Some Stories of Speaking with American Government Officials and People after the Terrorist Attack

American Practitioners

(Clearwisdom.net) After the terrorist attack occurred on September 11^th, everyone started thinking about how to continue to do what we ought do under these new circumstances. Over these past two days, some of the practitioners who are more often in contact with government officials told me a few anecdotes that I found to be very helpful.

Below are some of the stories I have heard, and among them is one that I experienced first-hand.

Practitioner A: On Wednesday (September 12^th), I called the Washington, D.C. offices of our congressmen and senators. On the phone, I asked about all of the staff members that I knew in that office, expressing my sincere sympathy and concern for them and for their friends and family. At first they were a little bit taken aback because usually we never contact them unless we have something we want them to do for us. During this difficult time, they were especially friendly, thanking us for our concern, and also chatted with me about some details regarding this incident. Then I expressed my gratitude to them, thanking them for their support for us over the past two years. I said: "The tragedy that occurred yesterday allowed me to more clearly see the importance of what we have worked together to do, calling upon China to stop its persecution of Falun Gong. It makes me appreciate even more the understanding and support that you and the Congressman (Senator) have given us. The tragic lesson has allowed me to see that resisting and eradicating evil and violence is without national boundaries, and that it is such and urgent issue. If there is even one place on this earth where violence and terror can grow, it will become a threat to the peace of the whole world. The more 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance' there is in people's hearts, the greater the force for peace." Almost everyone expressed that they felt the same way. They also thanked repeatedly us for calling.

Practitioner B: The Federal senator for our state has always been very supportive of Falun Gong, but he always waits for us to go to him before he agrees to our requests. This time, after the terrorist attack, this senator expressed that from now on, he will take a more active stance on the Falun Gong issue. He even brought up of his own accord a few things that he wants to do for Falun Gong.

Practitioner C: I am a nurse and I have directly participated in the relief efforts in New York. When working, I take every opportunity to talk a little about "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance" to the injured, the volunteers, and the city residents who come to wait for news. A lot of people have said that today's world is in need of more sincerity and kindness. In the face of the heavy casualties and the devastation, there are also many who find it hard to accept "Forbearance." So I talk to them about how I see "Forbearance," "revenge," and "weakness" and also give them some examples of some practitioners in China. This approach seems to have a good effect. "New Yorkers" have always been known for their coldness and selfishness. In the midst of this disaster, however, everyone is instead helping each other out. This national tragedy has brought the hearts of New Yorkers closer together. In the days following the incident, the people cherish sincerity and peace in the human realm even more, and now have a deeper understanding and acceptance of "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance."

Chinese version available at http://www.minghui.ca/mh/articles/2001/9/14/16520.html

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