July 17, 2001

To Whom It May Concern:

This weekend, American practitioners of Falun Gong, a Chinese spirituality and exercise regimen will descend upon the Washington, DC area from cities across the nation in protest of, and as a show of support for, persecuted followers in China.

Falun Gong is an exercise regimen that includes meditation and moral teachings to guide practitioners to better physical well being, emotional tranquility and a better understanding of the purpose of life. Its teachings espouse the virtues of compassion, forbearance, and truthfulness.

As Americans, I believe we should recognize Falun Gong's followers' rights of freedom of speech and religion. Our history supports that such basic freedoms constitute the greatest strength of a nation. China should recognize this essential tenet of responsible government and desist from persecuting Falun Gong practitioners.

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Sincerely,

Charles Gongzales