Letter to Editorial Board of the National Post in Canada (Request for Meeting)

July 25 2002

Editorial Board
National Post
300 - 1450 Don Mills Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada
M3B 3R5

Re: Falun Gong representatives request to meet with the editorial board at the National Post.

The Falun Gong issue today is one of the top international issues between China and the rest of the world. In many instances it echoes persecutions of the past where leaders used all tools available, including the media, to eliminate select groups of people. Given the current persecution of practitioners in China and the smear campaign being conducted by the Chinese government to damage the reputation of this well established group of people right here in Canada, we feel it is our duty to help clarify information to the media.

Media is the most powerful tool to help educate and influence people's decisions on issues. Unfortunately the Review article on July 6 entitled Master Li's Disciples may have influenced many Canadians to look down upon a well established group of people here in Canada.

We would like to meet with the National Post editorial board to bring to light the seriousness of this issue that affects thousands of people right here in Canada.

We would like to discuss in more detail the contents of the article and share our understanding of the ethical standards that we believe the media should abide by under these special circumstances when news reports on Falun Gong literally affect the lives and well being of millions of people undergoing persecution. We would also like to hear what the media's responsibilities are so we can better understand the role and responsibility of the media.

We would like to introduce ourselves to the National Post so as to put a face on the people who practice Falun Gong here in Canada. We are aware of the visit of the Chinese consulate officials to your paper and can imagine the nature of the information presented. As spokespersons for Falun Gong regarding this issue we represent thousands of Canadians. Together we run our businesses, raise our families, partake in our communities and also choose to practice Falun Gong. We feel our voice is important.

Many practitioners in the West make every effort to help people understand that what is happening in China is a crime that is and will continue to cause great suffering to people. We would like to discuss what we could do as practitioners to ensure that the type of misrepresentation that was reported in the July 6 article does not happen again, and what the National Post can offer to remedy the misunderstandings that have arisen as a result of the article.

Since our correspondence with the National Post began after the article on July 6th was published we feel grateful for the open attitude and guidance given by the National Post. We appreciate your patience in waiting for receipt of this letter and look forward to our meeting.

With Respect;

A practitioner (Name Omitted)