Delegate to the Republican National Convention Writes About His Experience Meeting Falun Gong Practitioners in New York

(Clearwisdom.net)

Dear _______________,

I wanted to tell you that while I was at the Republican National Convention in New York, I saw the Falun Gong exhibit on Park Avenue and was very impressed.  I signed the petition that was there, and during the week, took the time to speak to several of the Falun Gong people that were all over the city.  We were warned before we went to the convention to be careful of anti war protesters, but I actually saw a lot more of the Falun Gong people than I did of the other protesters!

I didn't know much about the Falun Gong before I spoke with several of the people in New York. I was amazed about the stories I heard from some of the young people about their health problems and how the practice of Falun Gong helped them disappear.

My mother and my younger sister (who is Hindu), who live in Pennsylvania, practice Yoga and I called them up to talk about it. They already knew about Falun Gong and said that it was a very good practice.  They also asked me to send them the information that I received from the people in New York, so I got extra information from the people that were out on the streets.

I think it is terrible that Falun Gong is persecuted to the extent it is in China. I myself have already been boycotting Chinese goods for some time because I feel they use forced labor to make products, but the story of Falun Gong makes me doubly determined to avoid Chinese goods.

While I was in New York, the media interviewed us as part of the Republican National Convention, and I attempted to ask one reporter to write a story about Falun Gong.  I asked him to come with me to talk to one of the Falun Gong people that was on the street that was handing out literature. Unfortunately, he declined my invitation and made a comment that [indicated he's been influenced by the propaganda from the Chinese government].  I think that is a very unfortunate misconception.

To conclude, I think it was a great thing that the Falun Gong practitioners were in New York this past week and I wish you all the luck in your cause. I certainly will do what I can to speak out for you when I am able.

Sincerely,

A Delegate to the Republican National Convention 2004