[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 154 (Thursday, December 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING ``FALUN DAFA WEEK''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2000

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, in May of 1992, Mr. Li Hongzhi had an idea--
one that would promote better health and moral living in the people of 
China and those around the world who chose to partake in the ancient 
practice of Falun Dafa.
  The phenomenon quickly swept the country and eventually the world as 
men and women rediscovered their ancient Chinese culture. Through 
simple exercises, practitioners strove to renew their senses of 
Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance that serve as a foundation for 
their happiness and spiritual satisfaction. Ultimately, individuals 
found strength, physical well-being and peace as they embraced the 
simplicity of this self-improvement practice.
  But despite the recognition that Mr. Li gained throughout the world 
and despite the thousands of practitioners scattered all over the 
globe, a crackdown occurred--a crackdown that denied the right to 
freedom of religion to thousands of Chinese citizens.
  Apparently through fear of losing control over its citizens, the 
Chinese government started a crusade to persecute those practicing 
Falun Dafa. Characterized as an ``evil force,'' the Chinese government 
worked tirelessly to suppress the practice of Falun Dafa by enacting 
anti-cult laws and committing human rights abuses.
  Although Falun Dafa believers lead peaceful lives and emphasize 
nonviolence, practitioners found themselves being persecuted, beaten 
and imprisoned for simply practicing their beliefs. Numerous men and 
women have been the victims of torture, suffering and death, and many 
individuals feel that these attacks on Falun Dafa practitioners are 
unconscionable and unwarranted. They fly in the face of freedoms that 
we in the United States all too often take for granted.
  Mr. Speaker, all people should have the right to practice their 
religious and philosophical beliefs without persecution or prejudice. 
Therefore, in honor of those men and women who have risked their lives 
for the practice of Falun Dafa and in honor of the emotional and 
physical benefits that Falun Dafa has given to thousands of 
practitioners worldwide, I urge my colleagues to join me in condemning 
this abuse of religious freedom. Let us recognize those who choose to 
participate in the Falun Dafa movement and commend the contributions, 
spiritual fulfillment and happiness that it has offered to many 
individuals worldwide.

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