US Senator Christopher Bond Congratulates the Midwest-US Experience Sharing Conference in Chicago [May 21, 2004]

United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510-2503

May 21, 2004

Dear Falun Dafa Practitioners:

Please accept my sincerest wishes for a successful and spiritual conference experience as you gather in Chicago. Your commitments to those who face persecution for their faith in Falun Gong and your dedication to this practice of self-improvement do not go un-noticed. Your strong principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance are evident in the people who you've touched worldwide.

The preservation of basic human rights is an important issue that nations all over the world face. Despite Falun Gong's peaceful principles and teachings, violations of human rights have occurred in China against Falun Gong practitioners. Human rights is an important goal as recognized by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which sets forth certain basic rights such as the right to life, to liberty, and to the freedom of expression.

The United States Senate has ratified a series of international treaties such as International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (1976), and the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1987). The Senate's approval of these and other treaties highlights the process make toward human rights. Leaders all over our nation and the world have come to your defense in the condemnation of the violations of basic human rights that many of your fellow practitioners have faced. The Falun Dafa community is raising the visibility of the issue of human rights and I commend you for doing so.

The three principles of Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance lie at the core of Falun Gong. Those who practice Falun Gong do so to become better healthier people through living by these principles and all should be allowed to practice these principles freely and without persecution.

Again, best of luck for a successful and spiritual conference in the pursuit of becoming better, healthier people, through the guidance of your strong principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

Sincerely,

Christopher S. Bond