Progressive Congressman Greg Casar, a recent addition to the leftist “Squad,” was slapped with a wave of ridicule on social media after his “thirst strike” in solidarity with federal workers lasted only eight hours.
After no water for nearly 9 hours on the Capitol steps, I’m more confident than ever that we can make positive change in this country for working people — including winning the right to basic water breaks.
Workers everywhere are counting on a federal heat rule. #WorkersCantWait pic.twitter.com/CL0cUSZlAz
— Congressman Greg Casar (@RepCasar) July 26, 2023
Casar, a Democrat representing parts of Austin and San Antonio, Texas, took to Twitter to announce his pledge not to drink water as a call for a federal heat rule to protect workers from high temperatures.
However, his thirst strike came to an end after just eight hours, drawing criticism.
Just took my last drink of water before my thirst strike with the one and only, Dolores Huerta. #WorkersCantWait pic.twitter.com/iSIWifuhow
— Congressman Greg Casar (@RepCasar) July 25, 2023
CNN commentator Scott Jennings sarcastically congratulated Casar for lasting “between early lunch and late dinner.” Other journalists and commentators mocked the short duration of his strike, calling it a “participation trophy” and questioning its effectiveness.
Congrats on … existing between early lunch and late dinner. https://t.co/OEStgVP46Z
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) July 26, 2023
Despite the brief strike, Casar garnered some attention as progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders and medical professionals monitored him on the steps of the Capitol.
Casar’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Various sources indicate that humans can only survive a few days without consuming food or water. The general consensus is that humans can endure approximately three days without water, though estimates vary between two days to a week.
The “rule of 3” commonly referenced by wilderness guides suggests that a person can live for 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.
However, factors such as a person’s health, weather conditions, and physical activity levels play a significant role in determining their survival time without water. Healthier individuals might last a day or so longer, while those who are unhealthy or exposed to extreme temperatures may have a shorter survival time.
