April 9, 2003

Dear Editor of the Guelph Mercury:

I am really sad and disheartened to hear such a negative and unfair response to such a peaceful meditation/exercise group as Falun Gong. However I can't totally blame this person, the Chinese propaganda has had the poisoning effect of inciting hatred towards Falun Gong and demonizing this innocent spiritual group. The Chinese Communist party has a strong history of demonizing any group they feel threatened by or wish to suppress. They also have the power to make up any story or change the law to suit their needs. There are no fair trials or legal avenues of appeal for the Falun Gong in China. The Chinese communist party is free to fabricate lies, make unjustified accusations, and torture its victims mercilessly, until they either break down, confess, or die. Even through all of this however, the Falun Gong has remained peaceful and has never been against the Government. They only want the right to practice their belief in an upright and dignified manor and have the reputation of their teacher restored. The Chinese Government has slandered, lied, and fabricated frame-ups of murders and self-immolations in order to justify their persecution of these innocent people. I have read and heard many documented personal stories from some of the hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners who have been illegally detained and brutally tortured. They are hard to stomach and very real.

I would like to ask your readers to learn more and make an educated decision for themselves. www.falundafa.org and www.faluninfo.net can tell you the other side of the story, the side of the story that the people of China never get to see, and I suggest Tao Liu to also have a look. I only want you to know the truth so that you will help put an end to and not contribute to such a vicious persecution. I have been practicing Falun Gong for over two years now and from what I have learned, taking your life or anyone else's goes completely against the principles of Zhen (Truthfulness)- Shan (Compassion)- Ren (Forbearance) and the teachings of Falun Gong. If a person did do this he would not be considered a good practitioner, because the basis of Falun Gong is to have a high standard of morality or heart mind nature (virtue). There is billions of dollars worth of propaganda out there conveniently provided and paid for by the Chinese Communist Party. They have outright stated that there goal is to eradicate the Falun Gong at any cost. What are we going to do, add to the hate and persecution, silently go along with it to keep the biggest trade market open or stand up for humanity and goodness? What kind of a future do you want for your world, which one do you choose?

My friend Limin's brother has been in a forced labor camp, subjected to extreme torture for over two years, simply because he practices Falun Gong. The authorities pressured his company into firing him. Because he refuses to denounce Falun Gong, and even though his two-year sentence is up, he is forced to go to brainwashing camp indefinitely and face even more severe torture.

I appeal to all kindhearted people of the world. Please take the time to learn the truth and help stop the persecution.

Category: Perspective