(Clearwisdom.net) On September 30, 2004, US Senator Barbara A. Mikulski form Maryland wrote to a Falun Gong practitioner in response to a letter from the practitioner concerning the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Senator Mikulski expressed in the letter: the issue of human rights is a basic one and cannot be compromised. We must not tolerate the intimidation, detention, and prosecution of individuals because of their religious, political, or philosophical beliefs. Below is the letter from Senator Mikulski.

September 30, 2004

Dear Dr. Lu:

Thank you for getting in touch with me to express your concerns about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China. I appreciate hearing from you.

As you know, I have been a long time advocate of human rights, and as a United States Senator, I will continue this advocacy. The issue of human rights is a basic one and cannot be compromised. We must not tolerate the intimidation, detention, and prosecution of individuals because of their religious, political, or philosophical beliefs.

I have been particularly concerned about the record of China on human rights issues. I believe that China's record is intolerable, and much needs to be accomplished there before we can claim progress. We must continue our dialogue with China and urge them to treat people in their country with fairness and dignity.

Knowing of your concerns will be helpful to me as the Senate seeks ways to influence China to improve its human rights record, and to be a better world citizen.

The House of Representatives has passed a measure, H. Con. Res. 218, which expresses the view of Congress that the Chinese government should stop its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. The Senate has not yet taken up this resolution. Should the Senate debate and vote upon this legislation during next year's session, it would certainly have my support.

Again, thanks for getting in touch with me. You can be sure that I will continue to fight for basic human rights all over the world. If there's anything I can do for you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Barbara A. Mikulski

United States Senator

P.S. If I can be of any further assistance in the future, please visit my website at http://mikulski.senate.gov or call my Washington office at 202-224-4654.