Written by Nancy LaRoche | 18 September 2007

As more former striking AFSCME U of M administrative staff are crossing picket lines and returning to work, it appears the strike is losing steam. Coming to the union's rescue are 11 students, a professor and civil service employee, who began a hunger strike on Monday. The Star Tribune reports,

Wearing an armband with the word "fast" on it, Sofi Shank admits that her decision to put her body on the line for her beliefs isn't sitting well with her parents. "They're really concerned about my health," said Shank, 19, a University of Minnesota freshman. "My dad hasn't been getting sleep; he's been calling me all the time."

I'm sure he's losing sleep as he sees his daughter's tuition payments going down the drain while her health is put in jeopardy. This is another fine example of liberalism ruining our educational institutions — and failing our kids. The university administration (and many striking workers) are uncomfortable and concerned for the students' health, but it appears the union president is more concerned with the attention it gives the strikers.

Phyllis Walker, the president of the local representing the clerical workers, said some of the AFSCME strikers are uncomfortable with the hunger strike.

"I was worried about them at first, but they are adults," Walker said. "This is important to them, they're making their own decisions, and we're really honored."

Most outsiders see this as starving for attention. As the strike goes into the third week, expect more street theater. If I were Sofi's dad, I'd pull her tuition fees and demand a refund on her meal tickets. Then I'd make her wear an armband with the words, "Useful Idiot."

Cross posted at True*North.

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