Not long ago, local practitioners provided some free services to the Chinese people in the area in order to let more Chinese people learn of the facts behind the persecution. To inform everyone of the service, a practitioner posted a message on the university's email list. In the past, every time we posted a message, there would be someone who opposed it. Although most of the Chinese people knew what was going on, they usually kept silent. However, some of them expressed support through emailing us individually. Due to their fear, people rarely express encouragement to us openly. Yet this time, after some people harassed the practitioner on the list, many students were no longer afraid to speak out. They openly criticised the unreasonable accusations. The following are from some of the students' emails (they are all non-practitioners):
When a person accused the practitioner of abusing the email list, someone rebutted:
"I saw that the last few days, Falun Gong simply posted an announcement.... I'd like to express my compliments to the behaviour of Falun Gong practitioners. Facing your unreasonable accusations, they have displayed patience and self-control. Even when we discuss a controversial topic, we must not forget to maintain our kind and understanding ways. Sometimes, kind intent and friendly attitude can achieve our objective, while impatience and roughness cannot."
Many people openly expressed on the list that they heartily agree with the above point. They believed that everyone has the right to maintain their own belief and opinion, and called it "speaking out what is in their hearts."
One person expressed their support for Falun Gong practitioners:
"I would like to express that I am not a Falun Gong practitioner and I have never participated in their activities. I just think that they are good people who have not done anything wrong, and they deserve our respect."
Some people expressed their sympathy for Falun Gong practitioners who are persecuted in China:
"...is the bitterness they suffer in China not enough? Inside this free nation, they still have to put up with your finger pointing about a small friendly email..."
"I enjoy living in America because this is the land of the free. I support her!"
In response to some people's opposition to Falun Gong practitioners' truth clarification, someone wrote:
"...we enjoy the freedom, opportunity, and courage to express, think and act, is this not a great thing? Everyone (including Falun Gong practitioners) who has the courage to express his or her heart here deserves respect... They are opposing all the propaganda that has been set against them. What is wrong with protesting against the government? Protesting against the government has nothing to do with patriotism... When I write this I feel hesitant and fearful, but I want to salute all those who were able to overcome their fear and speak out! I want to salute to all those who can survive in a hostile environment and still remain calm and peaceful!"
Lastly, someone wrote:
"I don't mind learning more about the truth of Falun Gong... In a place like the U.S., what you like or do not like belongs to individual preferences. I respect people who are proud of their peaceful and friendly beliefs, regardless of what other people think. I don't want to speak for others, but I know that even if this activity involves finding out more about Falun Gong, I would still want to attend."
The Falun Dafa practitioners' persistence in clarifying the truth is changing people's attitudes and gaining their respect.
Chinese version available at http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2003/3/27/47261.html
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