United States: Clarifying the Facts to U.S. Congressmen at a Town Hall Meeting in Illinois

During the five-week recess starting the end of July, Congress members go back to their districts and listen to their constituents' opinions. A Town Hall meeting is one of the ways for Congress members to listen to public opinion. On July 28, Falun Gong practitioners from Illinois attended a Town Hall meeting held by Representatives Mr. Jerry Weller and Mr. Tim Johnson at Normal Public Library. Many people attended this meeting, including one state Assemblyman, the Mayor of Normal, city council members and local attorneys. Before the meeting started, practitioners handed out flyers calling for the rescue of U.S. citizen Charles Li to all attendees.

The two Congressmen gave brief speeches, respectively and let the audience raise questions. Illinois practitioners first expressed their gratitude to the two Congressmen for their previous support for Falun Gong and then raised questions regarding furthering the effort in rescuing Dr. Charles Li and issues about the persecution of Falun Gong and corresponding human right violations. Both Congressmen expressed their indignation over the Jiang regime's persecution of Falun Gong and its trampling on human rights and freedom of belief. They also expressed that they have the responsibility to safeguard human rights and freedom of belief. They said that they would provide further help in rescuing Charles Li.

Through attending this Town Hall meeting, we deeply realised that people are anxiously expecting to learn about the real story of Falun Dafa. Practitioners' righteous thoughts also kindled people's righteousness. Upon receiving a flyer calling for rescuing Charles Li, one attendee said, "Oh, Falun Gong, I've heard of it. Could you give me more information?" Another said, "An American citizen is arrested in China for his belief in Falun Gong, how ridiculous! I'm a Christian, I'll pray for you. I will also share what I read here with my friends in my church. I will also send this flyer regarding the rescue of Charles Li to my Representative and seek his help for you."