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Washington DC: Large Group Practice of Falun Gong Exercises in Front of the Lincoln Memorial
By a Falun Dafa practitioner in Washington DC
(Clearwisdom.net) July 20, 2008 marked the ninth year of the Chinese
Communist Party's (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. At 9:00 a.m. on
July 19, 2008, hundreds of Falun Gong practitioners of different nationalities
conducted a group practice on the lawn in front of the Lincoln Memorial in
Washington DC, attracting much attention from people passing by. The people express their support for Falun Gong Tourists passing by saw the practitioners' peaceful movements and came over
to learn more about Falun Gong. Many people said that they understand and
support Falun Gong's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Many
Americans said that it is not surprising that the CCP dictatorial regime
suppresses such a group as Falun Gong, which teaches people to be kind, because
everybody knows that the Communist dictators advocate falsehood, hatred and
violence. Roger Blotti, a tourist from Colorado, carefully read the materials about
Falun Gong. He was impressed that Falun Gong practitioners have such a steadfast
belief. He expressed disgust with the CCP's vile deeds, and hopes more people
can learn that such actions are against basic rights of humanity and freedom of
belief. He also hopes that the American government will stand up to uphold
justice. Joe Scott from Washington DC walked up and shook hands with practitioners to
express his support. He said that he had been to Beijing, and learned that the
CCP suppresses Falun Gong. He said, "I found that nearly everything that
the CCP suppresses and forbids is a good thing. I know your group is very
peaceful, and will absolutely not pose any threat to the Chinese Communist
regime. It is only that they feel jealous of your group's popularity, since as a
communist regime, it tries to maintain its absolute authority. You must keep up
your effort, and you will succeed." A man of Native American descent interested in learning Falun Gong Paul McHorse, who was visiting DC from New Mexico, had received information
about Falun Gong before. Today he saw the Falun Gong exercises, and he showed
great interest in learning. McHorse, who is of Native American descent, is a
spiritual person and believes in improving body, mind and soul. He agrees with
Falun Gong's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. He also
condemned the CCP's persecution. McHorse said that after he returns to New Mexico, he plans to find local
practitioners to learn Falun Gong. Experiencing the freedom to practice Falun Gong after suffering persecution
in China Mr. Jiang, who was jailed for refusing to give up Falun Gong when he was in
China, came to the US over two years ago. He said, "It is so wonderful to
have the freedom to practice with so many felow practitioners on the lawn in
front of the Lincoln Memorial. It feels like I have gone back to the peaceful
time prior to the persecution." But the experience was bittersweet for Mr.
Jiang. He said, "Why should Chinese people have to come to the United
States to enjoy the freedom to practice Falun Gong?" |