page, please send\r\nyour URL & web site name to: office@mindfreedom.org.\r\n\r\nOne of these endorsers is from Alaska.\r\n\r\nThe Law Project for Psychiatric Rights\r\n(PsychRights), http:\/\/psychrights.org\/, has\r\njoined the growing list of organizations\r\nexpressing solidarity with the hunger strikers by\r\npassing a formal resolution supporting us. The\r\nresolution is posted on the Internet at\r\nhttp:\/\/psychrights.org\/CorpSec\/HungerStrikeResolutions.pdf.\r\n\r\nDon Roberts, president of PsychRights, said "We hope\r\nthis brave action by these courageous people will\r\nfinally wake people up to the lack of validity to\r\nthe horrific 'treatments' people diagnosed with\r\nmental illness are subjected to and the\r\nincredible harm it causes." Mr. Roberts went on\r\nto say that "the untruths about mental illness\r\nand its 'treatments' are uncritically accepted by\r\nthe courts to force people to take these\r\ndangerous, generally unhelpful and life\r\nshortening drugs."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nRESPOND TO "WEST 47th STREET"\r\n\r\nTonight, Tuesday, PBS-TV's POV (Point of View)\r\nintends to air a program on psychiatric survivors\r\nand mental health consumers.\r\n\r\nAdvanced notice from activists is that the film\r\nexcludes the views of human rights and choice.\r\nHunger strikers intend to view the film and judge\r\nfor themselves.\r\n\r\nIf you view the film, you can try to give your feedback to PBS at:\r\nhttp:\/\/www.pbs.org\/pov\/pov2003\/west47thstreet\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n**** PLEASE FORWARD THIS ALERT TO ALL\r\nAPPROPRIATE PLACES ON & OFF INTERNET! ****\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nDONATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT\r\nHUNGER STRIKE COSTS... IT'S NOT TOO LATE\r\nTO HELP\r\n\r\nBEGIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN\r\nMINDFREEDOM TODAY!\r\n\r\nMindFreedom Support Coalition International\r\nis a non-profit uniting 100 grassroots groups,\r\nand is independently funded by group and\r\nindividual members like you who support human rights.\r\n\r\nFind out more, and join and\/or donate today at\r\nhttp:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org. Click on join\/donate.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nFor occasional updates like this, you may join this\r\ndendrite MindFreedom announcement list here for free:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/mailman.efn.org\/cgi-bin\/listinfo\/dendrite\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n*** PLEASE COPY THIS NEWS ***\r\nTO ALL APPROPRIATE PLACES\r\nON & OFF THE INTERNET NOW!\r\n\r\nREMEMBER: PHONE FOR FREEDOM EVERY WEEKDAY","author":"David Oaks","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-22 04:36:35","modified":"2003-08-22 04:36:35","fileurl":""},{"id":78376,"heading":"DAY 5 Fast for Freedom in mental Health","article":"\r\nNEWS: Your Mind & Human Rights - August 20, 2003\r\nhttp:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org - feel free to forward\r\n\r\n DAY FIVE:\r\n\r\n Fast for Freedom in Mental Health --\r\n Rest Day -- Ready for Action\r\n\r\nPASADENA, CALIF.: After four hectic days,\r\nthe Fast for Freedom had a fairly quiet day today,\r\na day for reflection, walks, rest, strategy meetings...\r\nand getting ready for the very busy days ahead.\r\n\r\nHow are they doing?\r\n\r\nVince: "I'm hungry." Romi: "I'm hungry... And it's not\r\nlike that comment is going to change day to day!"\r\n\r\nTo the dismay of some hunger strikers, Mickey\r\noccasionally talks about favorite foods, at this\r\nmoment crackers and cheese.\r\n\r\nA few brief news items....\r\n\r\n*** The Scientific Panel is preparing its response to the\r\nAmerican Psychiatric Association letter to the\r\nFast for Freedom in Mental Health. Be prepared to\r\nhelp tell the media when that is finalized.\r\n\r\n*** Columnist Nicholas Regush published an article about\r\nthe Fast for Freedom in Mental Health here....\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.redflagsweekly.com\/extra\/2003_aug21.html\r\n\r\n*** More solidarity strikers signed up here.... you can, too!\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike10.shtml\r\n\r\n*** More web sites added an endorsement of the hunger\r\nstrike to their home pages, and e-mailed office@mindfreedom.org\r\nto be added to the list of web site endorsers. One psychiatric\r\nsurvivor run community center even blacked out his home page,\r\nexcept for the endorsement: http:\/\/www.efn.org\/~safe\/\r\n\r\n*** For Abby in the MindFreedom office, it was not as quiet,\r\nwith lots of changes to the web site, including an updated\r\nmedia news release and fact sheet (thanks Abby!).\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike8.shtml\r\n\r\n*** Check out photo of the "the nerve center" on faster David\r\nGonzalez's: There is a bee hive of five computers buzzing away\r\nthe whole day amid fasters' comments, jokes, support, and ACTIVISM.\r\nAnd remember the open message board -- there are many new posts,\r\nincluding phone extensions for *dozens* of NAMI staff to leave\r\nmessages for about the fast -- and to beat the "hang up":\r\nhttp:\/\/www.cinemaniastigma.com\/pages\/13\/index.htm\r\n\r\n*** A number of well-wishers and volunteers called and\r\nvisited today.... thanks! How to visit or call to help the Fast for\r\nFreedom is on the web site.\r\n\r\n*** PLEASE HELP THE FAST FOR FREEDOM STRATEGY:\r\n\r\n*ASK* your community to *ASK* the media to *ASK* the APA, NAMI\r\n& Surgeon General! For instance: Write a letter to editor! Tell your\r\nlocal paper about this! Call a reporter! And here's an updated\r\nnews release & fact sheet you can forward to media, friends,\r\nrelatives, etc.:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike8.shtml\r\n\r\n- end -\r\n\r\n-- \r\n\r\nDavid Oaks, Executive Director\r\nMindFreedom Support Coalition International\r\n454 Willamette, Suite 216 - POB 11284\r\nEugene, OR 97440-3484 USA\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\r\nemail: oaks@mindfreedom.org fax: (541) 345-3737\r\nFast for Freedom Headquarters Phone: (626) 795-5525\r\nphone: (541) 345-9106 toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE\r\n\r\nFast for Freedom in Mental Health Has Started\u00a0\r\n16 August 2003 in Pasadena, Calif., USA.\r\n\r\nMindFreedom is a project of Support Coalition\r\nInternational, a Non-Governmental Organization\r\nwith Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations.\r\nSCI is a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups\r\nto win human rights & alternatives in mental health.\u00a0","author":"David Oaks","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-22 04:38:17","modified":"2013-11-11 00:25:05","fileurl":""},{"id":78561,"heading":"OK answer me ONE question","article":"What is this "liquid only diet"\r\n\r\n""The hunger strikers will subsist on a liquid only diet until the American Psychiatric Association (APA), The Surgeon General, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) respond to seven challenges sent to them concurrent with this news release.""\r\n\r\nWhat "liquids" are the hunger strikers drinking?\r\n\r\nThank you in advance for your prompt reply. \r\n\r\n","author":"Rational Normal Person","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-23 02:16:51","modified":"2003-08-23 02:16:51","fileurl":""},{"id":78599,"heading":"Infformation on "Rational Normal Person"","article":"http:\/\/www.stop-fascism.org\/george_bullock.htm","author":"Monitor","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-23 12:35:14","modified":"2003-08-23 12:35:14","fileurl":""},{"id":78648,"heading":"22 August -- scientists clash with American Psychiatric Association","article":"\r\n\r\n22 August 2003 http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org\r\nContact: Mickey Weinberg 626-795-5525\r\nE-mail: office@mindfreedom.org\r\n\r\nNEWS RELEASE:\r\n\r\n Day Seven of the Fast for\r\n Freedom in Mental Health:\r\n\r\n Scientific Panel Clashes With the\r\n American Psychiatric Association\r\n\r\nPASADENA, CALIF.: On the seventh day of a hunger\r\nstrike by six psychiatric survivors to oppose\r\nhuman rights violations in the mental health\r\nsystem, the American Psychiatric Association\r\nfaces a direct and unprecedented challenge from a\r\nScientific Panel of 14 academics and clinicians.\r\n\r\nThe Fast for Freedom in Mental Health had\r\nrequested that the American Psychiatric\r\nAssociation provide any specific evidence that\r\n"mental illness is biologically based."\r\n\r\nLast week, the APA responded with a two-page\r\nletter that simply listed several textbooks and\r\nnames of journals, but the Medical Director of\r\nthe APA, James H. Scully, Jr., M.D., was\r\napparently unable to locate even one specific\r\nstudy. The APA letter can be viewed here:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.mindfreedom.org\/mindfreedom\/hungerstrike14.shtml\r\n\r\n SCIENTISTS CHALLENGE PSYCHIATRY\r\n\r\nWhat happened next surprised and delighted the\r\nhunger strikers. Instead of simply rejecting the\r\nAPA's letter out of hand, the mental health\r\nprofessionals and scientists on the Panel\r\ncarefully examined the source material listed by\r\nDr. Scully. What the Scientific Panel found were\r\nquotations in each book that backed up hunger\r\nstriker accusations.\r\n\r\nFor example: "[T]here is no definitive lesion,\r\nlaboratory test, or abnormality of brain tissue\r\nthat can identify (a mental) illness" and "[T]he\r\nprecise causes (etiology) of mental disorders are\r\nnot known."\r\n\r\nIn their reply to the APA [SEE BELOW], the\r\nScientific Panel expressed dismay at "the\r\ncontrast between the hunger strikers, who ask\r\nclear questions about the science of psychiatry\r\nand consciously take risks in the name of\r\nprotecting the well being of users of psychiatry,\r\nand the American Psychiatric Association, which\r\nevades revealing what actual scientific evidence\r\njustifies its authority."\r\n\r\nThe six hunger strikers said they felt\r\ntriumphant, and look forward to media asking the\r\nAPA to comment on the Scientific Panel's reply.\r\n\r\nThe fasters say they will continue to fast until\r\nthey reach their goals.\r\n\r\nMickey Weinberg, who helped organize the fast,\r\nsaid, "The condescending and contemptuous letter\r\nfrom the APA is consistent with its historic\r\nbehavior. The Panelists' response turns the\r\nscrews on the APA. It's certainly the first time\r\nin my memory when psychiatry has felt forced to\r\nanswer to the demands of psychiatric survivors."\r\n\r\nRomi Sayama said: "We're pleased to see that the\r\nAmerican Psychiatric Association has confirmed\r\nthat they could not find any evidence either."\r\n\r\nDavid Gonzalez said: "Dr. Scully's letter states\r\nthat 'the answers to your questions are widely\r\navailable in the scientific literature.' If this\r\nis so -- why did he balk at providing the\r\nrequested evidence?"\r\n\r\nKrista Erickson said: "The Panelists provided a\r\nthorough and challenging response."\r\n\r\nVince Boehm said: "It's the lies that bother me.\r\nWhat makes me unable to sleep at night is to\r\nthink about the psychiatric drugging of infants,\r\neven as young as three months. It's\r\nincomprehensible."\r\n\r\nDavid Oaks, director of MindFreedom, said: "The\r\nonly two things missing from Dr. Scully's letter\r\nare a blatant admission that there is no\r\nevidence, and a public apology to all psychiatric\r\nsurvivors. The Scientific Panel's response is\r\nmagnificent and historic."\r\n\r\nFor more news and photos of the Fast for Freedom\r\nin Mental Health see http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org.\r\n\r\nMindFreedom is a non-profit that unites 100\r\ngrassroots groups working for human rights in\r\nmental health.\r\n\r\nBELOW IS THE REPLY OF THE "FAST FOR FREEDOM\r\nSCIENTIFIC PANEL" TO THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC\r\nASSOCIATION.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nFrom: office@mindfreedom.org\r\n\r\nMindFreedom\r\nSupport Coalition International\r\n454 Willamette, Suite 216\r\nPO Box 11284\r\nEugene, OR 97440 USA\r\n\r\nTo: MedicalDirector@psych.org\r\n\r\nJames H. Scully, Jr., M.D., Medical Director\r\nAmerican Psychiatric Association\r\n1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1825\r\nArlington, VA 22209-3901\r\n\r\n\r\nDear Dr. Scully:\r\n\r\n\r\nDavid Oaks, Executive Director of MindFreedom,\r\nhas forwarded to us your reply dated 12 August\r\n2003 to the hunger strikers involved in a "Fast\r\nfor Freedom in Mental Health." We are a panel of\r\n14 academics and clinicians who have agreed to\r\nreview any such reply for scientific validity.\r\n\r\nThe hunger strikers asked your organization, as\r\nwell as the Surgeon General of the United States,\r\nand the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, to\r\nprovide:\r\n\r\n1. evidence that establishes the validity of\r\n"schizophrenia," "depression" or other "major\r\nmental illnesses" as "biologically-based brain\r\ndiseases";\r\n\r\n2. evidence for a physical diagnostic exam that\r\ncan reliably distinguish individuals with these\r\ndiagnoses (prior to treatment with psychiatric\r\ndrugs) from individuals without these diagnoses;\r\n\r\n3. evidence for a baseline standard of a\r\nneurochemically-balanced "normal" individual,\r\nagainst which a neurochemical "imbalance" can be\r\nmeasured;\r\n\r\n4. evidence that any psychotropic drug can\r\ncorrect any "chemical imbalance" attributed to a\r\npsychiatric diagnosis;\r\n\r\n5. evidence that any psychotropic drug can\r\nreliably decrease the likelihood of violence or\r\nsuicide.\r\n\r\nIn your reply, no specific studies of any kind\r\nwere cited with reference to any of the questions\r\nabove. You cited three general sources, including\r\nthe recent Surgeon General's report on mental\r\nhealth and two textbooks of psychiatry.\r\n\r\nIn examining each of these sources, we found\r\nnumerous statements that invalidate suggestions\r\nthat behaviors referred to as "mental illnesses"\r\nhave specific biological bases:\r\n\r\n_Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General_\r\n(1999) is explicit about the absence of any\r\nfindings of specific pathophysiology:\r\n\r\np. 44: "The diagnosis of mental disorders is\r\noften believed to be more difficult than\r\ndiagnosis of somatic, or general medical,\r\ndisorders, since there is no definitive lesion,\r\nlaboratory test, or abnormality in brain tissue\r\nthat can identify the illness."\r\n\r\np. 48: "It is not always easy to establish a\r\nthreshold for a mental disorder, particularly in\r\nlight of how common symptoms of mental distress\r\nare and the lack of objective, physical symptoms."\r\n\r\np. 49: "The precise causes (etiology) of mental\r\ndisorders are not known."\r\n\r\np. 51: "All too frequently a biological change in\r\nthe brain (a lesion) is purported to be the\r\n'cause' of a mental disorder ... [but] The fact\r\nis that any simple association -- or correlation --\r\ncannot and does not, by itself, mean causation."\r\n\r\np. 102: "Few lesions or physiologic abnormalities\r\ndefine the mental disorders, and for the most part\r\ntheir causes remain unknown."\r\n\r\nIn the third edition of _Textbook of Clinical\r\nPsychiatry_ (1999), we find similar statements:\r\n\r\np. 43: "Although reliable criteria have been\r\nconstructed for many psychiatric disorders,\r\nvalidation of the diagnostic categories as\r\nspecific entities has not been established."\r\n\r\np. 51: Most of these [genetic studies] examine\r\ncandidate genes in the serotonergic pathways, and\r\nhave not found convincing evidence of an\r\nassociation."\r\n\r\nIn Andreasen and Black's (2001) _Introductory\r\nTextbook of Psychiatry_, we find, in the chapter\r\non schizophrenia:\r\n\r\np. 23. "In the areas of pathophysiology and\r\netiology, psychiatry has more uncharted territory\r\nthan the rest of medicine...Much of the current\r\ninvestigative research in psychiatry is directed\r\ntoward the goal of identifying the\r\npathophysiology and etiology of major mental\r\nillnesses, but this goal has been achieved for\r\nonly a few disorders (Alzheimer's disease,\r\nmulti-infarct dementia, Huntington's disease, and\r\nsubstance-induced syndromes such as\r\namphetamine-related psychosis or\r\nWernicke-Korsakoff syndrome)."\r\n\r\np. 231: "In the absence of visible lesions and\r\nknown pathogens, investigators have turned to the\r\nexploration of models that could explain the\r\ndiversity of symptoms through a single cognitive\r\nmechanism."\r\n\r\np. 450: "Many candidate regions [of the brain]\r\nhave been explored [for schizophrenia] but none\r\nhave been confirmed."\r\n\r\nAs you are no doubt familiar with these textbooks\r\nyou cited, you will agree that such statements\r\ninvalidate claims for specific, reliable\r\nbiological causes or signs of "mental illnesses."\r\nIn the judgment of the panel members, your reply\r\nfails to produce or cite any specific evidence of\r\nany specific pathophysiology underlying any\r\n"mental disorder."\r\n\r\nYou have also referred us to 60 volumes of\r\n_Archives of General Psychiatry_ and 160 volumes\r\nof _The American Journal of Psychiatry_. The 28\r\nJuly 2003 cover letter from the hunger strikers\r\nand panelists that they sent to you by certified\r\nmail stated:\r\n\r\n"We are aware that research studies can run to\r\nthousands of pages. Therefore, please respond\r\nonly with those studies that you consider the\r\nbest available in support of your claims and\r\ntheories in a timely way. When responding with\r\nevidence, please send citations for the original\r\npublications or copies of the publications you\r\nare citing."\r\n\r\nLike you, we are familiar with the material found\r\nin these journals. It is understandable why you\r\ndid not provide any citations. There is not a\r\nsingle study that provides valid and reliable\r\nevidence for the "biological basis of mental\r\nillness."\r\n\r\nThe members of the panel wish to make some\r\nfurther observations which we hope will assist\r\nthe American Psychiatric Association to present\r\nan honest scientific stance with respect to the\r\nhunger strikers' questions.\r\n\r\nIn the panel's view, the questions posed by the\r\nhunger strikers are serious and fair. These\r\nquestions are legitimate questions that any\r\npatient or family member or interested person\r\nmight ask of any psychiatrist, or a student might\r\nask of a professor. The panel was therefore quite\r\ndismayed that you, as Medical Director of the\r\nworld's largest, wealthiest, and most resourceful\r\npsychiatric association, could not provide a more\r\nspecific or substantial response than the\r\nequivalent of, "See our textbook."\r\n\r\nIf, as you state in your letter, "the answers to\r\n[the above] questions are widely available in the\r\nscientific literature, and have been for years,"\r\nthen it behooves your organization to make these\r\nanswers and their specific sources -- if they\r\ndiffer from the quotes we present in this letter\r\n-- available promptly.\r\n\r\nThe panel members could not help but notice the\r\ncontrast between the hunger strikers, who ask\r\nclear questions about the science of psychiatry\r\nand consciously take risks in the name of\r\nprotecting the well-being of users of psychiatry,\r\nand the American Psychiatric Association, which\r\nevades revealing what actual scientific evidence\r\njustifies its authority. By not giving specific\r\nanswers to the questions posed by the hunger\r\nstrikers, you appear to be affirming the very\r\nreason for the hunger strike.\r\n\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n\r\nFred Baughman, MD\r\nMary Boyle, PhD\r\nPeter Breggin, MD\r\nDavid Cohen, PhD\r\nTy Colbert, PhD\r\nPat Deegan, PhD\r\nAl Galves, PhD\r\nThomas Greening, PhD\r\nDavid Jacobs, PhD\r\nJay Joseph, PhD\r\nJonathan Leo, PhD\r\nBruce Levine, PhD\r\nLoren Mosher, MD\r\nStuart Shipko, MD\r\n\r\n\r\nThe hunger strikers endorse the scientific\r\npanel's statement.\r\n\r\n- end -\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n**** PLEASE FORWARD THIS ALERT TO ALL\r\nAPPROPRIATE PLACES ON & OFF INTERNET! ****\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nDONATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT\r\nHUNGER STRIKE COSTS... IT'S NOT TOO LATE\r\nTO HELP\r\n\r\nBEGIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN\r\nMINDFREEDOM TODAY!\r\n\r\nMindFreedom Support Coalition International\r\nis a non-profit uniting 100 grassroots groups,\r\nand is independently funded by group and\r\nindividual members like you who support human rights.\r\n\r\nFind out more, and join and\/or donate today at\r\nhttp:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org. Click on join\/donate.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nFor occasional updates like this, you may join this\r\ndendrite MindFreedom announcement list here for free:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/mailman.efn.org\/cgi-bin\/listinfo\/dendrite\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n*** PLEASE COPY THIS NEWS ***\r\nTO ALL APPROPRIATE PLACES\r\nON & OFF THE INTERNET NOW!","author":"David Oaks","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-24 01:44:38","modified":"2003-08-24 01:44:38","fileurl":""},{"id":78650,"heading":"Answer the ONE question...","article":"What is this "liquid diet"\r\n\r\nThe reason I ask is that I MAY prevent someones DEATH as a result of this "hunger strike"","author":"Rational Normal Person","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-24 02:02:42","modified":"2003-08-24 02:02:42","fileurl":""},{"id":78760,"heading":"Fast Center Needs Volunteers","article":"The core strikers have now fasted for nine days.\r\n\r\nWhile they have continued their fast they have answered the phone, send out and read and writen many e-mails as well as trying to get the word out to the media.\r\n\r\nSo if you can drop in and help them out in any way you can phone this number or post a message to http:\/\/b4.boards2go.com\/boards\/board.cgi?user=CineMania.\r\n\r\nIf nothing else, write a letter to the editor or suggest this story to the local media or call up APA on Monday to save that you support the strike.","author":"MindFreedom","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/html","created":"2003-08-25 17:03:17","modified":"2003-08-25 17:03:17","fileurl":""},{"id":78820,"heading":"CONTACT MEDIA - LA TIMES","article":"NOTE TWO LOS ANGELES CONNECTIONS -- \r\n\r\nPLEASE CONTACT LA TIMES NEWS!\r\n\r\nAND NOTE PRESIDENT OF APA IS IN LA -- PLEASE PROVIDE *CIVIL* COMMENTS TO HER, THANKS. \r\n\r\n22 August 2003 http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org\r\nContact for Hunger Strikers: 626-795-5525\r\nE-mail: office@mindfreedom.org\r\n\r\n\r\n DAY 8: "Time to Move our Movement." - Romi\r\n\r\n Fast For Freedom In Mental Health\r\n Hunger Strikers Issue a Challenge to\r\n Community, Supporters, Friends & Family\r\n\r\n "TAKE ACTION: REACH THE MEDIA AND\r\n THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION"\r\n\r\n Fasters make personal plea.\r\n\r\nPASADENA, CALIF.: This is the eighth day of a\r\nhunger strike protesting the "takeover of the\r\nmental health system by the psychiatric drug\r\nindustry." Today is a turning point for fasters.\r\n\r\nThe Fast for Freedom in Mental Health is issuing\r\na challenge today to their community, friends,\r\nfamily and all supporters of human rights in the\r\nmental health system.\r\n\r\n REACH THE MEDIA AND THE APA!!\r\n\r\nThis is a special "MindFreedom Dendrite." Immediately\r\nfollowing this alert, we will e-mail out three (3) news\r\narticles about the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health.\r\n\r\nThe hunger strikers are encouraging you to copy those\r\narticles far and wide, ESPECIALLY TO MEDIA, and to friends, colleagues, everyone! If you wish, add a very brief personal note.\r\n\r\nHere are two key media. At BOTTOM are more. And\r\nplease get this to all other media -- major or independent:\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nTWO MAIN MEDIA CONTACTS:\r\n\r\nLos Angeles Times -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: sara.lessley@latimes.com\r\nPhone: (213) 237-7001\r\nFax: (213) 237-4712\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.latimes.com\r\n\r\nNew York Times -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: nytnews@nytimes.co\r\nPhone: (212) 556-1234\r\nFax: (212) 556-7614\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\r\n\r\n[At bottom are more major media contacts.]\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n ASK THE APA FOR A COMMENT!\r\n\r\nThe goal: For everyone -- especially the media -- to civily\r\nask the American Psychiatric Association this question:\r\n\r\n"Please provide an official, meaningful comment on the\r\nFast for Freedom Scientific Panel's Statement to the APA."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nTWO MAIN APA CONTACTS:\r\n\r\nThe Director of APA Public Relations\r\nLaurie Oseran\r\nDirect phone: (703) 907-8540\r\nE-mail: LOseran@psych.org\r\n\r\nThe President of the APA Board of Trustees\r\nMarcia K. Goin, Clinical Professor History & Education\r\nUniversity of Southern California\r\nLos Angeles, California\r\n\r\nDirect phone: (323) 226-5755\r\nFax: (323) 226-6499\r\nE-mail: mgoin@usc.edu\r\n\r\n[AT BOTTOM are contacts for more members of the\r\nAmerican Psychiatric Assoociation Board of Trustees.]\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n HERE ARE HEARTFELT "DAY 8" MESSAGES FROM\r\n THE HUNGER STRIKERS TO THEIR SUPPORTERS\r\n ON DAY EIGHT OF THE FAST FOR FREEDOM:\r\n\r\nMickey Weinberg: "I'm worried and angry. I'm\r\nworried about my 62 year old body. I'm angry\r\nthat both the APA and most of the media couldn't\r\ncare less. They couldn't care less about our\r\nconcern about folks enmeshed in the mental health\r\nsystem... or about my life.\r\n\r\n"So we need your help. The media shape public\r\nperception. If major media cover the hunger\r\nstrike then to the public we -- and all the users\r\nand survivors of psychiatry -- exist. Without that\r\ncoverage, then to the public none of us exists.\r\n\r\n"The Fast for Freedom can diminsh the power of\r\npsychiatry and enhance the reputation of people\r\nlabeled by psychiatry. LET'S NOT LOSE THAT\r\nOPPORTUNITY!\r\n\r\n"Demand from major media that they pressure the\r\nAPA to comment on our Scientific Panel's\r\nbrilliant refutation of the condescending letter\r\nsent us by the medical director of the APA.\r\n\r\n"Easier still, let the media know that YOU WANT\r\nTHE HUNGER STRIKE COVERED!\r\n\r\n"Today, my wife cried. She's worried about me.\r\nThe physicians represented by the APA can easily\r\nend this hunger strike. Call the media." \r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nRomi Sayama, 22 years old: "I think we need to let our\r\nsupporters know that this is the time to move our\r\nmovement, not only by contacting the media, but\r\nalso by getting our issues off of the back burner\r\nin our own lives. This a valuable opportunity to\r\nhave our voices and activism heard."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nDavid Gonzalez, 45: "This is an urgent plea for support from someone\r\nwho entered a 'medical facility' 20 years ago seeking treatment for\r\nan emotional crisis. I was re-traumatized by the very system\r\ndesigned to provide that treatment. To this very day\r\nI am still recuperating from the after effects of that\r\nhumiliating, debilitating and harrowing experience.\r\n\r\n"If you are someone who has entered a mental health facility\r\nand found yourself held against your will... If you are\r\nsomeone who has been forced to take powerful psychotropic\r\ndrugs against your will... Or if you are someone who\r\nhas a relative who has been exploited under the guise of\r\nmental health... I am asking for your support in contacting\r\nthe media to question the institutions that condone these\r\npractices.\r\n\r\n"What proof do the APA and NAMI have that emotional disorders\r\nare biologically based? What proof do they have that\r\npowerful psychotropic drugs alleviate, and don't, in fact,\r\nexacerbate emotional disorders? And what authority justifies\r\nand empowers them to routinely and unilaterally coerce and\r\nforce people into treatment?"\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nVince Boehm, 64: "Does anyone out there give a hoot? Yes.\r\nSupport comes from unusual places. From Ausralia we\r\nreceived a page of 'thank you, thank you, thank you.'\r\nOne mental health consumer was so grateful, she said\r\nwith lots of emotion, 'You're doing this for me,' and she\r\ngave me a little hug.' That's what keeps me going."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nKrista Erickson, 28: "I am asking everyone, especially the\r\ndisability community, to please contact the APA,\r\nand any media -- both local and national. Please ask\r\nthe APA to provide a substantive comment on the\r\nresponse from the Scientific Panel."\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nDavid Oaks, 47: "One of the reasons I joined the hunger\r\nstrike in the first place was to galvanize our community,\r\nto move from patients to passion. We appreciate\r\nevery single bit of support, small and large. We are\r\nasking for something much more: To dig deep down\r\ninside ourselves, and challenge all media -- mainstream\r\nand independent -- to do their job: Ask the APA about\r\nthe Scientific Panel's statement! Also, in the era of\r\nthe Internet, we are our own media. Break the silence!"\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nWEB SITES FOR MORE INFO & TO HELP\r\nTHE FAST FOR FREEDOM:\r\n\r\nFor the latest news releases, daily updates, solidarity strikers, articles, etc. check http:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org.\r\n\r\nFor the latest photos, message board, etc. see http:\/\/www.cinemaniastigma.com\/pages\/13\/index.htm\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nCONTACT MORE MAJOR MEDIA\r\n\r\nChicago Tribune -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: srowley@tribune.com\r\nPhone: (312) 222-3139\r\nFax: (312) 222-2550\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.chicagotribune.com\r\n\r\nBoston Globe -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: pr@globe.com\r\nPhone: (617) 929-3100\r\nFax: (617) 929-3186\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.boston.comcom\/globe\/\r\n\r\nUSA Today -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: editor@usatoday.com\r\nPhone: (703) 854-3400\r\nFax: (703) 854-2078\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.usatoday.com\r\n\r\nWashington Post -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: pgextra@washpost.com\r\nPhone: (202) 334-7300\r\nFax: (202) 496-3883\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\r\n\r\nWashington Post -- LA Bureau\r\nPhone: (310) 277-4819 - Rene Sanchez\r\nFax: (310) 277-3704\r\nReporter e-mail: Rene Sanchez sanchezr@washpost.com\r\n\r\nWall Street Journal -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: nyspot@wsj.com\r\nPhone: (212) 416-2000\r\nNews phone (212) 416-2658\r\nFax: (212) 416-2733\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.wsj.com\r\n\r\nABC News -- Headquarters\r\nPhone: (212) 456-1000\r\nFax: (212) 456-5962\r\nWebsite: abcnews.go.com\r\n\r\nCBS News -- Headquarters\r\nPhone: (212) 975-4321\r\nFax: (212) 975-1893\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\r\n\r\nCNN News Group -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: cnnfutures@cnn.com\r\nPhone: (404) 827-1500\r\nFax: (404) 878-0891\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.cnn.com\r\n\r\nFox News Channel -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: comments@foxnews.com\r\nPhone: (212) 301-3300\r\nFax: (212) 301-4220\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.foxnews.com\r\n\r\nMSNBC -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: feedback@msnbc.com\r\nWebsite: msnbc.com\r\nPhone: (201) 583-5000\r\nFax: (201) 583-5584\r\n\r\nNBC News -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: letters@msnbc.com\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.msnbc.com\/news\r\nPhone: (212) 664-4444\r\nNews phone: (201) 583-5222\r\nFax: (201) 583-5453\r\n\r\nPublic Broadcasting Service (PBS) -- Headquarters\r\nE-mail: viewer@pbs.org\r\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.pbs.org\r\nPhone: (703) 739-5000\r\nFax: (703) 739-0775\r\n\r\nNational Public Radio - How To Pitch a Story\r\nhttp:\/\/www.npr.org\/about\/pitch\/\r\n\r\nRemind the national office that NPR-LA's\r\nRachel Myrow is covering the story locally. To hear it:\r\nhttp:\/\/www.scpr.org\/play\/audio.php?media=\/news\/features\/2003\/08\/20030818_features1\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nTo e-mail all the above, use bcc to: sara.lessley@latimes.com, nytnews@nytimes.com, srowley@tribune.com, pr@globe.com, editor@usatoday.com, pgextra@washpost.com, sanchezr@washpost.com, nyspot@wsj.com, cnnfutures@cnn.com, comments@foxnews.com, feedback@msnbc.com, letters@msnbc.com, viewer@pbs.org\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nCONTACT MORE MEMBERS OF\r\nTHE APA BOARD OF TRUSTEES:\r\n\r\nAPA President-Elect\t \t \r\nMichelle B. Riba, M.D., M.S.\r\nDept. Psychiatry\r\nUniversity of Michigan\r\nAnn Arbor, MI\r\n\r\nOffice: 734-764-6879\r\nFax: 734-936-1130\r\nEmail: mriba@umich.edu\r\nhttp:\/\/www.med.umich.edu\/psych\/ribaapa.htm\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nAPA Vice President\t \t \t \r\nPedro Ruiz, M.D.\r\nProf & Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs\r\nDept. Psych & Behav Sci., U Texas Med. Sch.\r\nHouston, TX\r\n\r\nOffice: 713-500-2799\r\nFax: 713-500-2757\r\nEmail: pedro.ruiz@uth.tmc.edu\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nAPA Secretary\t \t \t \r\nNada L. Stotland, M.D., M.P.H.\r\nChicago, IL\r\n\r\nOffice: 773-667-6329\r\nFax: 773-667-6692\r\nEmail: nadast@aol.com\r\nhttp:\/\/hometown.aol.com\/nadast\/myhomepage\/politics.htm\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nAPA Trustee-at-Large\t \t \t \r\nTanya R. Anderson, M.D.\r\nDept. of Psychiatry\r\nUniv of Illinois at Chicago\r\nChicago, IL\r\n\r\nOffice: 312-355-4337\r\nFax: 312-355-4459\r\nEmail: tanderson@psych.uic.edu\r\nhttp:\/\/www.psych.uic.edu\/faculty\/anderson.htm\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nAPA Area 1 Trustee\r\nDonna M. Norris, M.D.\r\nWellesley, MA\r\n\r\nOffice: 781-237-1778\r\nFax: 781-235-2954\r\nEmail: dmnorris@aol.com\r\nhttp:\/\/www.pipatl.org\/donnanorris\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nAPA Area 4 Trustee\r\nSidney H. Weissman, M.D.\r\nChicago, IL\r\n\r\nOffice: 312-781-1144; 708-202-8419\r\nFax: 708-771-0077\r\nEmail: Sidney.Weissman@med.Va\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nAPA Area 7 Trustee\r\nAlbert V. Vogel, M.D.\r\nUniv New Mexico, HSC\r\nOffice of Assoc Dean for Clinical Affairs\r\nCancer Center Rm B-30\r\nAlbuquerque, NM\r\n\r\nOffice: 505-272-0738\r\nFax: 505-272-6055\r\nEmail: avvogel@salud.unm.edu\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nTo e-mail all APA officials above use bcc to: LOseran@psych.org,\r\nmgoin@usc.edu, mriba@umich.edu, pedro.ruiz@uth.tmc.edu, nadast@aol.com, tanderson@psych.uic.edu, dmnorris@aol.com, Sidney.Weissman@med.Va, avvogel@salud.unm.edu\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n**** PLEASE FORWARD THIS ALERT TO ALL\r\nAPPROPRIATE PLACES ON & OFF INTERNET! ****\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nDONATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT\r\nHUNGER STRIKE COSTS...\r\n\r\nBEGIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN\r\nMINDFREEDOM TODAY!\r\n\r\nIF YOU ARE IN LA AREA, VOLUNTEERS\r\nARE NEEDED. Phone 626-795-5525. Check web for\r\nfree lecture series on Saturday, Monday & Wednesday. Volunteer and\r\ncommunity meeting at 6 pm daily at Hunger Strike Headquarters:\r\n277 North El Molina Ave., Pasadena, Calif., USA. \r\nMindFreedom Support Coalition International\r\nis a non-profit uniting 100 grassroots groups,\r\nand is independently funded by group and\r\nindividual members like you who support human rights.\r\n\r\nFind out more, and join and\/or donate today at\r\nhttp:\/\/www.MindFreedom.org. Click on join\/donate.\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\nFor occasional updates like this, you may join this\r\ndendrite MindFreedom announcement list here for free:\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/mailman.efn.org\/cgi-bin\/listinfo\/dendrite\r\n\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n\r\n*** PLEASE COPY THIS NEWS ***\r\nTO ALL APPROPRIATE PLACES\r\nON & OFF THE INTERNET NOW!\r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\r\n","author":"David oaks","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-26 05:34:46","modified":"2003-08-26 05:34:46","fileurl":""},{"id":79536,"heading":"What is the "LIQUID" diet?","article":"Hello???? anybody there?\r\n\r\nDid you all starve to death?","author":"Rational Normal Person","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-08-29 02:33:49","modified":"2003-08-29 02:33:49","fileurl":""},{"id":80505,"heading":"Experimentation","article":"A fact now coming forward is the experimental use of electronic technologies to 'entrain' brainwaves of non-consenting mentally ill to, in effect, produce drug-like effects. An example is 'electrosleep". A microimplant placed covertly near the temporal lobe of the brain can act as a receiver of bioactive frequencies forcing the natural brainwaves to conform to the entrainment and thus produce sleep (or various other mental states). Such techniques are now being used without the consent of the patient. The implany can both monitor brain waves and alter them.\nAll that is necessary is the covert placement of the micro receiving device (often done during a medical procedure for another problem), and the placement of a transmitter near the home of the patient.\nCovert monitoring of behavior is used to determine the necessity for entrainment. (The entire procedure often referred to as 'mind control').\nAnother human rights violation brought to you by the University of California.","author":"ken","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-09-03 04:56:22","modified":"2003-09-03 04:56:22","fileurl":""},{"id":81471,"heading":"Unanswered questions....","article":"In fact we have had no SPAP postings from the hunger strikers for a while now.\r\n\r\nare they dead?\r\n\r\nUpdate please!!!!!!","author":"Rational Normal Person","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-09-09 04:03:06","modified":"2003-09-09 04:03:06","fileurl":""},{"id":81474,"heading":"SPAP should read SPAM!","article":"Rational Normal Person can't spell....","author":"Hex anon w\/ encryption","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-09-09 04:11:25","modified":"2003-09-09 04:11:25","fileurl":""},{"id":81479,"heading":"won't wash","article":"I'm not one to go after people's spelling - I purposely don't use a spell-checker myself because I don't think perfect spelling is either possible or needed. The only time I'll even mention it is if someone cites me and they mis-spell themselves. (that's hypocritical)\r\n\r\nBut citing yourself seems shallow - eh ?\r\n\r\n","author":"Hex anon w\/ encryption","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-09-09 04:42:57","modified":"2003-09-09 04:42:57","fileurl":""},{"id":81480,"heading":"No comment on the thread?","article":"Just a shallow comment about spelling????\r\n\r\nOh well.","author":"Rational Normal Person","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-09-09 04:45:28","modified":"2003-09-09 04:45:28","fileurl":""},{"id":83658,"heading":"And anti-psychiatry and the Myth of mental illness","article":"Here are a few other excellent sites taking on these issues in more depth than the psychotherapy-oriented reformers with SCI:\r\n\r\nwww.szasz.com\r\n(You'll find Dr. Thomas Szasz, MD and a large group of PhD's attacking so-called "mental illness" science; Szasz has been trying to get the word out since the 1950s, but of course, such radicalness as his has been well marginalized, in favor of reformers like SCI whom really only wish to reproduce the existing social order in a new, slightly less coercive form, where hiearchies remain intact, and "consumers" remain subordinated)\r\n\r\nwww.stopshrinks.org \r\n(includes a very large library of resources, including book titles and online links, and discussion forums--for those of you who are SKEPTICAL)\r\n\r\nUtica, NY's non-industry Mental Patient's Liberation Alliance (which runs a toll-free support line for ex-patients of the mental stealth system)\r\n\r\nwww.adhdfraud.org (just like it says)\r\n\r\nanti-psychiatry.org (apparently under heavy fire of late)\r\n\r\nand many more (just check the links section)","author":"unbridled","parent_id":77442,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2003-09-20 03:57:13","modified":"2003-09-20 03:57:13","fileurl":""}]}