USA: "Path of Return, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" Photographic Exhibition Is Held at Illinois Statehouse

By practitioners from Illinois

From December 3 to 5, 2002, with the help from practitioners of nearby states, practitioners in Illinois held a 3-day photographic exhibition entitled, "Path to Return Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" at the lobby of the Illinois statehouse.

The Photo Exhibit is a powerful way practitioners reveal the truth of Falun Gong to people. It contains many pictures of the practice itself and important occasions, but also contains much 'hard' evidence on the persecution. For example pictures of the injuries recieved by being tortured by the Chinese police. It is hard to truly understand this persecution from words alone and the photo exhibition is used as a means for people to see what is going on. For an in depth analysis of why the persecution is happening in China please visit http://www.clearharmony.net/articles/200209/7270.html

At the opening ceremony, practitioners sincerely expressed their appreciation to Illinois state government for supporting Falun Dafa practitioners' fundamental human rights. They also thanked state senators and assemblymen for passing the resolution condemning the Chinese government's persecution against Falun Dafa. Practitioners especially thanked Illinois State Secretary Mr. White for his great support, which has allowed practitioners to hold a number of activities in the statehouse. Mr. White's project analyst assistant Mr. Jones attended the opening ceremony. Practitioners accompanied him to view the exhibit. Jones said that he would tell all people he knew to come to visit the photo exhibit.

The three days of the exhibit coincided with the time of the regular meeting of the state Senate and House of Representatives. Including tourists, the statehouse was always crowded. Many people came to our booth to take Dafa introductory materials. Practitioners actively clarified the facts about Falun Dafa to assemblymen, government officials and staff, as well as tourists who came to look at the photo exhibit. A local weekly newspaper published the information about the photographic exhibition with a report entitled, "Persecution of the Innocent" and a photograph showing a Falun Dafa practitioner being beaten by policemen at the Tiananmen Square. Some local residents especially came to visit the photographic exhibition and wanted to find out more about what exactly had happened. State senator from the 11th district, Mr. Louis Viverito, was attracted by practitioners' peaceful exercise demonstration and stopped to watch. He also asked practitioners what benefits these exercises had. Practitioners explained that practising Falun Dafa could allow people to relax, relieve pressure and improve both physical and mental health. Mr. Viverito asked for a set of Dafa introductory materials to learn more. When he heard that Falun Dafa practitioners are suffering from severe persecution, he told us that we should continue to hold the photographic exhibition to let more people know the truth.

Through this photo exhibition, Illinois practitioners realised that the effect is often good to directly clarifying the truth face to face to government officials. We also understand that we should clarify the truth to government officials in a more deeper and refined way and holding activities in statehouse could be a good approach.