(Clearwisdom.net) On July 21, 2005, when the Washington D.C. Rally to End the Persecution of Falun Gong was held, Falun Gong practitioners received many letters of support, including one from Senator James Talent of Missouri. He stressed his firm support for Falun Gong practitioners' human rights.

The following is the text of his letter.

Dear Missouri Falun Gong Practitioners:

I want to personally welcome you to Washington, D.C. I commend you on your participation in the 2005 Rally to End the Persecution of Falun Gong.

The natural desire of all peoples is to live free of oppression, free from the arbitrary and intrusive dictates of a government that demonstrates little respect for the rights and dignity of the people over whom it rules.

My position on China has always been consistent. It is obvious to everyone that China's government continues to deny basic rights to millions of its citizens. Along with the denial and brutal suppression of political rights, as exemplified by the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, the government engages in a policy of forced abortions and is persecuting Christians and the Christian house church movement, which the authorities see as a threat. In addition, the Chinese are taking increasingly aggressive actions in the Western Pacific, the South China Sea, and in their dealings with India, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Like you, I believe that China's position on Falun Gong is unacceptable, especially given this group's benign activities. China's repression of Falun Gong makes clear the nature of the regime, its hatred - and fear - of individual thought, its disregard for basic human rights and human dignity.

Clearly, China's repression of Falun Gong practitioners violates international human rights standards. The repression of Falun Gong followers, the brutal torture they suffer at the hands of their jailers, and of no less importance, the role of law, must all be pressed in discussions between U.S. and Chinese leaders.

I wish you the best of luck. If I may be of assistance, please don't hesitate to call or write.

Sincerely,

James M. Talent

United States Senator