January, 2001
Dear Mayor and City Council:
I come to thank you for your proclamation for Falun Gong, a proclamation made in spite of Chinese government's pressure; but more importantly, I come to celebrate the American spirit.
In 1839, the ship 'Amistad' carried itself fatefully to the United States and touched off a historical legal battle that went up to the Supreme Court. Risking their contemporary national interest, i.e. the alliance with mighty Spain, Americans chose to defend a few strangers. It was this part of the American history that led me to embrace the true spirit of this nation. I began to understand Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and the Civil War: A noble war fought for a principle and for those who could not fend for themselves. I also came to the enlightenment that by defending the principles it was founded on, America has justified its own long endurance. After the improper victories of naval battles of the US vs. Spain and vs. Japan, the great American admirals all wondered: "Are we good or are we lucky?" I always say with tears in my eyes: "Neither. You are blessed!!"
That is how I take the American spirit to my heart; and in doing so, I have wondered: What if 'Amistad' sailed from China today? Would America today stand for its principle or its pocket? Today I know safely that the same spirit and the same justice are intact at least in the city of Santee.
Yet, this is not just a Chinese issue. I have taught Falun Gong exercise to over one hundred San Diegans, most of whom are Americans. It may seem most inconceivable that over 200 hundred years after our founding fathers had declared certain inalienable rights, our rights can come under the threat of a foreign government, yet it has come to be. By standing for your own citizens, you have fulfilled the promise of "government of the people, by the people, for the people." I admire and congratulate you.
Category: Rallies & Protests
