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. During the hunger strike phone Mickey Weinberg (626) 795-5525. Web site: www.mindfreedom.org

graphic © 2003 by charles amsellem. all rights reserved. activists may reproduce for non profit use only

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).

BELOW 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).

Okay, here you go for FREEDOM!

~~~~~~~



DAY THREE -- Monday, 18 August 2003 - UPDATE

ATTENTION -- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS



Hi, this is an update from the Hunger Strike Headquarters

of the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health ... especially

for people in the So. Cal. area. Please forward this to

others in the So. Cal area.

*** WE'RE ALREADY MAKING SOME NEWS

It's only Day Three but we're already making some news...

The news conference today good attendance... some

of the local media that have done stories or interviews are:

KPCC (local NPR), Pasadena Star News (today page 3a),

Pasadena Weekly, KCAL-TV, KNX radio.... This is a good

time for letters to the editor supporting the hunger strike.

Encourage the media to cover it!

*** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED -- YOUR HELP NEEDED!!!!!!!

Thanks to the volunteers who are helping... but they're stretched

thin!!! There are many little and big tasks, both simple and

complex, to help out a the hunger strike... if you're ready to

help, there's often a way you can assist.

Hunger striker Vince says, "Stand up and be counted. We're

here, come on out and see us... if you can help out, please help...

a computer person would be nice." Vince is right:

URGENT!!! -- At this moment we need someone with "pretty

good computer skills" to hook up the third computer to

the DSL line. We need someone fairly comfortable with DSL,

local area network, IP addresses, network, etc. NOW, to help

David Gonzalez get onto the Internet, to update his web site.

You can phone (626) 795-5525 or e-mail here.

If you would like to volunteer to help the hunger strike, please

e-mail, drop by or phone (626) 795-5525.

*** *EVERY* EVENING AT 6 PM TO 8 PM.

All supporters are invited to drop by between 6 pm to 8 pm

WITHOUT phoning first... We'll have an open community meeting about

the hunger strike and issues we're raising! Come on by:

AHIA, 277 North El Molino Ave, Pasadena, Calif. (You can

bring water and juice to share, but no food on premises please!)

You can also visit at other times, but please phone first, thanks.

*** REMEMBER THE FREE LECTURE SERIES!!!

What an amazing bunch of speakers we have lined up!

From Sat., 23 August to Wed., 27 August 2003:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike7.shtml

*** HUNGER STRIKE PAGE with lots of updated links, news release,

photos, message board to interact with hunger strikers, etc.:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike.shtml

AND BE SURE TO PHONE NAMI, APA AND SURGEON

GENERAL. DON'T TAKE "HANG UP" FOR AN ANSWER!

~~~~~~~~~~

This is sponsored by MindFreedom Support

Coalition International. For more info and to join

and/or donate see http://www.MindFreedom.org.

PLEASE FORWARD, ESPECIALLY TO INTERESTED PEOPLE

IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA. THANK YOU.

- end -

Forwarded by:

--

David Oaks, Executive Director

MindFreedom Support Coalition International

454 Willamette, Suite 216 - POB 11284

Eugene, OR 97440-3484 USA

http://www.mindfreedom.org

email: oaks@mindfreedom.org fax: (541) 345-3737

phone: (541) 345-9106 toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE

Fast for Freedom in Mental Health Scheduled to

Start 16 August 2003 in Pasadena, Calif., USA.

MindFreedom is a project of Support Coalition

International, a Non-Governmental Organization

with Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations.

SCI is a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups

to win human rights & alternatives in mental health.

[also on Indy Media - LA -- A day three update for So. Calif. The below is more general, for everyone....]

UPDATE: Your Mind & Human Rights - 18 August 2003

http://www.MindFreedom.org * * please forward * *

Day 3 of the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health:

Successful Press Conference!

PASADENA, CALIF.: This is a brief update on daily events

of the hunger strike "Fast for Freedom in Mental Health."

For background see http://www.MindFreedom.org.

For new photos of press conference and message board: http://www.cinemaniastigma.com/pages/13/index.htm

*** NEWS CONFERENCE A SUCCESS

Today, six hunger strikers and three members of the

scientific panel held a news conference with good turn-out

by media. The last reporter left after more than an hour

of presentations, discussion and questions.

Some of the media that have done stories or interviews are:

KPCC (local NPR), Pasadena Star News (today page 3a),

Pasadena Weekly, KCAL-TV, KNX radio, a major magazine

reporter, BBC, and film crew ("The Committed").

Romi spoke movingly about how a whole generation may

be lost to psychiatric abuse if people don't speak up now.

Statements & photos from the news conference are on the

Fast for Freedom web sites.

The three expert panelists who attended and spoke out:

School psychologist Al Galves, PhD flew in from Las

Cruses, New Mexico just for the press conference and

to support the hunger strikers.

Author and psychologist Ty Colbert, PhD and professor

of neuroanatomy Jonathon Leo, PhD from Western

University of Health Science.

***** Other Fast News *****

DON'T SETTLE FOR HANG-UP! Supporters are calling NAMI,

APA and Office of Surgeon General back, until they

can leave a message. Don't accept a hang up! Call

back until a message is taken!

THANKS TO LOCAL VOLUNTEERS! Thanks to visitors

and volunteers who dropped by, especially Andy who helped

take photos and buy juice. If you live in area, you are

welcome to drop by between 6 to 8 pm. You can drop by

other times, too, but best to call first then. Hunger

strike headquarters phone is 626-795-5525.

MICKEY SAID: "David Oaks is making the house smell

wonderful with his 'Earth Blood' juice." Recipe:

Organic kale, carrots, beets and garlic. Hunger strikers

give it a favorable review. Vince wants to call it

"Wacko Juice" in honor of a NAMI board member John

Milton who called a striker "wacko." (This NAMI board member

has since apologized to hunger strike headquarters, but we've

asked him to apologize to the solidarity striker he called

Wacko: Jerri Lynn.)

CONTACT THE MEDIA: You are encouraged to contact

both major and alternative media and encourage

them to cover the hunger strike. Thanks to Indy Media LA

for putting this on the hunger strike on their home page!

Ask media to contact the three entities named in the

hunger strike -- it's harder to hang up on media.

APA MATERIAL ARRIVING TOMORROW: UPS & APA

confirmed that a package from American Psychiatric

Association is arriving tomorrow, Tues., with a response to the

hunger strike.

DAVID GONZALEZ said, "Adding another computer to the

DSL hub was frustrating because I couldn't get the technical

requirements." If you have technical assistance to offer him,

or just sympathy for how frustrating that can be, feel free to

e-mail to eromaat@yahoo.com.

OTHER DAVID G. NEWS: And David G. wants to hear

from more "solidarity strikers," he's creating an informal

e-mail list to network this international network. If you can

fast even for a day, consider being a hunger striker.

PLUS, DAVID G. REMINDS WEB MASTERS: If you or

your group has a web site, please add an endorsement

and link to the hunger strike, http://www.MindFreedom.org,

and David G. will add you link to the list of endorsers.

AND BE SURE TO PHONE NAMI, APA AND SURGEON

GENERAL. DON'T TAKE "HANG UP" FOR AN ANSWER!

~~~~~~~~~~

This is sponsored by MindFreedom Support

Coalition International. For more info and to join

and/or donate see http://www.MindFreedom.org.

- end -

Forwarded by:

--

David Oaks, Executive Director

MindFreedom Support Coalition International

454 Willamette, Suite 216 - POB 11284

Eugene, OR 97440-3484 USA

http://www.mindfreedom.org

email: oaks@mindfreedom.org fax: (541) 345-3737

phone: (541) 345-9106 toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE

Fast for Freedom in Mental Health Scheduled to

Start 16 August 2003 in Pasadena, Calif., USA.

MindFreedom is a project of Support Coalition

International, a Non-Governmental Organization

with Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations.

SCI is a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups

to win human rights & alternatives in mental health.

PASADENA, CALIF: Hunger strikers for human rights in

the mental health system had a jam-packed second day,

in the "Fast for Freedom in Mental Health."

Hunger striker David Gonzalez who flew in from Brooklyn said,

"It was a manic day. It was very productive. We got a lot done."

You can now find up-to-the-hour-or-so updates and photos

on a web site maintained by David Gonzalez from the hunger strike.

See: http://www.cinemaniastigma.com/pages/13/index.htm

On this constantly changing web site you will see many new photos

from Day 2... Plus use an easy to use MESSAGE BOARD where you

can interact "almost live" with hunger strikers... and even read

a message from a NAMI board member John Milton calling

a striker a "wacko" (more about that hate speech e-mail in a moment).

Plus, see a growing list of web pages that are endorsing the Fast!

Spirits are high. When hunger striker Romi, 22 years old,

was asked how she was doing, she laughed and said: "I'll tell

you how I'm doing. I'm hungry!"

Here are updates about DAY 2. ( For background about the

Fast for Freedom see http://www.MindFreedom.org )

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** DEALING WITH "THE NAMI HANG-UP"

The six core hunger strikers in the Fast for Freedom

headquarters began Day 2 with a two-hour strategy

meeting.

One topic was addressing the main response by NAMI

to the PHONE-IN campaign. Hunger strikers have asked

everyone to phone NAMI every weekday and ask NAMI for

any evidence of "biologically based brain diseases."

NAMI has officially decided to hang up on almost

anyone who phones them asking about that topic, or who

mentions the "Fast for Freedom." The NAMI operators

are instructed to turn on a long recording about NAMI that

ends with a click, with no chance to leave a message.

The NAMI "hang-up" is also happening to NAMI members.

NAMI operators are even mistakenly hanging up on some

mainstream media who have called them about the hunger strike.

The hunger strikers agreed today to a two-part strategy:

STRATEGY ONE: KEEP PHONING:

APA, NAMI & SURGEON GENERAL

The phone-in is obviously having an effect. The hunger

strikers ask everyone to RE-DOUBLE efforts to phone

NAMI and also the other two entities named in the hunger

strike: APA and the US Surgeon General.

You can get the basic PHONE-IN contact information here.

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike5.shtml

"We are relying on the creativity and persistence of our

supporters to 'get a message to NAMI,'" said David Oaks,

faster and director of MindFreedom. "Be civil, but

insist that an actual message be taken. Don't settle for a hang-up."

Some callers are able to "get around the hang-up"

and leave a message with NAMI by leading off

with other important topics with the operator -- such as

about human rights and advocacy -- and asking for the

voice mail of Rick Birkel, director of NAMI; Tom Lane,

consumer affairs; or Elizabeth Adams, PR.

Phone weekdays (until the hunger strike ends), from 8:45 am to

5:30 pm eastern time (703) 524-7600 or TDD at (703) 516-7227.

You may also easily phone any of the hundreds

of phone numbers for State and Local NAMI's:

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=State_and_Local_NAMIs

STRATEGY TWO: ASK MEDIA TO ASK THE QUESTIONS

Hunger strikers ask everyone to contact media -- newspapers,

magazines, tv, radio, etc. -- to request that journalists make the request

for evidence of "biologically-based brain disease."

NAMI, APA and the Surgeon General will have a very hard time

hanging up on media.

"People can be shy when it comes to contacting the media," said

hunger striker Mickey Weinberg. "But they need to get over that."

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** A Press Conference is scheduled for tomorrow,

Monday, 18 August 2003 at 11 am. See details:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike9.shtml

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Media begin to visit and interview hunger strike

Media who have already visited and/or interviewed hunger strikers

include Pasadena Star News, Pasadena Weekly,

KPFA radio , a major magazine reporter, and a three-person film

crew of "The Committed," led by long-time supporter Beverly Jones.

Beverly says, "We've gotten some fantastic material.

This will be the 'book-ends' -- the beginning and ending -- for

our film 'The Committed,' which we've been working on for

14 years."

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Visit from Dawn Rider, leader of ASPIRE

Dawn Rider, founder and director of ASPIRE, drove all

the way from Utah with her fiance Timothy Casey to support

the hunger strikers today. Dawn, Timothy and Mike Beckler

helped hang a beautiful huge banner ASPIRE donated,

that says: "Support Human Rights in Mental Health."

A group including two hunger strikers then went to downtown

Pasadena, where Dawn talked to passers-by about the

strike, and gave out literature.

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Calling all solidarity strikers & web sites

If you do a SOLIDARITY hunger strike -- even for one day --

be sure to register with office@mindfreedom.org

Please include your location and contact info including e-mail

address and -- if you'd like -- a brief statement of solidarity to be

listed on the web.

IF YOUR WEB SITE home page can include an

endorsement and links to the hunger strike

at http://www.MindFreedom.org, please

inform David G. at eromaat@yahoo.com.

He will add you to the list of endorsers on his

web site

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Physician Stuart Shipko says American

Psychiatric Association has Written Back to Us

Psychiatrist Stuart Shipko is one of the 14 on the

scientific panel, and is the liaison to receive

"scientific evidence" from the APA, NAMI and

Surgeon General. Dr. Shipko visited the fast today

to say the APA had sent a package, which should

be delivered here tomorrow. Stay tuned.

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Want to visit, express support, phone?

If you are interested in visiting the hunger strike

headquarters and offering your support, please

contact the Fast for Freedom.

If you want to express your support for hunger strikers,

or ask a question, or even disagree, you can

interact "almost live" by going to the Fast for Freedom

MESSAGE BOARD at:

http://www.cinemaniastigma.com/pages/13/index.htm

At least one NAMI official has sent us hate mail,

that you can read on the MESSAGE BOARD.

John W. Milton -- jay.Milton@worldnet.att.net. -- is

a retired business executive who is the 1st vice

president of NAMI-Minnesota's board and one of

their lobbiests. Mr. Milton wrote to Minnesota

solidarity hunger striker Jerri Lynn and said, "You are a

wacko. Please do not send any more of this crap

to me. The blood of the suicides is on your hands."

Hunger striker Romi Sayama replied, "This is

hate mail. It's wrong for NAMI to refer to people

as 'suicides,' and to refer to anyone as wacko.

So much for 'stigma busters.'"

You can also e-mail support to office@mindfreedom.org.

If you need to phone, the Fast for Freedom phone

number is now up and running at (626) 795-5525. Or you

can phone MindFreedom office at (541) 345-9106.

Please consider donating and becoming a member, or

renewing early, at http://www.MindFreedom.org!!

- end -

Forwarded:

--

David Oaks, Executive Director

MindFreedom Support Coalition International

454 Willamette, Suite 216 - POB 11284

Eugene, OR 97440-3484 USA

http://www.mindfreedom.org

email: oaks@mindfreedom.org fax: (541) 345-3737

phone: (541) 345-9106 toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE

Fast for Freedom in Mental Health Scheduled to

Start 16 August 2003 in Pasadena, Calif., USA.

MindFreedom is a project of Support Coalition

International, a Non-Governmental Organization

with Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations.

SCI is a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups

to win human rights & alternatives in mental health.

UPDATE: Your Mind & Human Rights - 17 August 2003

http://www.MindFreedom.org * * please forward * *

Day 2 of the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health:

"Productive day" reaches media, puts up photos

on web, receives visitors, holds strategy meeting,

and begins on-line MESSAGE BOARD where you can

interact with hunger strikers & scientific panel.

John Milton, NAMI-Minnesota First Vice President

Writes to a Hunger Striker: "You are a wacko."

PASADENA, CALIF: Hunger strikers for human rights in

the mental health system had a jam-packed second day,

in the "Fast for Freedom in Mental Health."

Hunger striker David Gonzalez who flew in from Brooklyn said,

"It was a manic day. It was very productive. We got a lot done."

You can now find up-to-the-hour-or-so updates and photos

on a web site maintained by David Gonzalez from the hunger strike.

See: http://www.cinemaniastigma.com/pages/13/index.htm

On this constantly changing web site you will see many new photos

from Day 2... Plus use an easy to use MESSAGE BOARD where you

can interact "almost live" with hunger strikers... and even read

a message from a NAMI board member John Milton calling

a striker a "wacko" (more about that hate speech e-mail in a moment).

Plus, see a growing list of web pages that are endorsing the Fast!

Spirits are high. When hunger striker Romi, 22 years old,

was asked how she was doing, she laughed and said: "I'll tell

you how I'm doing. I'm hungry!"

Here are updates about DAY 2. ( For background about the

Fast for Freedom see http://www.MindFreedom.org )

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** DEALING WITH "THE NAMI HANG-UP"

The six core hunger strikers in the Fast for Freedom

headquarters began Day 2 with a two-hour strategy

meeting.

One topic was addressing the main response by NAMI

to the PHONE-IN campaign. Hunger strikers have asked

everyone to phone NAMI every weekday and ask NAMI for

any evidence of "biologically based brain diseases."

NAMI has officially decided to hang up on almost

anyone who phones them asking about that topic, or who

mentions the "Fast for Freedom." The NAMI operators

are instructed to turn on a long recording about NAMI that

ends with a click, with no chance to leave a message.

The NAMI "hang-up" is also happening to NAMI members.

NAMI operators are even mistakenly hanging up on some

mainstream media who have called them about the hunger strike.

The hunger strikers agreed today to a two-part strategy:

STRATEGY ONE: KEEP PHONING:

APA, NAMI & SURGEON GENERAL

The phone-in is obviously having an effect. The hunger

strikers ask everyone to RE-DOUBLE efforts to phone

NAMI and also the other two entities named in the hunger

strike: APA and the US Surgeon General.

You can get the basic PHONE-IN contact information here.

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike5.shtml

"We are relying on the creativity and persistence of our

supporters to 'get a message to NAMI,'" said David Oaks,

faster and director of MindFreedom. "Be civil, but

insist that an actual message be taken. Don't settle for a hang-up."

Some callers are able to "get around the hang-up"

and leave a message with NAMI by leading off

with other important topics with the operator -- such as

about human rights and advocacy -- and asking for the

voice mail of Rick Birkel, director of NAMI; Tom Lane,

consumer affairs; or Elizabeth Adams, PR.

Phone weekdays (until the hunger strike ends), from 8:45 am to

5:30 pm eastern time (703) 524-7600 or TDD at (703) 516-7227.

You may also easily phone any of the hundreds

of phone numbers for State and Local NAMI's:

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=State_and_Local_NAMIs

STRATEGY TWO: ASK MEDIA TO ASK THE QUESTIONS

Hunger strikers ask everyone to contact media -- newspapers,

magazines, tv, radio, etc. -- to request that journalists make the request

for evidence of "biologically-based brain disease."

NAMI, APA and the Surgeon General will have a very hard time

hanging up on media.

"People can be shy when it comes to contacting the media," said

hunger striker Mickey Weinberg. "But they need to get over that."

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** A Press Conference is scheduled for tomorrow,

Monday, 18 August 2003 at 11 am. See details:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike9.shtml

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Media begin to visit and interview hunger strike

Media who have already visited and/or interviewed hunger strikers

include Pasadena Star News, Pasadena Weekly,

KPFA radio , a major magazine reporter, and a three-person film

crew of "The Committed," led by long-time supporter Beverly Jones.

Beverly says, "We've gotten some fantastic material.

This will be the 'book-ends' -- the beginning and ending -- for

our film 'The Committed,' which we've been working on for

14 years."

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Visit from Dawn Rider, leader of ASPIRE

Dawn Rider, founder and director of ASPIRE, drove all

the way from Utah with her fiance Timothy Casey to support

the hunger strikers today. Dawn, Timothy and Mike Beckler

helped hang a beautiful huge banner ASPIRE donated,

that says: "Support Human Rights in Mental Health."

A group including two hunger strikers then went to downtown

Pasadena, where Dawn talked to passers-by about the

strike, and gave out literature.

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Calling all solidarity strikers & web sites

If you do a SOLIDARITY hunger strike -- even for one day --

be sure to register with office@mindfreedom.org

Please include your location and contact info including e-mail

address and -- if you'd like -- a brief statement of solidarity to be

listed on the web.

IF YOUR WEB SITE home page can include an

endorsement and links to the hunger strike

at http://www.MindFreedom.org, please

inform David G. at eromaat@yahoo.com.

He will add you to the list of endorsers on his

web site

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Physician Stuart Shipko says American

Psychiatric Association has Written Back to Us

Psychiatrist Stuart Shipko is one of the 14 on the

scientific panel, and is the liaison to receive

"scientific evidence" from the APA, NAMI and

Surgeon General. Dr. Shipko visited the fast today

to say the APA had sent a package, which should

be delivered here tomorrow. Stay tuned.

~~~~~~~~~~~

***** Want to visit, express support, phone?

If you are interested in visiting the hunger strike

headquarters and offering your support, please

contact the Fast for Freedom.

If you want to express your support for hunger strikers,

or ask a question, or even disagree, you can

interact "almost live" by going to the Fast for Freedom

MESSAGE BOARD at:

http://www.cinemaniastigma.com/pages/13/index.htm

At least one NAMI official has sent us hate mail,

that you can read on the MESSAGE BOARD.

John W. Milton -- jay.Milton@worldnet.att.net. -- is

a retired business executive who is the 1st vice

president of NAMI-Minnesota's board and one of

their lobbiests. Mr. Milton wrote to Minnesota

solidarity hunger striker Jerri Lynn and said, "You are a

wacko. Please do not send any more of this crap

to me. The blood of the suicides is on your hands."

Hunger striker Romi Sayama replied, "This is

hate mail. It's wrong for NAMI to refer to people

as 'suicides,' and to refer to anyone as wacko.

So much for 'stigma busters.'"

You can also e-mail support to office@mindfreedom.org.

If you need to phone, the Fast for Freedom phone

number is now up and running at (626) 795-5525. Or you

can phone MindFreedom office at (541) 345-9106.

Please consider donating and becoming a member, or

renewing early, at http://www.MindFreedom.org!!

- end -

Attention unwashed masses we will protect you from all unauthorized thoughts.

We know what is best for you.

Let us do your thinking for you

Is this a Vegan website???

Here is a nice steak!

Editorial 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.

It 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.

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'.

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.

NEWS: Your Mind & Human Rights - 19 August 2003

http://www.MindFreedom.org * * * please forward! * * *

Day Four: CALL FOR COMMUNITY ACTION!

American Psychiatric Association Responds

to Fast for Freedom in Mental Health

Hunger Strikers Call on Public to Contact

Media, NAMI, APA, Surgeon General

Solidarity strikers, endorsers, BBC & more....

PASADENA, CALIF.: This is Day 4 of the Fast for

Freedom in Mental Health. As well as six hunger

strikers in the hunger strike headquarters, there are

a growing number of solidarity hunger strikers internationally

who have fasted or are continuing to fast in support.

For fast info -- including many new links, a busy message

board, many photos, daily updates, and much more --

go to http://www.MindFreedom.org

~~~~~~~~~

*** AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION

RESPONDS TO FAST FOR FREEDOM

Today, the hunger strikers received a response from

James H. Scully, Jr., M.D., Sc.D., Medical Director for the APA.

Dr. Scully did not cite any specific evidence in his letter, here:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike14.shtml

The Fast for Freedom Scientific Panel -- composed of

14 mental health professionals and scientists -- are working

on a response at this time. Watch for that soon.

~~~~~~~~~

*** CONTACT THE MEDIA

Today, hunger strikers called on *all* supporters to

build community -- and turn to media -- both

mainstream and alternative.

Mental health authorities are unlikely to

hang up on the media. Ask the media to request

specific evidence of the "biologically-based brain

disease" theory that now dominates the mental health

system.

Hunger strikers asked people to contact both

mainstream and alternative media, and

also write letters to the editor. Also create your

own media using e-mail, web, print-outs, etc.

Yesterday's news conference was well attended by

print, radio and tv journalists. For more info on that,

see Day 3 update on the web site. Today the BBC ran

a live interview with a panelist & striker. Don't forget

independent media: INDY-LA is giving great coverage.

~~~~~~~~~

*** SOLIDARITY STRIKERS GROWING --

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN!

A number of individuals have done support fasts,

or are fasting at this time, in solidarity, internationally.

If you would like to add your name to the list of

public endorsers, e-mail to office@mindfreedom.org

with your name, e-mail address, intended duration

of your fast, and geographic location.

If you want to be anonymous, give a pseudonym.

Read a partial list of public solidarity fasters here:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike10.shtml

Even if you intend to do a solidarity fast for just a day,

please consider adding your name to the list of

solidarity fasters at office@mindfreedom.org.

~~~~~~~

*** PHONE FOR FREEDOM EVERY WEEKDAY!

GETTING AROUND NAMI'S HANG-UP OF 2003

Last week, the Fast for Freedom asked the public to

phone NAMI during office hours to support the hunger strike,

every weekday until the end of the strike.

NAMI responded by creating a special recording that

points concerned people to their web site, then HANGS UP.

All personnel are instructed to go the HANG UP message.

Hunger strikers encourage people *NOT* to take a

"hang up" for an answer. Romi, a hunger striker, said,

"It's easy to get around the hang-up... if you're creative."

Here are some examples of possible ways to get

around the NAMI Hang-Up of 2003, and leave a

civil but insistent message.

TOP FIVE TIPS SO FAR;

(1) During office hours, if you reach the operator,

be honest but consider asking *first* about any

number of other sincere concerns you have such as:

advocacy, homelessness, restraints, poverty,

funding, alternatives and more. And ask for a staff

person such as Rick Birkel, director; Tom Lane,

Consumer affairs; Elizabeth Adams, PR. Then

include your message about the hunger strike.

(2) You can easily leave a message by phoning NAMI

before or after office hours, which are 8:45 am to

5:30 pm eastern time.

(3) Before or after office hours, you can phone

NAMI director Rick Birkel's voice

mail by phoning (703) 524-7600 and at the prompt

entering his voice mail box number 7977. You

can also find other staff voice mail after hours,

using the prompts.

(4) Before or after office yours, you can

phone NAMI toll free at (888) 999-NAMI (6264)

or 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), and hit the prompt

to receive mailed information about "mental illness,"

then record your request, or wait to the end and leave

a message... include support for the hunger strike.

(5) Consider phoning state or local NAMI chapters,

who are often more open to dialogue, and ask them to

give feedback to the national headquarters:

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Your_Local_NAMI

~~~~~~~~~~~~

*** DON'T FORGET OTHER PLACES TO CONTACT,

E-MAIL, FAX, MAIL AND PHONE.

For more info about e-mailing, faxing, mailing and

phoning the APA, Surgeon General & NAMI, see:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike5.shtml

PLEASE POLITELY ASK THIS OR USE YOUR OWN WORDS:

"I would like evidence of your claim about the

'biological basis of mental illness.' I support

the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health."

Please Keep Phoning Every Weekday

Until Hunger Strikers Announce That

Their Requests Are Met!

Note: APA's Dr. Scully went on vacation as the hunger strike began.

Ask to speak to the "appropriate deputy medical director."

~~~~~~~~~~

*** SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS:

FREE LECTURE SERIES, VOLUNTEER

Southern California residents, REMEMBER THE FREE LECTURE

SERIES! Check out these amazing speakers from the

Fast for Freedom Scientific Panel:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike7.shtml

Thanks to visitors and volunteers who dropped by.You are welcome to

drop by between 6 to 8 pm without calling. You can drop by other times, too,

but best to call first then. Hunger strike headquarters phone is 626-795-5525.

VOLUNTEERS are needed for support, especially outreach

to media. Please contact the Fast for Freedom to help. You can

also help from where ever you are, via member-only e-mail lists.

If you're a member, ask at office@mindfreedom.org. If you're

not a member yet, it's about time! Join: http://www.MindFreedom.org.

~~~~~~~~~~

*** WEB ENDORSERS -- SUCH AS GROUP FROM ALASKA

The web sites for the hunger strike list a growing

number of organizations & individuals WEB SITES

that have endorsed the hunger strike. If your

web site lists an endorsement of the hunger strike

and a link to it on its home page, please send

your URL & web site name to: office@mindfreedom.org.

One of these endorsers is from Alaska.

The Law Project for Psychiatric Rights

(PsychRights), http://psychrights.org/, has

joined the growing list of organizations

expressing solidarity with the hunger strikers by

passing a formal resolution supporting us. The

resolution is posted on the Internet at

http://psychrights.org/CorpSec/HungerStrikeResolutions.pdf.

Don Roberts, president of PsychRights, said "We hope

this brave action by these courageous people will

finally wake people up to the lack of validity to

the horrific 'treatments' people diagnosed with

mental illness are subjected to and the

incredible harm it causes." Mr. Roberts went on

to say that "the untruths about mental illness

and its 'treatments' are uncritically accepted by

the courts to force people to take these

dangerous, generally unhelpful and life

shortening drugs."

~~~~~~~~~~

RESPOND TO "WEST 47th STREET"

Tonight, Tuesday, PBS-TV's POV (Point of View)

intends to air a program on psychiatric survivors

and mental health consumers.

Advanced notice from activists is that the film

excludes the views of human rights and choice.

Hunger strikers intend to view the film and judge

for themselves.

If you view the film, you can try to give your feedback to PBS at:

http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2003/west47thstreet

~~~~~~~~~

**** PLEASE FORWARD THIS ALERT TO ALL

APPROPRIATE PLACES ON & OFF INTERNET! ****

~~~~~~~~~~

DONATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT

HUNGER STRIKE COSTS... IT'S NOT TOO LATE

TO HELP

BEGIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN

MINDFREEDOM TODAY!

MindFreedom Support Coalition International

is a non-profit uniting 100 grassroots groups,

and is independently funded by group and

individual members like you who support human rights.

Find out more, and join and/or donate today at

http://www.MindFreedom.org. Click on join/donate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For occasional updates like this, you may join this

dendrite MindFreedom announcement list here for free:

http://mailman.efn.org/cgi-bin/listinfo/dendrite

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*** PLEASE COPY THIS NEWS ***

TO ALL APPROPRIATE PLACES

ON & OFF THE INTERNET NOW!

REMEMBER: PHONE FOR FREEDOM EVERY WEEKDAY

NEWS: Your Mind & Human Rights - August 20, 2003

http://www.MindFreedom.org - feel free to forward

DAY FIVE:

Fast for Freedom in Mental Health --

Rest Day -- Ready for Action

PASADENA, CALIF.: After four hectic days,

the Fast for Freedom had a fairly quiet day today,

a day for reflection, walks, rest, strategy meetings...

and getting ready for the very busy days ahead.

How are they doing?

Vince: "I'm hungry." Romi: "I'm hungry... And it's not

like that comment is going to change day to day!"

To the dismay of some hunger strikers, Mickey

occasionally talks about favorite foods, at this

moment crackers and cheese.

A few brief news items....

*** The Scientific Panel is preparing its response to the

American Psychiatric Association letter to the

Fast for Freedom in Mental Health. Be prepared to

help tell the media when that is finalized.

*** Columnist Nicholas Regush published an article about

the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health here....

http://www.redflagsweekly.com/extra/2003_aug21.html

*** More solidarity strikers signed up here.... you can, too!

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike10.shtml

*** More web sites added an endorsement of the hunger

strike to their home pages, and e-mailed office@mindfreedom.org

to be added to the list of web site endorsers. One psychiatric

survivor run community center even blacked out his home page,

except for the endorsement: http://www.efn.org/~safe/

*** For Abby in the MindFreedom office, it was not as quiet,

with lots of changes to the web site, including an updated

media news release and fact sheet (thanks Abby!).

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike8.shtml

*** Check out photo of the "the nerve center" on faster David

Gonzalez's: There is a bee hive of five computers buzzing away

the whole day amid fasters' comments, jokes, support, and ACTIVISM.

And remember the open message board -- there are many new posts,

including phone extensions for *dozens* of NAMI staff to leave

messages for about the fast -- and to beat the "hang up":

http://www.cinemaniastigma.com/pages/13/index.htm

*** A number of well-wishers and volunteers called and

visited today.... thanks! How to visit or call to help the Fast for

Freedom is on the web site.

*** PLEASE HELP THE FAST FOR FREEDOM STRATEGY:

*ASK* your community to *ASK* the media to *ASK* the APA, NAMI

& Surgeon General! For instance: Write a letter to editor! Tell your

local paper about this! Call a reporter! And here's an updated

news release & fact sheet you can forward to media, friends,

relatives, etc.:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike8.shtml

- end -

--

David Oaks, Executive Director

MindFreedom Support Coalition International

454 Willamette, Suite 216 - POB 11284

Eugene, OR 97440-3484 USA

http://www.mindfreedom.org

email: oaks@mindfreedom.org fax: (541) 345-3737

Fast for Freedom Headquarters Phone: (626) 795-5525

phone: (541) 345-9106 toll free in USA: 1-877-MAD-PRIDE

Fast for Freedom in Mental Health Has Started 

16 August 2003 in Pasadena, Calif., USA.

MindFreedom is a project of Support Coalition

International, a Non-Governmental Organization

with Consultative Roster Status in the United Nations.

SCI is a non-profit that unites 100 sponsor groups

to win human rights & alternatives in mental health. 

What is this "liquid only diet"

""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.""

What "liquids" are the hunger strikers drinking?

Thank you in advance for your prompt reply.

http://www.stop-fascism.org/george_bullock.htm

22 August 2003 http://www.MindFreedom.org

Contact: Mickey Weinberg 626-795-5525

E-mail: office@mindfreedom.org

NEWS RELEASE:

Day Seven of the Fast for

Freedom in Mental Health:

Scientific Panel Clashes With the

American Psychiatric Association

PASADENA, CALIF.: On the seventh day of a hunger

strike by six psychiatric survivors to oppose

human rights violations in the mental health

system, the American Psychiatric Association

faces a direct and unprecedented challenge from a

Scientific Panel of 14 academics and clinicians.

The Fast for Freedom in Mental Health had

requested that the American Psychiatric

Association provide any specific evidence that

"mental illness is biologically based."

Last week, the APA responded with a two-page

letter that simply listed several textbooks and

names of journals, but the Medical Director of

the APA, James H. Scully, Jr., M.D., was

apparently unable to locate even one specific

study. The APA letter can be viewed here:

http://www.mindfreedom.org/mindfreedom/hungerstrike14.shtml

SCIENTISTS CHALLENGE PSYCHIATRY

What happened next surprised and delighted the

hunger strikers. Instead of simply rejecting the

APA's letter out of hand, the mental health

professionals and scientists on the Panel

carefully examined the source material listed by

Dr. Scully. What the Scientific Panel found were

quotations in each book that backed up hunger

striker accusations.

For example: "[T]here is no definitive lesion,

laboratory test, or abnormality of brain tissue

that can identify (a mental) illness" and "[T]he

precise causes (etiology) of mental disorders are

not known."

In their reply to the APA [SEE BELOW], the

Scientific Panel expressed dismay at "the

contrast between the hunger strikers, who ask

clear questions about the science of psychiatry

and consciously take risks in the name of

protecting the well being of users of psychiatry,

and the American Psychiatric Association, which

evades revealing what actual scientific evidence

justifies its authority."

The six hunger strikers said they felt

triumphant, and look forward to media asking the

APA to comment on the Scientific Panel's reply.

The fasters say they will continue to fast until

they reach their goals.

Mickey Weinberg, who helped organize the fast,

said, "The condescending and contemptuous letter

from the APA is consistent with its historic

behavior. The Panelists' response turns the

screws on the APA. It's certainly the first time

in my memory when psychiatry has felt forced to

answer to the demands of psychiatric survivors."

Romi Sayama said: "We're pleased to see that the

American Psychiatric Association has confirmed

that they could not find any evidence either."

David Gonzalez said: "Dr. Scully's letter states

that 'the answers to your questions are widely

available in the scientific literature.' If this

is so -- why did he balk at providing the

requested evidence?"

Krista Erickson said: "The Panelists provided a

thorough and challenging response."

Vince Boehm said: "It's the lies that bother me.

What makes me unable to sleep at night is to

think about the psychiatric drugging of infants,

even as young as three months. It's

incomprehensible."

David Oaks, director of MindFreedom, said: "The

only two things missing from Dr. Scully's letter

are a blatant admission that there is no

evidence, and a public apology to all psychiatric

survivors. The Scientific Panel's response is

magnificent and historic."

For more news and photos of the Fast for Freedom

in Mental Health see http://www.MindFreedom.org.

MindFreedom is a non-profit that unites 100

grassroots groups working for human rights in

mental health.

BELOW IS THE REPLY OF THE "FAST FOR FREEDOM

SCIENTIFIC PANEL" TO THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC

ASSOCIATION.

~~~~~~~~~~

From: office@mindfreedom.org

MindFreedom

Support Coalition International

454 Willamette, Suite 216

PO Box 11284

Eugene, OR 97440 USA

To: MedicalDirector@psych.org

James H. Scully, Jr., M.D., Medical Director

American Psychiatric Association

1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1825

Arlington, VA 22209-3901



Dear Dr. Scully:



David Oaks, Executive Director of MindFreedom,

has forwarded to us your reply dated 12 August

2003 to the hunger strikers involved in a "Fast

for Freedom in Mental Health." We are a panel of

14 academics and clinicians who have agreed to

review any such reply for scientific validity.

The hunger strikers asked your organization, as

well as the Surgeon General of the United States,

and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, to

provide:

1. evidence that establishes the validity of

"schizophrenia," "depression" or other "major

mental illnesses" as "biologically-based brain

diseases";

2. evidence for a physical diagnostic exam that

can reliably distinguish individuals with these

diagnoses (prior to treatment with psychiatric

drugs) from individuals without these diagnoses;

3. evidence for a baseline standard of a

neurochemically-balanced "normal" individual,

against which a neurochemical "imbalance" can be

measured;

4. evidence that any psychotropic drug can

correct any "chemical imbalance" attributed to a

psychiatric diagnosis;

5. evidence that any psychotropic drug can

reliably decrease the likelihood of violence or

suicide.

In your reply, no specific studies of any kind

were cited with reference to any of the questions

above. You cited three general sources, including

the recent Surgeon General's report on mental

health and two textbooks of psychiatry.

In examining each of these sources, we found

numerous statements that invalidate suggestions

that behaviors referred to as "mental illnesses"

have specific biological bases:

_Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General_

(1999) is explicit about the absence of any

findings of specific pathophysiology:

p. 44: "The diagnosis of mental disorders is

often believed to be more difficult than

diagnosis of somatic, or general medical,

disorders, since there is no definitive lesion,

laboratory test, or abnormality in brain tissue

that can identify the illness."

p. 48: "It is not always easy to establish a

threshold for a mental disorder, particularly in

light of how common symptoms of mental distress

are and the lack of objective, physical symptoms."

p. 49: "The precise causes (etiology) of mental

disorders are not known."

p. 51: "All too frequently a biological change in

the brain (a lesion) is purported to be the

'cause' of a mental disorder ... [but] The fact

is that any simple association -- or correlation --

cannot and does not, by itself, mean causation."

p. 102: "Few lesions or physiologic abnormalities

define the mental disorders, and for the most part

their causes remain unknown."

In the third edition of _Textbook of Clinical

Psychiatry_ (1999), we find similar statements:

p. 43: "Although reliable criteria have been

constructed for many psychiatric disorders,

validation of the diagnostic categories as

specific entities has not been established."

p. 51: Most of these [genetic studies] examine

candidate genes in the serotonergic pathways, and

have not found convincing evidence of an

association."

In Andreasen and Black's (2001) _Introductory

Textbook of Psychiatry_, we find, in the chapter

on schizophrenia:

p. 23. "In the areas of pathophysiology and

etiology, psychiatry has more uncharted territory

than the rest of medicine...Much of the current

investigative research in psychiatry is directed

toward the goal of identifying the

pathophysiology and etiology of major mental

illnesses, but this goal has been achieved for

only a few disorders (Alzheimer's disease,

multi-infarct dementia, Huntington's disease, and

substance-induced syndromes such as

amphetamine-related psychosis or

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome)."

p. 231: "In the absence of visible lesions and

known pathogens, investigators have turned to the

exploration of models that could explain the

diversity of symptoms through a single cognitive

mechanism."

p. 450: "Many candidate regions [of the brain]

have been explored [for schizophrenia] but none

have been confirmed."

As you are no doubt familiar with these textbooks

you cited, you will agree that such statements

invalidate claims for specific, reliable

biological causes or signs of "mental illnesses."

In the judgment of the panel members, your reply

fails to produce or cite any specific evidence of

any specific pathophysiology underlying any

"mental disorder."

You have also referred us to 60 volumes of

_Archives of General Psychiatry_ and 160 volumes

of _The American Journal of Psychiatry_. The 28

July 2003 cover letter from the hunger strikers

and panelists that they sent to you by certified

mail stated:

"We are aware that research studies can run to

thousands of pages. Therefore, please respond

only with those studies that you consider the

best available in support of your claims and

theories in a timely way. When responding with

evidence, please send citations for the original

publications or copies of the publications you

are citing."

Like you, we are familiar with the material found

in these journals. It is understandable why you

did not provide any citations. There is not a

single study that provides valid and reliable

evidence for the "biological basis of mental

illness."

The members of the panel wish to make some

further observations which we hope will assist

the American Psychiatric Association to present

an honest scientific stance with respect to the

hunger strikers' questions.

In the panel's view, the questions posed by the

hunger strikers are serious and fair. These

questions are legitimate questions that any

patient or family member or interested person

might ask of any psychiatrist, or a student might

ask of a professor. The panel was therefore quite

dismayed that you, as Medical Director of the

world's largest, wealthiest, and most resourceful

psychiatric association, could not provide a more

specific or substantial response than the

equivalent of, "See our textbook."

If, as you state in your letter, "the answers to

[the above] questions are widely available in the

scientific literature, and have been for years,"

then it behooves your organization to make these

answers and their specific sources -- if they

differ from the quotes we present in this letter

-- available promptly.

The panel members could not help but notice the

contrast between the hunger strikers, who ask

clear questions about the science of psychiatry

and consciously take risks in the name of

protecting the well-being of users of psychiatry,

and the American Psychiatric Association, which

evades revealing what actual scientific evidence

justifies its authority. By not giving specific

answers to the questions posed by the hunger

strikers, you appear to be affirming the very

reason for the hunger strike.



Sincerely,



Fred Baughman, MD

Mary Boyle, PhD

Peter Breggin, MD

David Cohen, PhD

Ty Colbert, PhD

Pat Deegan, PhD

Al Galves, PhD

Thomas Greening, PhD

David Jacobs, PhD

Jay Joseph, PhD

Jonathan Leo, PhD

Bruce Levine, PhD

Loren Mosher, MD

Stuart Shipko, MD



The hunger strikers endorse the scientific

panel's statement.

- end -

~~~~~~~~~~

**** PLEASE FORWARD THIS ALERT TO ALL

APPROPRIATE PLACES ON & OFF INTERNET! ****

~~~~~~~~~~

DONATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT

HUNGER STRIKE COSTS... IT'S NOT TOO LATE

TO HELP

BEGIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN

MINDFREEDOM TODAY!

MindFreedom Support Coalition International

is a non-profit uniting 100 grassroots groups,

and is independently funded by group and

individual members like you who support human rights.

Find out more, and join and/or donate today at

http://www.MindFreedom.org. Click on join/donate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For occasional updates like this, you may join this

dendrite MindFreedom announcement list here for free:

http://mailman.efn.org/cgi-bin/listinfo/dendrite

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*** PLEASE COPY THIS NEWS ***

TO ALL APPROPRIATE PLACES

ON & OFF THE INTERNET NOW!

What is this "liquid diet"

The reason I ask is that I MAY prevent someones DEATH as a result of this "hunger strike"

The core strikers have now fasted for nine days. While 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. So 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. If 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.

NOTE TWO LOS ANGELES CONNECTIONS --

PLEASE CONTACT LA TIMES NEWS!

AND NOTE PRESIDENT OF APA IS IN LA -- PLEASE PROVIDE *CIVIL* COMMENTS TO HER, THANKS.

22 August 2003 http://www.MindFreedom.org

Contact for Hunger Strikers: 626-795-5525

E-mail: office@mindfreedom.org



DAY 8: "Time to Move our Movement." - Romi

Fast For Freedom In Mental Health

Hunger Strikers Issue a Challenge to

Community, Supporters, Friends & Family

"TAKE ACTION: REACH THE MEDIA AND

THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION"

Fasters make personal plea.

PASADENA, CALIF.: This is the eighth day of a

hunger strike protesting the "takeover of the

mental health system by the psychiatric drug

industry." Today is a turning point for fasters.

The Fast for Freedom in Mental Health is issuing

a challenge today to their community, friends,

family and all supporters of human rights in the

mental health system.

REACH THE MEDIA AND THE APA!!

This is a special "MindFreedom Dendrite." Immediately

following this alert, we will e-mail out three (3) news

articles about the Fast for Freedom in Mental Health.

The hunger strikers are encouraging you to copy those

articles far and wide, ESPECIALLY TO MEDIA, and to friends, colleagues, everyone! If you wish, add a very brief personal note.

Here are two key media. At BOTTOM are more. And

please get this to all other media -- major or independent:

~~~~~~~~

TWO MAIN MEDIA CONTACTS:

Los Angeles Times -- Headquarters

E-mail: sara.lessley@latimes.com

Phone: (213) 237-7001

Fax: (213) 237-4712

Website: http://www.latimes.com

New York Times -- Headquarters

E-mail: nytnews@nytimes.co

Phone: (212) 556-1234

Fax: (212) 556-7614

Website: http://www.nytimes.com

[At bottom are more major media contacts.]

~~~~~~~~~

ASK THE APA FOR A COMMENT!

The goal: For everyone -- especially the media -- to civily

ask the American Psychiatric Association this question:

"Please provide an official, meaningful comment on the

Fast for Freedom Scientific Panel's Statement to the APA."

~~~~~~~~~

TWO MAIN APA CONTACTS:

The Director of APA Public Relations

Laurie Oseran

Direct phone: (703) 907-8540

E-mail: LOseran@psych.org

The President of the APA Board of Trustees

Marcia K. Goin, Clinical Professor History & Education

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Direct phone: (323) 226-5755

Fax: (323) 226-6499

E-mail: mgoin@usc.edu

[AT BOTTOM are contacts for more members of the

American Psychiatric Assoociation Board of Trustees.]

~~~~~~~~~

HERE ARE HEARTFELT "DAY 8" MESSAGES FROM

THE HUNGER STRIKERS TO THEIR SUPPORTERS

ON DAY EIGHT OF THE FAST FOR FREEDOM:

Mickey Weinberg: "I'm worried and angry. I'm

worried about my 62 year old body. I'm angry

that both the APA and most of the media couldn't

care less. They couldn't care less about our

concern about folks enmeshed in the mental health

system... or about my life.

"So we need your help. The media shape public

perception. If major media cover the hunger

strike then to the public we -- and all the users

and survivors of psychiatry -- exist. Without that

coverage, then to the public none of us exists.

"The Fast for Freedom can diminsh the power of

psychiatry and enhance the reputation of people

labeled by psychiatry. LET'S NOT LOSE THAT

OPPORTUNITY!

"Demand from major media that they pressure the

APA to comment on our Scientific Panel's

brilliant refutation of the condescending letter

sent us by the medical director of the APA.

"Easier still, let the media know that YOU WANT

THE HUNGER STRIKE COVERED!

"Today, my wife cried. She's worried about me.

The physicians represented by the APA can easily

end this hunger strike. Call the media."

~~~~~~~~~

Romi Sayama, 22 years old: "I think we need to let our

supporters know that this is the time to move our

movement, not only by contacting the media, but

also by getting our issues off of the back burner

in our own lives. This a valuable opportunity to

have our voices and activism heard."

~~~~~~~~~

David Gonzalez, 45: "This is an urgent plea for support from someone

who entered a 'medical facility' 20 years ago seeking treatment for

an emotional crisis. I was re-traumatized by the very system

designed to provide that treatment. To this very day

I am still recuperating from the after effects of that

humiliating, debilitating and harrowing experience.

"If you are someone who has entered a mental health facility

and found yourself held against your will... If you are

someone who has been forced to take powerful psychotropic

drugs against your will... Or if you are someone who

has a relative who has been exploited under the guise of

mental health... I am asking for your support in contacting

the media to question the institutions that condone these

practices.

"What proof do the APA and NAMI have that emotional disorders

are biologically based? What proof do they have that

powerful psychotropic drugs alleviate, and don't, in fact,

exacerbate emotional disorders? And what authority justifies

and empowers them to routinely and unilaterally coerce and

force people into treatment?"

~~~~~~~~~

Vince Boehm, 64: "Does anyone out there give a hoot? Yes.

Support comes from unusual places. From Ausralia we

received a page of 'thank you, thank you, thank you.'

One mental health consumer was so grateful, she said

with lots of emotion, 'You're doing this for me,' and she

gave me a little hug.' That's what keeps me going."

~~~~~~~~~

Krista Erickson, 28: "I am asking everyone, especially the

disability community, to please contact the APA,

and any media -- both local and national. Please ask

the APA to provide a substantive comment on the

response from the Scientific Panel."

~~~~~~~~~

David Oaks, 47: "One of the reasons I joined the hunger

strike in the first place was to galvanize our community,

to move from patients to passion. We appreciate

every single bit of support, small and large. We are

asking for something much more: To dig deep down

inside ourselves, and challenge all media -- mainstream

and independent -- to do their job: Ask the APA about

the Scientific Panel's statement! Also, in the era of

the Internet, we are our own media. Break the silence!"

~~~~~~~~~

WEB SITES FOR MORE INFO & TO HELP

THE FAST FOR FREEDOM:

For the latest news releases, daily updates, solidarity strikers, articles, etc. check http://www.MindFreedom.org.

For the latest photos, message board, etc. see http://www.cinemaniastigma.com/pages/13/index.htm

~~~~~~~

CONTACT MORE MAJOR MEDIA

Chicago Tribune -- Headquarters

E-mail: srowley@tribune.com

Phone: (312) 222-3139

Fax: (312) 222-2550

Website: http://www.chicagotribune.com

Boston Globe -- Headquarters

E-mail: pr@globe.com

Phone: (617) 929-3100

Fax: (617) 929-3186

Website: http://www.boston.comcom/globe/

USA Today -- Headquarters

E-mail: editor@usatoday.com

Phone: (703) 854-3400

Fax: (703) 854-2078

Website: http://www.usatoday.com

Washington Post -- Headquarters

E-mail: pgextra@washpost.com

Phone: (202) 334-7300

Fax: (202) 496-3883

Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com

Washington Post -- LA Bureau

Phone: (310) 277-4819 - Rene Sanchez

Fax: (310) 277-3704

Reporter e-mail: Rene Sanchez sanchezr@washpost.com

Wall Street Journal -- Headquarters

E-mail: nyspot@wsj.com

Phone: (212) 416-2000

News phone (212) 416-2658

Fax: (212) 416-2733

Website: http://www.wsj.com

ABC News -- Headquarters

Phone: (212) 456-1000

Fax: (212) 456-5962

Website: abcnews.go.com

CBS News -- Headquarters

Phone: (212) 975-4321

Fax: (212) 975-1893

Website: http://www.cbsnews.com

CNN News Group -- Headquarters

E-mail: cnnfutures@cnn.com

Phone: (404) 827-1500

Fax: (404) 878-0891

Website: http://www.cnn.com

Fox News Channel -- Headquarters

E-mail: comments@foxnews.com

Phone: (212) 301-3300

Fax: (212) 301-4220

Website: http://www.foxnews.com

MSNBC -- Headquarters

E-mail: feedback@msnbc.com

Website: msnbc.com

Phone: (201) 583-5000

Fax: (201) 583-5584

NBC News -- Headquarters

E-mail: letters@msnbc.com

Website: http://www.msnbc.com/news

Phone: (212) 664-4444

News phone: (201) 583-5222

Fax: (201) 583-5453

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) -- Headquarters

E-mail: viewer@pbs.org

Website: http://www.pbs.org

Phone: (703) 739-5000

Fax: (703) 739-0775

National Public Radio - How To Pitch a Story

http://www.npr.org/about/pitch/

Remind the national office that NPR-LA's

Rachel Myrow is covering the story locally. To hear it:

http://www.scpr.org/play/audio.php?media=/news/features/2003/08/20030818_features1

~~~~~~~~~~~

To 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

~~~~~~~~~~~

CONTACT MORE MEMBERS OF

THE APA BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

APA President-Elect

Michelle B. Riba, M.D., M.S.

Dept. Psychiatry

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

Office: 734-764-6879

Fax: 734-936-1130

Email: mriba@umich.edu

http://www.med.umich.edu/psych/ribaapa.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~

APA Vice President

Pedro Ruiz, M.D.

Prof & Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs

Dept. Psych & Behav Sci., U Texas Med. Sch.

Houston, TX

Office: 713-500-2799

Fax: 713-500-2757

Email: pedro.ruiz@uth.tmc.edu

~~~~~~~~~~~

APA Secretary

Nada L. Stotland, M.D., M.P.H.

Chicago, IL

Office: 773-667-6329

Fax: 773-667-6692

Email: nadast@aol.com

http://hometown.aol.com/nadast/myhomepage/politics.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~

APA Trustee-at-Large

Tanya R. Anderson, M.D.

Dept. of Psychiatry

Univ of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, IL

Office: 312-355-4337

Fax: 312-355-4459

Email: tanderson@psych.uic.edu

http://www.psych.uic.edu/faculty/anderson.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~

APA Area 1 Trustee

Donna M. Norris, M.D.

Wellesley, MA

Office: 781-237-1778

Fax: 781-235-2954

Email: dmnorris@aol.com

http://www.pipatl.org/donnanorris

~~~~~~~~~~~

APA Area 4 Trustee

Sidney H. Weissman, M.D.

Chicago, IL

Office: 312-781-1144; 708-202-8419

Fax: 708-771-0077

Email: Sidney.Weissman@med.Va

~~~~~~~~~~~

APA Area 7 Trustee

Albert V. Vogel, M.D.

Univ New Mexico, HSC

Office of Assoc Dean for Clinical Affairs

Cancer Center Rm B-30

Albuquerque, NM

Office: 505-272-0738

Fax: 505-272-6055

Email: avvogel@salud.unm.edu

~~~~~~~~~~~

To e-mail all APA officials above use bcc to: LOseran@psych.org,

mgoin@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

~~~~~~~~~~

**** PLEASE FORWARD THIS ALERT TO ALL

APPROPRIATE PLACES ON & OFF INTERNET! ****

~~~~~~~~~~

DONATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT

HUNGER STRIKE COSTS...

BEGIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN

MINDFREEDOM TODAY!

IF YOU ARE IN LA AREA, VOLUNTEERS

ARE NEEDED. Phone 626-795-5525. Check web for

free lecture series on Saturday, Monday & Wednesday. Volunteer and

community meeting at 6 pm daily at Hunger Strike Headquarters:

277 North El Molina Ave., Pasadena, Calif., USA.

MindFreedom Support Coalition International

is a non-profit uniting 100 grassroots groups,

and is independently funded by group and

individual members like you who support human rights.

Find out more, and join and/or donate today at

http://www.MindFreedom.org. Click on join/donate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For occasional updates like this, you may join this

dendrite MindFreedom announcement list here for free:

http://mailman.efn.org/cgi-bin/listinfo/dendrite

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*** PLEASE COPY THIS NEWS ***

TO ALL APPROPRIATE PLACES

ON & OFF THE INTERNET NOW!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello???? anybody there?

Did you all starve to death?

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.
All 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.
Covert monitoring of behavior is used to determine the necessity for entrainment. (The entire procedure often referred to as 'mind control').
Another human rights violation brought to you by the University of California.

In fact we have had no SPAP postings from the hunger strikers for a while now.

are they dead?

Update please!!!!!!

Rational Normal Person can't spell....

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)

But citing yourself seems shallow - eh ?

Just a shallow comment about spelling????

Oh well.

Here are a few other excellent sites taking on these issues in more depth than the psychotherapy-oriented reformers with SCI:

www.szasz.com

(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)

www.stopshrinks.org

(includes a very large library of resources, including book titles and online links, and discussion forums--for those of you who are SKEPTICAL)

Utica, NY's non-industry Mental Patient's Liberation Alliance (which runs a toll-free support line for ex-patients of the mental stealth system)

www.adhdfraud.org (just like it says)

anti-psychiatry.org (apparently under heavy fire of late)

and many more (just check the links section)