My long-time pursuit of scientific knowledge has taught me to totally ignore social phenomena, still less try to improve social relations or put any effort into a fight for justice. I have kept quiet even while witnessing terrible, abominable and sad situations in society. Now I feel that my silence has made me an accomplice to these crimes.
I realize that besides the basic freedoms that a person possesses, such as the freedoms of expression and belief, there is another human right that is not often mentioned but is definitely very important. That is, an individual has the right and duty to not participate in activities that he believes to be wrong or harmful. Even an extraordinarily capable, righteous person with a high morality could have conflict with his government for this reason. The trials of German war criminals at Nuremberg set a moral and legal precedent for this principle. Criminal behavior cannot be excused because it was ordered by the government. In such a case, one's conscience should replace the authority of law.
The accomplishment of recognizing and developing human rights has come only from man's morality and ideological level, while education of the people with regard to these rights ensures their continued existence. The general acceptance of these ideals and beliefs brings about happiness. However, under the pressure of the evil, these ideals and beliefs are always trampled. Man's history is full of fights for human rights, which is the endless fight between good and evil. Tiring in this most important fight means the destruction of society.
At present, the crackdown of Falun Gong has China held in scorn and contempt by other civilized societies. How long can we tolerate those wicked, power-obsessed politicians who have actively created "Falun-phobia" gain personal interest in this way?
Ai Sitan
December 28, 2000
Category: Perspective
