|
"Letters to Editors" - An Effective And Feasible Way to Quickly and Completely Clarify the Truth Overseas
Written by a practitioner in the United States
(Clearwisdom.net on June 11, 2003) "Letters to
Editors" refers to the letters written by readers to the editors of
newspapers, expressing the readers' personal points of view. When the editors
feel that the letters are significant or typical, they post them in the column
called, "Letters to Editors" for readers' reference.
"Letters to Editors" undoubtedly supply a very
effective and feasible way for overseas practitioners to clarify the truth.
First of all, let us take the United States as an example. There are many
different newspapers. Nearly every little town has one to two newspapers. Every
university also has its own journals or magazines. They represent the media of
the mainstream society, and receive a lot of public attention. We should make
full use of this ready-made channel, which is free, saves time, and is
widespread for minimal efforts. Additionally, those who read the "Letters
to Editors", are often concerned with some issues, and would really like to
know more or even play some role, making "Letters to Editors" highly
effective. The readers often discuss with friends and family, so the ideas will
reach even further. These letters tend to be published very quickly, which is an
important advantage. If the topic is attractive to readers, and it is well
written, the editors generally make no significant changes. For example, the
case of Charles Li is one of the best current topics. Some editors even ask for
an update and will feature follow-ups. This creates a convenient way for us to
build co-operative relationships with the media. Reports from journalists, on
the other hand, take much longer, since the reporters have to understand, verify
and select the featured topics, making it nearly impossible for small town
newspapers to get specialized information. Writing letters to editors as readers
relieves these aspects and they shoulder no responsibility except for publishing
it.
There are many examples of successful "Letters to
Editors" to clarify the truth. In 2002, when the newly assigned
spokesperson of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago attacked Dafa and defamed the
Chicago practitioners' peaceful appeal in front of the Chinese Consulate in a
local newspaper, several practitioners from Mid-Western States wrote letters to
this newspaper to expose the lies and falsehood from different perspectives.
Many local American residents also wrote to the editors to denounce the
spokesperson's speech. It formed a very strong righteous field, resisting the
evil with mighty strength.
We would like to share the following summary of our
experience.
1. We should not have the attachment of fear in not being
able to write well. When we write from our hearts, it will surely touch other's
hearts.
2. The theme should arouse the public's attention, but our
wording should not go to the extreme. When the editors agree to publish it, they
generally give it an attractive title. Considering people's different levels of
understanding of Falun Gong, it is good to add a simple explanation that Falun
Gong is a traditional Chinese cultivation practice, believing in the principles
of "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance".
3. Due to space limitations, we should concentrate on one
point rather than trying to cover many points.
In my understanding, the best current topic for writing
letters to editors is American Citizen Charles Li's arrest and persecution in
China. The American public is very concerned about those persecuted, and shows a
strong response to the illegal detention and torture. Charles Li has made a
tremendous sacrifice to create this precious chance for overseas practitioners
to clarify the truth. Let us treasure this opportunity and our fellow
practitioner's great sacrifice and pick up our pens to clarify the truth more
widely, reaching every sentient being, and expedite the rescue of our fellow
practitioners.
|