Friday, January 04, 2002 - On Dec. 17 Pasadena City Council heard horrifying testimonies of torture and murder of the peaceful practitioners of Falun Gong in China, including in the province of Sister City, Xicheng.

Mayor Bill Bogaard, however, concluded that it's only correct to have some reserve about believing what is said.

If you have reservations, please consult any human rights organization. Amnesty International, for instance, has highlighted this as a key issue, saying: These deaths in custody are an appalling illustration of the authorities callous disregard for the lives of people detained solely for their peaceful activities.

Furthermore, the United Nations and the State Department have each written very strong statements about this unacceptable persecution, and more than 60 congressmen and congresswomen have co-sponsored Resolution 188 which directly calls upon China to immediately cease the persecution of Falun Gong.

President Bush, Canadian Prime Minister and many other world leaders have spoken out as well. Mayor Bogaard, the evidence is well documented and available to all, please do not use this as a pretense to avoid making a tough decision.

I believe speaking out on this now will save lives in China, and is in the best long-term interest of Pasadena.

Leeshai Lemish
Pasadena