Several US Congressmen and Senators Write Congratulatory Letters to the Mid-US Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference in Chicago [May 2004]

During the Mid-US Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference in Chicago in May 2004, several US and State Representatives and Senators wrote letters to congratulate the conference, wish the conference success, commend Falun Dafa for bringing well-being to local communities, condemn the brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by Jiang's regime, and call for an end to the persecution of innocent citizens in China.

US Senator Richard J. Durbin said in his congratulatory letter: "In the face of brutal repression by China's authoritarian regime, Falun Gong practitioners' determination to exercise their fundamental rights of freedom of religion, conscience, expression and assembly serves as a beacon to the cause of freedom in China." Senator Durbin also said: "I have written to President Jiang Zemin to express my deep concern over the repression of Falun Gong followers in China. During the 106th Congress, I cosponsored a measure which passed the Senate, calling on the Chinese government to release all prisoners of conscience and put an immediate end to the legitimate rights to free belief, expression, and association." At the end of the letter, the Senator wrote: "I will continue to look for ways to promote religious tolerance towards Falun Gong practitioners."

US Congressman Jerry Kleczka praised the anti-torture exhibition on the Federal Plaza. He said: "This weekend's events present the perfect venue to tell the accounts of the continued imprisonment and maltreatment of Falun Gong practitioners by the government of the People's Republic of China." Congressman Kleczka condemned China's violations of human rights abuses and suppression of religious and political dissent. He said: "I will continue to support legislation calling upon the PRC to ceases its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners."

US Congressman Jerry Weller said in his letter: "I want to be sure to express my strong support for the very basic human rights of all Falun Gong believers to practice their beliefs and share their experiences without fear of reprisal or repression." He said: "Those of us born and raised in the United States have a difficult time understanding how such a seemingly inoffensive practice can possibly face intense repression in Communist China--attacks which include torture, imprisonment and even death. No American can possibly condone this brutal repression by the Chinese government against its own people --the attacks can not be tolerated and must be stopped." Congressman Weller congratulated Falun Gong practitioners' intense effort to raise awareness in the United States about both the principles of Falun Gong as well as the abuses of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

US Congressman Jan Schakowsky said: "We have so much opportunity to make this world a better place and it is our responsibility to work towards that goal. We must not tolerate persecution of any kind, and must fight to ensure that human rights are protected." "I will continue to defend this right by supporting efforts to urge the government of People's Republic of China to cease its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners."

Illinois State Representative Robert W. Pritchard expressed in a congratulatory letter: "The Land of Lincoln understands the importance of principles and conflict resulting from their practice. We offer our encouragement for truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. We stand with you in demanding human rights, freedoms and dignity."

Illinois State Representative David R. Leitch wrote: " I support the practice of Falun Dafa, as it is a peaceful practice that stands on the virtues of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance." "I send my best wishes for the upcoming conference in Chicago."

Ms. Jeanne Arens from the Office of Governor of Illinois, on behalf of Governor Rod Blagojevich, extended best wishes to all of those in attendance at the events.