August 9 John Murtari Update

John Murtari was happy to hear about the demonstration in his honor.  Two demonstrators tried to see him, but it wasn’t his visitation day.He was able to talk to some of his supporters by cell phone.  I know of one newspaper reporter doing a story on John, and of 2 television reporters who stopped by and interviewed people at the rally.  Photos should be available tomorrow.  John wants to thank everyone.

John was told Wednesday morning that he’d be getting a feeding tube after all.  Even though the doctors have lied to him before, he wants to believe them this time.  He is down to 127 lbs, from 155.  He’s lost twenty-eight pounds in 10 days.  His blood pressure is so low he says they can’t get a diastolic reading.  The doctor told him he should be healthier for the procedure, so he agreed to drink a little water and 2 cups of nutritional supplement today.  He sounded a little stronger after he’d had that.  We’ll know by day’s end if they have lied again.

John has been seen by two psychiatrists since he turned himself in.  The first one said something along the lines of, “I’m outta here; you’re not crazy.”  The other said John isn’t crazy, and he sincerely wished him well with his nonviolent action.

He says the medical personnel have been trying to torture tempt him with food.  A nurse tried to hand him a candy bar, and they make him sit with the inmates during meals.  After he drank the supplement they brought in a large tray of desserts like pudding.  This, and the fact they lied to the visitors telling them he’s eating now, made him think the feeding tube may not be coming tomorrow.  I wonder if they also lied to reporters.

John has been through survival training in the Air Force.  He knows what it’s like to go without food.  He says this is much worse.  He says he dreams about food.  If you pray, please pray for John.

Please send letters to John.  He says it means a lot to him.

John Murtari
POD 2A-5
555 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

Please take a photo of a statue or tree tied with a purple ribbon and send to teri@akidsright.org with location.  Thanks!

Additional info on John Murtari HERE