(Clearwisdom.net) On May 13, 2004, Chairman Jim Smith of the New York City Community Board No. 2 (Manhattan) wrote a letter to Falun Dafa volunteers in congratulation of the Falun Dafa Day events. Chairman Smith said in the letter: "I hope that the ceremonies were a success and helped spread alarm about the inhuman treatment of Falun Dafa practitioners by the Chinese government."

Chairman Smith pointed out that: "In the US and Europe our trading interests must not make us cowards. Rather, we must use our economic leverage to force the Chinese government to stop the incomprehensible injustice and even murder of people who are merely following their own spiritual path." "Unfortunately, the Chinese government's fear of its own people makes it intolerant, repressive."