The Series: Jay's Hunger Strike for Darfur, Part 3

Today we will discuss the part that is played by the American press and the American people. Do you remember how it was that many we convinced people were convinced that going into Kosovo was the right thing to do? I did not. I did, however, keep it to myself after the war began.

We will continue the interview with Jay from here. Answers to questions 1, 2, and 3 can be found here, while answers to questions 4, 5, and 6 can be found here. We will cover questions 7, 8, 9, and 10 today. My questions shall be in bold type. His answers will be in normal type. Ready?

Good afternoon, Mr. Jay McGinley. Are you comfortable enough? Yes, thank you. Let us continue, then.

7. Do you believe the American people are aware of the seriousness of the Darfur situation?
Yes and no. It is said that the longest journey in the world is from the head to the heart. Millions upon millions of Americans have heard something about this situation, but almost none have allowed the information to travel from their head to their heart.

I am passionately convinced that the cowardly way we have reacted to the information is not what my brothers and sisters in America truly desire. I honestly believe that once they are raised to a courageous response, the joy that will be released in them will constitute their finest hour. It would be a turning point for our country. We would be back in the world's leadership in humanity and human rights that we always have aspired to fulfill.

8. Do you think the press is neglecting this issue?
I think everyone in this country is avoiding this issue. I think the press has ceased to be fighters for morality and truth, and they have become nothing more than entertainers.

They, too, have prevented the journey from the head to the heart. Also, unless some of us can successfully encourage their leadership, they will at some time in their life be ashamed and deeply regretful for the cowardice and inhumanity they are now providing.

9. Who is responsible for this apathy? Does it have anything to do with the lack of press attention?
When these politians want things to be noticed, they know how to manipulate the press. I am just one man who demands we save lives. The lives of my brothers and sisters in Darfur, Sudan.

Sure, if they aired news about the conditions of the refugee camps every night, there may be an outcry. That isn't happening. There have been attempts but when you have limitted resources, what else can you do but what I am doing?

10. Do you believe the hatred for President Bush is coloring how the press covers their stories and which ones they cover?
Frankly, I feel that there is little independent press left. None in the mainstream seems more than shameless entertainers and puppets of the establishment. They are entertainment workers with no courage, and they fear Bush' influence on their careers through their corporate owners.I believe that on Darfur, Bush is doing as well, or slightly better than any previous President facing Genocide and I feel the press is accurately reflecting this.

Editor's Note: It is very sad that no major paper will be responsible enough to step forward and step up for the people of Darfur, Sudan. It is shameful. President Bush, or whoever is president, should make the people aware that many people are dieing by the day. What is their crime? They are black, they live in Africa, and they are alive.

I really do not want to hear about how racist this country is when you cannot get this or do that, etc. These people are fighting for a meal, for their lives. Could you please tell me when is the last time you've had to flee your home, go to a refugee camp that was very dangerous, and even there you were not protected? If you have this story, we'll talk. If not, please help these people to be able to say the same.

Category: Darfur, Sudan, News, Terrorism, Human Rights, The UN, Jay and Freedom.