>>>>Jews have several fasting days in a year.
>>>
>>>Yep. And muslims have a whole month (from sun up to sun down).
>>>
>>>We could set it up the national fasting day on a day that many already observe with their own cultural traditions.
>>>
>>>That would be a great step toward unity.
>>
>>That would be a great step toward self-satisfaction without addressing the real problem, as Charles has already pointed out.
>
>
>The real problem?
>
>The real problem is that poor people are easily ignored.
>
>A National Fast does address that problem.
>
>I suppose you could also use red paint to write the word "POOR" on their clothes and stand them in the town square.
>
>That might get them noticed.

True, the poor are easily ignored. And I salute your desire to do something about it. I just don't think your specific suggestion (before adding that the money or food saved be given to the poor) or the condemnation of those who don't consider it a good suggestion to be constructive. Lots of people care about the poor / hungry. Lots of people can be motivated to act on that urge. Just don't offer one take-it-or-leave-it suggestion and expect everyone to wave their hand volunteering. The approach makes them want to resist, not go along.