Anyone who genuinely has the intention of starving themselves to death is likely mentally disturbed, i.e., suicidal. Typically, though, it's a publicity stunt meant to call attention to the cause. << Judy, do you think that suffragettes who went on hunger strikes when jailed for their protests were also "likely mentally disturbed?" >>
Judy, I agree that life is sacred. And I also recognize that other people may have very different ideas than mine about what constitutes that sacredness, what is necessary for it to be preserved. On Sunday, January 5, 2014 9:57 AM, "authfriend@..." <authfriend@...> wrote: Non sequitur. << But wayback, if one were to die in battle or put one's self in front of a bullet, that entails violence and violence involving another person or persons! Whereas starving one's self does not involve getting or giving harm to another. >> The point is that suicide (in this case by starvation) for a "cause" that does not involve preventing physical harm to another is against the principle of the sacredness of life. << Like I said, I don't agree with his cause, but I admire that he's taking a strong, non violent stand about it. >> He's doing violence to himself. That is not the only way--and certainly not the most effective way--to take a "strong, non violent stand" against gay marriage. << BTW, he didn't sound like a martyr to me at all. Not that I've spoken with any martyrs! >> Of course he thinks of himself as a martyr: "a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principle" He is most likely mentally disturbed. wayback wrote: Share, I disagree, especially for an action like gay marriage, that really does not harm you or harm others. It is a difference of opinions. There are so many many other truly significant issues on this planet. Starve yourself to death over this? Please, go find someone to donate your time or money to - someone suffering or hungry. Another thought, it is my understanding that in Judaism life is held to be so precious that individuals are not expected to martyr themselves. Fighting for a cause, dying in battle, putting yourself in front of a bullet meant for your loved one - all good. But martyrdom is another. It is not really considered admirable. I like that approach.
