Statement from President of Alexis de Tocqueville Institution

Statement by Kenneth Brown

July 19, 2001

Good afternoon:

The Alexis de Tocqueville Institution is alarmed by the incidents of torture and human rights violations in China against the Falun Gong.

Our position is as follows:

The Chinese Government has an opportunity to prove to the world that it is open to diversity and is looking forward to constructive participation in organizations such as the WTO and UN, organizations whose fabric is the reflection of many ideas.

The future of China, its industry, economy and well-being depends on its ability to play in this arena. Resolving the Falun Gong problem is an opportunity for China to demonstrate it is a country that can work effectively with people of all religions and ideas around the world. For hundreds of years, China has been an admired country and nation. Its descendents are pioneers of science, medicine and engineering. In fact, many aspects of its history, accomplishments and culture are imitated here in the U.S.

China's future will be brighter in the 21st century when it acknowledges that all of its people, including the Falun Gong, are the reflection a country rooted deeply in intellectual curiosity and innovation. China's future will be bright if it shows the world that it is a culture of spirituality, healthy minds and most of all forward thinking. Ironically, the miracle of China's intellectual energy is in many ways manifested in the practices of Falun Gong.

Falun Gong is not an enemy of the government, but a reflection of China's rich history in self-discipline, cultivation of inner spirit, self-awareness and self-advancement. The Chinese government should embrace Falun Gong and Falun Gong practitioners as the intellectual offspring of its great beginnings.

The Alexis de Tocqueville Institution is confident that if there is any country in the world that can propel new thinking in the 21st century-it is China. We implore the government to discontinue its abandonment of its traditional roots in higher thoughts, philosophy and inner-spirituality and cease its persecution of the Falun Gong. In the end, China cannot stop the Falun Gong no better can it end the legacy of Confucius. Falun Gong, its people and China are one in the same. It is time for China to accept its citizen's desire to be who they are - great thinkers. China should abandon its persecution of the Falun Gong and assume its rightful leadership as a country that will continue to spawn some of the greatest minds in the world.