My name is Arleen Freeman. I am a Falun Gong practitioner who grew up in Chicago. People wonder what's the big deal about giving a proclamation to Falun Gong? Why would KUSI do a segment on it? Why would the Union Tribune write 2 articles about it? The answer is simple. The Chinese Consulate sent a letter to every single Mayor in the United States asking them not to issue a proclamation. To the best of my knowledge, you, Mayor Randy Voepel, are the only one who wrote back. For myself, I, frankly did not know that trying to be truthful, compassionate and tolerant was a bad thing. I did not know it would jeopardize social stability. I do know that if I were in China today, I'd have lost my job, been thrown in jail without a trial, be kicked, beaten, and stunned with a baton. I would probably be dead. We could have a debate about Falun Gong - is it good or bad; does it jeopardize social stability? But - Lucky for me I'm in the United States. We have this very unique document that China not only doesn't have, but doesn't seem to understand. It's called the Bill of Rights. No one has to answer any of these questions about Falun Gong. It's simply not an issue. Why not? Because we haven't broken any laws. Issuing a proclamation is a very simple act. It's so simple we take it for granted. But at the heart of this simple act is something very powerful and very beautiful, a guarantee of individual freedom. A guarantee we can cherish because in Falun Gong in China, we have a vivid example of what happens when that guarantee is absent. We thank the City of Santee and it's Mayor Randy Voepel for our simple proclamation. I have a copy to give you of the news segment from KUSI about Santee standing up to the Chinese. If anyone else would like one, please see me. An American Practitioner in California
Category: Rallies & Protests