Mother's Day Statement by U.S. Congressman from California Sam Farr

May 13, 2001

Greetings to Everyone! I sincerely regret that other commitments have kept me from being here with you today, but I send my heartfelt wishes to all for a Happy Mother's Day and a successful Falun Dafa event.

In honoring mothers today, we are reminded that a vast number of Falun Dafa practitioners who are persecuted in China are women: mothers, grandmothers, young women and even young girls. Many children are bereft of the tender, nurturing care of their mothers. Many husbands have been deprived of their beloved wives. These women are conscientious and productive members of society. Their sole "crime" is their refusal to renounce their faith in Falun Dafa, the guiding principles of which are Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance (Zhen, Shan, Ren). Yet, incomprehensibly, the Chinese government has tried to strip them of their belief and dignity, subjecting them to inhumane imprisonment and torture, even to the point of death. These courageous women persist, however, undaunted.

In dramatic contrast to this is the fact that Falun Dafa is respected and practiced in over 40 countries of the world, with more than 100 million practitioners worldwide. More are learning of its profound benefits daily. In America, this great country of ours, we are fortunate to be able to openly express our personal rights of Freedom of Belief, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Assembly, which form the backbone of our constitution. Without these guaranteed rights, life as we know it is practically inconceivable.

We all hope that one day China will step forward to permit the free expression of these rights that are mandated within its own constitution. We know that Falun Dafa practitioners in China will continue with their peaceful appeal, and we salute their non-violent approach. A great American patriot once said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty". Let us wish Falun Dafa practitioners ultimate success in their persistent vigil to see the rule of law honored and justice served for Falun Dafa practitioners, and ultimately all citizens, within China.

Thank you.