[Minghui, California] I remember Teacher once said, "Dafa is being promoted as it is being persecuted".
On the morning of Dec. 6, the Falun Gong hotline in the Bay area received several phone calls from Chinese people who asked about places where they could learn Falun Gong and buy books. By the end of the day, we noticed that the inquiries more than doubled compared to a normal day. We were wondering about the reasons for this. The answer from an old gentleman was, "Since the XX party has paid so much attention to it, and since there are so many people practicing, Falun Gong must be good in some ways. I also want to see for my self what Falun Gong really is."
We later found out the reason. The night before, Consular Wang from the San Francisco General Consulate talked about Falun Gong on a local Chinese TV program. The content of his speech was of course the old propaganda from the Chinese government, which totally denies the suppression and persecution. His speech was not convincing at all, and much of the audience became interested in learning more about Falun Gong.
(Practitioners in Bay area, California 12/11/00)
Attachment: A letter to General Consular Wang from a Chinese person in the Bay Area
General Consular Wang and General Consulate in San Francisco,
In the TV program last night hosted by Mr. Shi Dong, you talked about the issue of Falun Gong. I think what you said was not right at all. Now that the media has extensively reported on the issue for more than a year, everyone knows that the Chinese government has over reacted to this issue and has tried to suppress different opinions. The government got into a position from which there is no easy retreat. Falun Gong is an orthodox way of qigong cultivation, with virtually no harm to the society.
We can clearly see this from practitioners peaceful reaction to such brutal persecution in the past 17 months. Plus, there are many practitioners in the Bay area, and people here all know the truth about the Falun Gong issue. In the respected position of General Consular, you have been talking about the non-existing stories of "suicide, harming the society, 98% of practitioners transformed..." in the United States, ignoring the truth and facts. How can you expect people to agree with the persecution?
Hearing your awkward explanations about the Falun Gong issue, which ignores the simple facts and common principles, I was filled with regret. As a Chinese person, living overseas, I could not help writing this letter to you and persuade you with my words. Please consider the present situation very carefully. Everyone knows that this kind of injustice will for sure be corrected in the near future. By that time, the government can again "put down rebellion and restore order," but how can you face the general public? Why would you put everything you have on this dangerous bet? My words are for you and the clean reputation of Chinese officials overseas.
A Chinese person in San Jose who is concerned about China, 12/06/00
