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Octogenarian fasting for the mountains

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two men are trying to get their message of eco-stewardship across by fasting.

Mike Roselle of Rock Creek, Raleigh County, and Roland Micklem, of Wolcott, NY, were on day 10 of their vigil against mountaintop mining removal on Wednesday. Micklem, 85, said he’s drinking lots of water and coffee as well as fruit and vegetable drinks to keep up his strength. He stressed he’s in this fast for the long haul.

“It is a non-confrontative but very, very determined action,” Micklem explained.

New York resident Roland Micklem has been fasting over mountaintop removal mining.

He and Roselle began their fast last week. Micklem made it clear this is not a protest or a hunger strike, but rather a spiritual journey.

“The goal is very undefined. I’m trying to listen to my inner-voice which is speaking to me through divine providence, if you want to call it that,” said Micklem.

The octogenarian is seriously concerned about the health of the planet and considers mountaintop mining a crime against the earth. He’s hoping his fast will draw attention to the issue and convince people to speak out about the practice.

Roselle is a friend and follower of Micklem’s message.

“Communities are being destroyed, people are being displaced and the land is literally being poisoned,” stressed Roselle.

Both men said they’re feeling fine 10-days into the fast and they will continue as long as possible.

Micklem said their journey is not about tearing down others and he won’t engage in angry confrontations with mountaintop supporters. However, according to Micklem, he is willing to go to great lengths to get his message out.

“If we have to violate man-made laws, to counter crimes that are against God’s law, we’re very open and ready to do so.”

You can follow Micklem on his journey on Facebook. Others have joined he and Roselle on their fast, some for a couple of days others for the full 10-days.





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