Portsmouth Herald Sunday: Behind Falun Gong

Site Map

Cultivation

Home > News & Events > Falun Dafa in the Media

Portsmouth Herald Sunday: Behind Falun Gong

August 24, 2000

F1, August 20, 2000

-----------------------------------------------------
á
á

Behind Falun Gong
á
á

U.S. must appeal to China to stop persecution

An Open Letter to President Bill Clinton & Vice President Al Gore and Gov. George W. Bush:

--------------------------

By MARTIN FOX

--------------------------

Recently I was in Washington, DC with several other Seacoast residents for the anniversary of China's crackdown on Falun Gong that started last July 22, 1999. We spoke with Representatives and Senators from New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.
á
á

During these meetings, I had the strong feeling that although they were sympathetic and horrified at the intensity of the persecutions, they seemed frustrated and at a loss as to what to do. Last year, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution

(HR 218) calling for "the Government of the Peoples Republic of China to stop persecuting Falun Gong practitioners. Whereas Falun Gong is a peaceful and nonviolent form of personal belief and practice with millions of adherents in China and elsewhere."
á
á

One year has past with the persecutions not only continuing but also escalating. Despite the unprecedented suppression by the Chinese government, Falun Gong practitioners still follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. No matter where they are, they endure silently and they bear no hatred but show the strength of compassion towards everyone. In some jails, their great tolerance and enormous kindness have even moved many hardened criminals to tears. Thus, many of the prisoners have abandoned their bad ways to practice Falun Gong themselves.
á
á

Daily countless practitioners publicly come out to tell the truth of Falun Gong to the government or practice a set of movements in the face of being beaten, tortured, sent to labor camps, forced into mental hospitals, stripped of their assets and even tortured to death. And yet there has not been one incidence of any anger, aggression, or hated shown toward the Government and the police in the face this gross mistreatment. This denial of human rights is wrong. The Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other papers worldwide have reported these injustices.

Now is the time for people of kind hearts to shine the light of the truth into every corner of the world. When China sees that the world is united in speaking out and showing its support for the Falun Gong practitioners and human rights, I believe that their fear and misunderstanding will dissolve and righteousness will prevail.
á
á

But someone needs to step forward, take the lead on this moral injustice. Around 100 million people in over 30 countries practice Falun Gong. Falun Gong is not a religion or a political entity. There is no formal organization or membership. They are not trying to over throw their government. By any standard, they are model citizens living by example the principles they believe in Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance - in the worst of times.
á
á

Each day as I read the events in China via the Internet, I ask how can we accept this situation, be complacent and not speak out to end the injustice.
á
á

The question is "What to do?" As you know a lot of media attention will be focused on the upcoming permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China. By mentioning this I am not trying to influence your position for or against this agreement. But because of the wide spread interest in the PNTR, I think it presents a proper forum to take a stand against the injustice.
á
á

My suggestion is to look at the PNTR controversy from a different perspective. Instead of seeing the situation as an "either/or" conflict to pass or not to pass the PNTR - look at the debate as an opportunity to support human rights. Regardless whether the PNTR passes or is defeated; show your support for human rights and at the same time pass a totally separate resolution supporting the Falun Gong practitioners. Honor the tens of thousands who have been stripped of their human and spiritual rights. Give these heroes the recognition and support they deserve. The intent of the resolution is that China needs to immediately stop its repression and torture, engage in an open face to face meeting with Falun Gong representatives and come to some mutual understanding for a fair and legitimate environment. Third-party diplomatic initiatives might also be part of this to assist in resolving this crisis.
á
á

If we simply pass or defeat the PNTR without a separate formal strong resolution supporting and honoring the Falun Gong practitioners what message are we sending to the world and to the millions of Chinese that are being tortured? Other nations look to us to take the lead in human rights issues.
á
á

Do the right thing. Speak out boldly for human rights (like the practitioners in China are doing) before the situation gets worst. Each day the events reveal the urgency. The time to act is now. To encourage economic prosperity without improved morality and human rights is dangerous and wrong, not just for China but for the whole world. Im asking you to listen to your compassionate heart and help bring an end to this injustice. Thank you.
á
á

Falun Gong (or Falun Dafa) is a cultivation practice to return to your true nature The Great Way and is based on the understanding that the essential nature of the universe is one of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice includes five gentle movements/exercises. Its easy to learn, has great health benefits, and is free. Local meetings are held at the Community Campus on West Rd in Portsmouth every Wednesday from 7 to 9 PM. Local contact: David & Ming Li 603-422-8877 or visit www.falundafa.org for more information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To voice your support for human rights and for the Falun Gong practitioners heres a few suggested contacts.