(Clearwisdom.net)
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington DC 20515
March 22, 2002
Charles A. Gonzalez
Member of Congress
20th District, Texas
President George W. Bush
The White House
1 600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Bush:
I have recently been informed that two young women, [DW] and [KW] (no relation), are on a hunger strike in front of the Chinese consulate in Houston, protesting the Chinese President's crackdown against Falun Gong practitioners. [DW's] father was recently sentenced to 16 years in jail for practicing the outlawed Falun Gong exercise and spiritual regimen.
I am sure you are aware of the Chinese government's persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, since July 1 999, when Falun Gong was outlawed in China. Since that time, many followers have been jailed and tortured for refusing to discontinue the practice of Falun Gong.
Falun Gong is an exercise regimen that includes meditation and moral teachings to guide practitioners to better physical we1l 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 followers' rights of freedom of speech and religion. Our history supports that such basic freedoms constitute the greatest strength of a nation. Therefore, I respectfully request that you ask the Chinese authorities for the release of Ms. [DW's] father, and urge China to recognize this essential tenet of responsible government and desist from persecuting Falun Gong practitioners.
Sincerely,
Charles A. Gonzalez
Member of Congress