My best friend DrunkenOso is engaging in his yearly fast in remembrance of, memorial for, and solidarity with the plight of the H-Block Ten, those dissidents who participated in the 1981 Irish Hunger Strike, who died in starvation for their beliefs of liberty and their want of basic human rights.

It has caused me to stop and ponder upon several things; memorials, convictions, peaceful resistance, and solidarity with all aspects of one's beliefs.

Especially upon solidarity, and its place in one's life.  What does it mean, and what is its place?

Solidarity - Coherence and oneness in nature, relations, or interests, as of a class.  Characterized by or involving community of responsibilities and investiture.  Solidary character or relation; union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests as between a body of persons or group of people.

To stand in empathy, sympathy, and regard, as a member through participation, by one's practices.

Solidarity is a practice of Virtue.  It is to stand in unity with others, giving voice and strength beyond the ability of the singular Self.  To suffer, work, and participate in the endeavors of the common good, for the group welfare, as if one body in one accord.  When we stand for justice, we stand in solidarity for those that do not have justice.  We work for the establishment of Just Rule.  When we feed the hungry, we stand in solidarity for the poor who have not to eat.   We work for the right to eat.  When we stand for Peace, we stand in solidarity with the victimized.  We work for Peace.  By such labors we may share the cup of joy and suffer the cup of sorrow with those with whom we live, truly having community.  Koinonia; a fellowship of the beloved in Life and Love.  That we may be virtuous and right.

We are on one side or the other.  Even by not choosing we have made a choice.  There is no neutral ground.  Give voice.  Represent.  Make good your convictions.  Fight the Good Fight of Virtue.