Mr. President: Stop the Persecution

A letter was given to President Obama at a campaign rally at George Mason University in Virginia on October 5th, asking for his help to immediately stop the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China that has taken place since 1999.  The letter, given to the President by Ms. Gao, a Falun Gong practitioner in the Washington, DC area,  containied the signatures of more than 106 members of the U.S. Congress who all asked for the immediate end to the persecution of Falun Gong.

Falun Gong is a Buddhist school spiritual practice that improves mind, body and spirit and was once practiced openly in China by about 100 million people.  Even though it was banned, millions still do the practice in spite of harsh prison sentences, torture and forced labor and even live organ harvesting.  The victims organs are resold to “transplant tourists” visiting China who are able to receive an organ in a matter of a week, while the waiting list outside of China could be years long.

Ms. Gao gave the letter to President Obama in the hopes that he will take a strong moral stand and support Falun Gong.

Ms. Gao hands the letter to President Obama.

U.S. presidents have a long history of using the power of their office for moral good.  One of the best examples is when President Reagan famously gave a speech at the Berlin wall, where he said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”  Just a few years later, it came true and millions of people found freedom.  Presidents who make good moral choices are remembered well by history.

President Obama, this is your moment in history.  Seize this chance today, make the choice for freedom and the future and do what you can to end the persecution.  The whole world is watching to see what you decide to do with this letter.  Make a good choice and send a strong message to the Chinese government that this persecution has no place in a world with a bright future.