It is an honor to be here today to welcome these Falun Gong practitioners who have just completed their 750 mile trek from Canada!
Their journey is part of the "SOS! Global RescueWalk" that is taking place right now across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. These SOS walkers have endured the heat, cold, rain, blistered feet, and sunburn for over 60 days. Their mission is simple: to speak on behalf of those who cannot be heard, to bear witness on behalf of those who cannot testify, to protect those who put not only their livelihood, but indeed their lives, on the line.
Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual practice that includes exercise and meditation. It's principles are based on Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance. Millions of practitioners in over 45 countries around the world have reported dramatic improvements in health and spiritual well-being. Free Falun Gong classes are held right here in Manhattan everyday.
Yet, in July of 1999, due to its overwhelming popularity among the people in China and to further the political objectives of Chinese President Jiang Zemin, China's totalitarian regime launched a vicious terror campaign against 100 million of its own citizens who practice Falun Gong. The tactics used by the Chinese government include brutal torture, murder, and rape. The president of China has mobilized all government agencies, media, police, judicial systems, schools, and even corporations to criminalize the people who practice truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. Through coercion, they have bent the people's will and brainwashed over one billion people. They have stirred up national hatred towards Falun Gong practitioners with vicious lies and therefore have corrupted the basic human morality of Chinese society. The amazing thing is that despite the extreme situation in China, not one Falun Gong practitioner has used violence to fight back.
On September 11, America experienced a horrific terrorist attack. We were devastated as thousands of innocent people vanished along with the twin towers. In the days after the attack, we were moved by the good side of human nature that was revived because of the tragedy: the rescue workers risked their own lives, desperately searching for survivors from the wreckage; the once known as "cold" New Yorkers now lined up for hours to donate blood and to volunteer.
These SOS walkers understand the pain of America because for over two years they have seen hundreds of death reports, and countless acts of terror and injuries inflicted on millions of innocent Falun Gong practitioners and their families, as the result of China's state-sanctioned terrorism. They understand more than ever that this terrorism is without borders. If we don't eradicate it from its very source, it will eventually expand and threaten our entire human race. The world needs sincerity, compassion and tolerance.
Like those fire fighters, police officers and rescue workers, we find the selfless deeds by these walkers most inspiring and admirable.á They have sacrificed their time and comfort to call for liberty and justice for ouráfellow human beings who are imprisoned and tortured by Jiang Zemin's terrorist state.á We share their commitment, and we hope that you will join their efforts toárescue the Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted in China. Thank you everyone!