Freedom – Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

Pope Francis: Religious Offense Does Not Justify Violence – Per Our Laws and Universal Human Rights

We cannot respond to offense to our religious views with violence. It is against our universal human rights and the laws of free nations who respect these rights This is the unequivocal statement we needed by all of our religious leaders. The comments by his Holiness, Pope Francis used to rationalize violence are wrong and must be rejected by human right leaders, and hopefully all Catholics. The leader of a religious branch with 1.2 billion followers rationalizing violence for offense against religion is a major human rights challenge. We cannot live together on this Earth when every offense is justified by violence.

Let us be clear in our support on human rights, public calls for violence against others is not acceptable as a demonstration of our universal human rights, because that rejects the universal human rights of security. It is also typically against the LAW in most nations. There is a big difference between criticizing an ideology, a group, and even a religion – versus calling for violence. When we do criticize ideologies involving religious views, responsible people need to be careful not to attack all. But there is a difference between disagreeing with or challenging a religion or its views, and calls for violence.

Even when we challenge those who will make blanket attacks on a religious identity group, we must challenge a view that violence is acceptable. There is a difference between views against a religious group and calls for violence against adherents of that faith. In most nations, it is the law. So when Pope Francis suggests that we have no right to challenge and even mock religious views, I understand his personal opinion on that, but this is not in conformance with our universal human rights, where in fact we do have freedom of speech to challenge the views of others.

But when Pope Francis tries to use an analogy, regarding offensive remarks to one’s religious views, that “if you curse my mother, I will punch you,” no I am sorry that is exactly what is wrong in the world today.

On January 16, 2015, in response to a question on the recent terror attacks in Paris, Roman Catholic Pope Francis made remarks that “One cannot provoke, one cannot insult other people’s faith, one cannot make fun of faith.” Pope Francis continued, “If Dr. Gasbarri, a great friend, says a swear word against my mother, he’s going to get a punch in the nose. That’s normal, it’s normal. One cannot provoke, one cannot insult other people’s faith, one cannot make fun of faith.” Pope Francis concluded that: “There are so many people who speak badly about religions, who make fun of them… they are provocateurs. And what happens to them is what would happen to (my dear friend) if he says a word against my mother.”

In fact, religious violence is not “normal.” It is wrong, it rejects our universal human rights, and let us be clear – it is criminal.

Tolerance of calls for violence should have no place for religious leaders, and no place those supporting our universal human rights. Furthermore, rationalizing violence against those who offend the religion of others is not only wrong, it is a threat to our shared universal human rights.

Now as a private individuals, we very much understand how offended and angry one would get from someone else “cursing your mother,” as Pope Francis states.

Pope Francis states that “One cannot provoke, one cannot insult other people’s faith, one cannot make fun of faith.” Well, in this world Pope Francis this does and will happen. We cannot expect that we have right to use violence against those who do.

Pope Francis can indeed “punch” Dr. Gasbarri for his offense to the Pope, but then Pope Francis, according to the law, can expect to be arrested as a criminal. In fact, that is the point. That is why we have laws to protect our fellow human beings from violence.

Now in the same statement, Pope Francis “One cannot make war (or) kill in the name of one’s own religion.” But indicating that violence is acceptable for offense to one’s religion leads directly to that path, which too many have taken over time, and which has led to terrorist murders around the world. It started with the idea that violence was acceptable in response to words and behavior viewed offensive to others.

People of faith and compassion reject the offensive defamation and mockery of the religion of others.

People of compassion also know that violence is never a “normal” response to anyone perceived “offense” of their religious views. Not even a “punch in the nose.”

When violence becomes an acceptable “normal” response, the freedom and rights of all people to practice their faith is endangered. We have seen this around the world with people of faith and houses of worship attacked, bombed, and burned by those extremists who view another religion’s worship is “offensive” to their faith. This is the ultimate result of accepting a view that any violence would be “normal” to those religious views are offended.

Furthermore, in the nation of Pakistan, those actively following the human rights oppression of Christians and people of other faiths have seen the human tragedy that an institutional view of blasphemy creates.

But this tragedy begins with the view that violence can be perceived as a “normal” response to those who “offend” one’s religious views. We have learned how this thinking has led to the torture and murder,destruction of families, and attacks and destruction of houses of worship.

The world does not need, and human rights leaders must be consistent in rejecting threats from any religious leader that seeks to call for violence in response to offense to their religious views.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L) urges you to reach out within the Catholic faithful and religious leaders to call to his Holiness, Pope Francis on this. Our human rights group, Responsible for Equality And Liberty, calls for Pope Francis to retract his January 16, 2015 comments, where he indicates that it is “normal” for people to use violence when our religious views are offended. R.E.A.L. calls upon our Catholic brothers and sisters to reject such a view and for Pope Francis to retract his comments and renounce violence in every case for those would use it justify it by offense to their religious views. We further urge his Holiness, Pope Francis, to retract his comments based on his knowledge and teaching of the Holy Bible itself, particularly as referenced in John 13:34-35 and Romans 12:17-21. Every Christian knows the “new commandment” instructed to all Christians.

R.E.A.L. has long defended the human rights, dignity, and freedom of worship of our Catholic brothers and sisters in humanity, and we call upon the Catholic faithful to stand united behind the words in their Holy Bible on such subjects and in defense of fellow Christians and Catholic Christians around the world.

Acting with violence because we are offended may seem justifiable to those who are outraged, but in our world we have laws. The use or call of violence for those who are offended is against the laws of most nations, but most importantly it is against our shared universal human rights of all people.

To those who have witnessed and shared the struggle for our universal human rights around the worldwide, we have seen how those “offended” by comments against their religion can lead to denial of freedom, imprisonment, violence, and death. We have seen people arrested and killed for “blasphemy.” We have seen those whose view of “provocation” and “insult” to their religion is no more than someone else practicing their religion.

Most of all, the Catholic people have been victims of those who are “offended” that Catholic have freedom of worship, which “insults” extremists who believe that worship by Catholics is an insult to their religion. We have seen this with different religious extremists and we have seen this around the world. Someone need to make Pope Francis aware of this, as apparently he is not. Catholics have suffered and are oppressed around the world – specifically because of this line of thinking, which Pope Francis now expresses, that those who feel their religion is offended can result to violence.

A car burns at the scene of a bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla — St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja - Christmas Day Bombing of Catholic Church by Extremists Killing 40 Catholics - Extremists found Catholics Worship to be "Offensive" (Source: REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde)

What type of “punch in the nose” have Catholics received by those offended by the practice of their faith?

— In Pakistan, Roman Catholic church attacked in Punjab town with 15 worshipers dead.
— In India, Roman Catholic St. Sebastian Church in Delhi burned to the ground, by neo-Hindu extremist against Catholics.
— In the Congo, a crowded Roman Catholic Church set fire in the Congolese village of Tora, by the LRA, with their unique combined mysticist and Christianist views.
— In Nigeria, Roman Catholic St. Theresa Catholic Church Madalla, Suleja, just outside Nigeria’s capital Abuja, bombed and burned down, killing 40 worshipers, and St. Charles church bombed killing Catholic worshipers, among other attacks.
— In Malaysia, Roman Catholic St, John Britto Catholic Church, Church of the Assumption, Church of St. Elizabeth, and other churches attacked by mobs offended by the use of the word “Allah” in a Roman Catholic newspaper.
— In Pakistan, attacks and attempts to burn down the the St. Thomas parish, located in Wah Cantt
— In Indonesia, attacks on the Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, West Java.
— In Egypt, a Coptic Catholic church in the Egyptian town of Kafr el Sheij was burned to the ground by extremists.

Pope Francis your comments that violence is a “normal” reaction to offense against your religion are dangerous to all people of faith. They do not represent our shared universal human rights. They do not represent the laws of free nations. They do not represent guidance in the Holy Bible itself. As a representative of a faith of 1.2 billion, your comments must be retracted – not just for the public, but especially for Catholics and Christians, who have a struggle for religious freedom and security around the world.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty calls upon Pope Francis to retract for his statements on this subject, based on our respect for our shared human rights and security for all people of all faiths and all conscience.

Those who the faithful pray to do not need us to wave our upraised fists; they need us to set an example by our outstretched hands, even to those who offend us.

China: 120 Million Leave Chinese Communist Party (CCP) – Falun Gong Rally in DC

On July 13, 2012 in Washington D.C., practitioners of Falun Gong / Falun Dafa, China Democracy Party, human rights activists, and other supporters of freedom in China held a parade in the streets and led a rally at the Washington Monument. At the rally, individuals who had renounced the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spoke out about the abuses of the CCP and called for freedom for Falun Gong / Falun Dafa practitioners and for all people in China. The historic Tuidang (“Quit the Party”) freedom movement of the Chinese people has now led to 120 million people leaving the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)!

The July 13, 2012 rally was to praise the courage of those who have sought to support human rights, human dignity, and respect for the Falun Gong practitioners and all other people in China, and to call for an end to the human rights abuses against them by the CCP. The courageous Tuidang movement has continued to encourage people in China, every year to abandon the CCP and to reject the CCP’s tyranny.

Speakers told of their oppression for being practitioners of Falun Gong, and their subsequent harassment, imprisonment, and torture in prison camps by the CCP. The oppression of the Falun Gong continues daily, with families being divided, women beaten and tortured, and Falun Gong practitioners killed. Speakers also told of the inhuman practice of organ harvesting of Falun Gong prisoners in CCP prisons. The Falun Gong have been violently oppressed by the CCP since 1999 – for 13 years. The CCP persecution on the Falun Gong began on July 20, 1999.

(Photos of the parade and the rally are on a Picasa web site.) See also the report on this event by the Sound of Hope (reporter Wu Wei), a report on the rally published in Chinese (see Google Translate service), a report on the rally published in Chinese by the Epoch Times, and the report on the parade by the Epoch Times.

Falun-Gong-DC-071312-001 — July 13, 2012 - Rally to Quit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) - Those Quitting CCP Speak Out

Falun-Gong-DC-071312-002 — July 13, 2012 - Washington Monument - in Washington DC where thousands gathered to protest

washingtonmonument-falun-gong-071312 — July 13, 2012 - Thousands of Falun Gong Members Rally for Freedom and Human Rights - Seeking Freedom from the Chinese Communist Party

Speakers told of their personal suffering and abuse in CCP-managed prison camps in China, with efforts by the CCP to seek to force them to renounce their support of the Falun Gong practice.

Speakers included: Chairman of the Overseas Democracy Coalition, Wei Jingsheng, the China Democratic Party Chairman Wang Jun, president of Democracy University Tang Baiqia, Dr. Dayong Li – Director of the Global Service Center for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party, Chung Ai Ting-pang (daughter of a Taiwainese Falun Gong practitioner arrested by the CCP), CCP prison camp survivor Chunmei Ma, and Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)’s Jeffrey Imm.

Dr. Dayong Li, the Director of the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP Service Center, stated: “Falun Gong has not only a symbol of the persecution of Chinese people, became a symbol of a symbol of hope for the future, justice, dignity, the great strength of the symbol.” In our discussions with Dr. Dayong Li, he believes that China is on the verge of a historic sweeping change by people who will not tolerate the CCP’s continuing human rights abuses, attacks on human dignity, and denial of human freedom.

Chunmei Ma told her story of how, as a practitioner of the Falun Gong, she had been persecuted by the CCP. She stated she “had been arrested four times, sentenced to forced labor camps twice, and had been through so many mental and physical tortures. I was almost killed.” Chunmei Ma had gone to appeal to the Chinese government for constitutional rights for herself and the Falun Gong – and she was arrested in Tiananmen Square. In November 1999, she was taken to a forced labor camp. There she was beaten and tortured with electronic batons and other forms of cruelty. She described how the CCP used electronic batons as a form of “force tranformation” to get people to leave the Falun Gong, along with beatings, tied down to a “death bed,” forced drug administrations, and other cruel practices. She reported how some prisoners vanished after torture, and how she suspected that some were murdered. The CCP guards beat her mother who came to visit her in prison, and the CCP’s coercion and threats sought to divide her and her husband. After being released from the forced labor camp, Chunmei Ma was continually oppressed by local CCP agents. In October 2006, helped by the United Nations, she fled the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and became a refugee in the United States. Chunmei Ma has also spoken of the abuse of the Falun Gong at other events.

"Death Bed" or "Dead Person's Bed" used by CCP Labor Camps to Torture Prisoners Such as Refugee Chunmei Ma - Prisoners are stretched out, tied down, not allowed to move to eat, drink, or go to the bathroom

Our good friend, Lisa Tao, and others received statements by Montgomery County, Maryland government in recognition of their speaking on behalf of liberty and freedom for the Falun Gong and the people of China. R.E.A.L first met our friend, Lisa Tao, at our September 30, 2009 rally at the Chinese Embassy to protest the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of the Communist People’s Republic of China (PRC) at the Washington DC PRC embassy. Lisa Tao has also spoken out about oppression of the Falun Gong in China at R.E.A.L.’s National Press Club event on Universal Human Rights Day.

Lisa Tao - June 13, 2012 — Our good friend, Lisa Tao, and others received statements by Montgomery County, Maryland government in recognition of their speaking on behalf of liberty and freedom for the Falun Gong and the people of China

Prior to the Washington Monument Rally, Falun Gong, its supporters, and supporters of freedom and human rights in China were part of a parade throughout the streets of Washington, D.C. (Photos of the parade and the rally are on a Picasa web site.)

The Celestial Marching Band played in the Washington, D.C. parade and also between speakers at the rally.

Video of Celestial Marching Band at Washington Monument Rally –

Video of Celestial Marching Band at Washington, D.C. Parade

free-china-now-Jeffrey-Imm — July 13, 2012 - R.E.A.L.'s Jeffrey Imm Praises the Courage of Those Who Choose Freedom from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the Falun Gong and the Chinese People

R.E.A.L.’s Jeffrey Imm also spoke at the rally, praising the courage of those who have left the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Tuidang movement, while reminding the world we must continue to end the human rights abuses against the Falun Gong and the Chinese people. He stated: “To the oppressed Falun Gong practitioners and to all of the oppressed people in China, my message to you is that you do not stand alone. Many people, ranging from human rights activists, U.S. Congressmen, international leaders, and people around the world stand with you today. We recognize and condemn the cruel practices against human rights and against human dignity that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has inflicted against the Falun Gong and the Chinese people. We have seen the endless human rights abuses of the CCP over the years. We have seen the rejection of freedom and human dignity by the CCP to the Falun Gong and the Chinese People. We know about the Laogai prison camps. We have seen the imprisonment of Falun Gong for refusing to renounce their spiritual practice. We have seen the arbitrary arrests, the persecution, the killing and torture of Chinese people by the CCP, with thousands of Falun Gong tortured to death. We have seen the many reports of criminal organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners who have been imprisoned by the CCP. We have seen Falun Gong practitioners abducted while trying to leave China. Most recently, we have seen the CCP’s “transformation” campaign to coerce Falun Gong practitioners to renounce their practice.”

He stated: “We cannot and we MUST not accept the dictatorship of Communism in China to oppress our brothers and sisters in China. When 20 percent of the world’s population is under Communist dictatorship, this is not just the Chinese people’s problem; this is the world’s problem. We must send a message of compassion that we will not accept the CCP denying freedom and human rights to the Chinese people. We must send a message to the world that we will not accept the CCP denying freedom of conscience, human dignity, and human rights for the practitioners of the Falun Gong! We must tell the world: Free China Now!” Free the Practitioners of the Falun Gong! (his complete remarks are at this PDF link, link to comments translated in Chinese, and at the end of this blog posting. Jeffrey Imm has also spoken at previous Tuidang rallies. and Jeffrey Imm has led previous protests at the Chinese embassy in support for freedom and human rights.)

The Falun Gong also held a rally at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, July 12, 2012, which included speakers representing Congress and other groups, including: Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Ted Poe, Congressman Sam Farr, Congressman Chris Smith, Ryan Sellinger – Legislative Correspondent for U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Rev. Clark Lobenstine – the Executive Director of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, Kristopher Keating, Dan Fefferman – Coalition for Religious Freedom, Dr. Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn – Director of the International Religious Freedom and the Southeast Asia programs at Freedom House, Suzanne Scholte – the President of the Defense Forum Foundation, Delphine Halgand – Reporters Without Boarders, Annette Lantos – Chairman on the Board of Trustees for the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, and Faith McDonnell – Institute on Religion.

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Related Stories and Links

Chunmei Ma Statement of Oppression in Labor Camps in China – Torture for Practicing Falun Gong

July 13, 2012 – Jeffrey Imm Remarks at Falun Gong Freedom Rally

July 14, 2012 – Falun Gong Parade in DC Looks to China’s Future

July 12, 2012 – Members of U.S. Congress, NGO’s Call for Persecution of Falun Gong to Stop

July 13, 2012 – Photo Gallery of U.S. Congress and NGO Speakers Reject Persecution of Falun Gong

July 11, 2012 — Daughter of Detained Falun Gong Practitioner Visits Washington D.C. — Chung Ai Ting-pang

Event report by the Sound of Hope (reporter Wu Wei)

Report on the rally published in Chinese (see Google Translate service)

Falun Dafa / Falun Gong

Global Service Center for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party (Tuidang Movement)

China Democracy Party

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Speaking for Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.), Jeffrey Imm had the following statement: July 13, 2012 Falun Gong Event Remarks – Jeffrey Imm, Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

My name is Jeffrey Imm, and I am the founder of the human rights group, Responsible for Equality And Liberty. Our mission is to support the struggle for human rights and freedom for all people around the world. Thank you for inviting me to join this Falun Gong event to support freedom, human rights, and human dignity in China.

To the oppressed Falun Gong practitioners and to all of the oppressed people in China, my message to you is that you do not stand alone. Many people, ranging from human rights activists, U.S. Congressmen, international leaders, and people around the world stand with you today. We recognize and condemn the cruel practices against human rights and against human dignity that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has inflicted against the Falun Gong and the Chinese people.

We have seen the endless human rights abuses of the CCP over the years. We have seen the rejection of freedom and human dignity by the CCP to the Falun Gong and the Chinese People. We know about the Laogai prison camps. We have seen the imprisonment of Falun Gong for refusing to renounce their spiritual practice. We have seen the arbitrary arrests, the persecution, the killing and torture of Chinese people by the CCP, with thousands of Falun Gong tortured to death. We have seen the many reports of criminal organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners who have been imprisoned by the CCP. We have seen Falun Gong practitioners abducted while trying to leave China. Most recently, we have seen the CCP’s “transformation” campaign to coerce Falun Gong practitioners to renounce their practice.

But in the midst of all this oppression, the Falun Gong practitioners have held fast to their beliefs, their support in human freedom, and their support for human dignity, and their support for Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Their example has given courage to others who would reject the tyranny of the CCP, and who would seek freedom.

While we remember and condemn the tyranny of the CCP, we also must recognize the courage of those to publicly reject and renounce Communism and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We must thank the courageous men and women who work daily in the Tuidang movement to seek spread the word about the hope of freedom to others in China, and who give courage to people to Quit the Chinese Communist Party! They have had such great success and we thank them for their leadership. As of today, nearly 120 million Chinese people have left the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)! This is a great achievement and a great day for the Chinese people and for the world!

For the past 23 years, one of my great concerns is freedom and human rights for the people of China. In 1989, when the CCP ordered the massacre of innocent Chinese people in Tiananmen Square, I want you to know how the people in Washington D.C. responded. People stopped everything. In the office buildings all around this city, people walked out of their office and started marching up Connecticut Avenue to protest at the old Chinese embassy. The protesters were diverse people: young and old, men and women, and people of every race and religion. They loved freedom and they wanted the Chinese people to be free.

In the continuing struggle against the tyranny of the CCP, I want you to know that the American people still deeply care about the freedom and human rights of the Falun Gong and all of the Chinese people. America has fought Communism around the world. My brother went to war to fight the Communist Party. I work with people across our nation to help educate people on how the Chinese people are rejecting Communism again today. Every day a Chinese citizen rejects the CCP is a great day for the Chinese people and the world.

Americans care for the Chinese people and all people oppressed by Communism. Americans care because we know how important it is to be free. It is great to have freedom. We want freedom for all of our brothers and sisters in humanity, especially the Chinese people. We are so proud of the 120 million Chinese people who have rejected the CCP and found the courage to seek their freedom and human rights!

A week ago, Americans across the country celebrated the national Independence Day, and celebrated our freedom. But what we really want now is to celebrate the Chinese people’s freedom, and celebrate the Chinese nation’s independence from the CCP! We want freedom and independence for the Falun Gong! In China, we want every day to be a new Independence Day for the Chinese people, as one person after another demonstrates their courage to reject the tyranny of the CCP.

Like you, I also speak to the Chinese people visiting here in the United States about the CCP. At American universities, I have met with other Chinese students who are studying in America. Some Chinese students have told me that they support Communism and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). They have told me that I am wrong to criticize the CCP. I ask them questions to help them free their minds.

So I ask them if they support human rights, women’s equality, justice, human dignity, and courage. They tell me that they do. Then I tell them about CCP’s abuses in human rights. I tell them about how the CCP has demanded forced abortions and mistreatment of women. I tell them about the CCP’s Laogai prison camps. I tell them about the selling of body parts of prisoners. I tell them about the courage I have seen of Chinese students standing up against soldiers and tanks, when the CCP leaders told the soldiers to attack the Chinese people in Tiananmen Square. I tell them if they are true to their beliefs, then they cannot support the CCP. This makes them stop and think about the propaganda the CCP has told them.

We cannot and we MUST not accept the dictatorship of Communism in China to oppress our brothers and sisters in China. When 20 percent of the world’s population is under Communist dictatorship, this is not just the Chinese people’s problem; this is the world’s problem. We must send a message of compassion that we will not accept the CCP denying freedom and human rights to the Chinese people. We must send a message to the world that we will not accept the CCP denying freedom of conscience, human dignity, and human rights for the practitioners of the Falun Gong!

We must tell the world:
— FREE CHINA NOW!
— FREE THE PRACTITIONERS OF THE FALUN GONG!

Thank you for your time.

Every day is a good day to be Responsible for Equality and Liberty for all of our fellow human beings.

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Other images from the parade and event

Speaker Talks of Oppression of Falun Gong by the CCP

The Hope of the Future - as People Continue to Reject the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

Communist China – We Remember the Tiananmen Square Massacre

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) stands with the Chinese people in remembrance of the martyrs who died on June 4, 1989, in the Tiananmen Square Massacre. On June 4, 1989, I stood outside the PRC embassy in Washington DC in my first protest against totalitarianism. It was not and will not be my last.

Today’s reports:

Remembering the Tiananmen massacre

Anniversary of Tiananmen Crackdown Echoes Through Shanghai Market

China slams U.S. over Tiananmen statement

China Muzzles Online Talk of Tiananmen Anniversary

In addition, this year, we also have a statement from the U.S. State Department:

U.S. Department of State Message: “Message on the Twenty-Third Anniversary of Tiananmen Square”

Press Statement

Mark C. Toner

Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 3, 2012

On this the twenty-third anniversary of the violent suppression by Chinese authorities of the spring 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations, the United States joins the international community in remembering the tragic loss of innocent lives.

We encourage the Chinese government to release all those still serving sentences for their participation in the demonstrations; to provide a full public accounting of those killed, detained or missing; and to end the continued harassment of demonstration participants and their families.

We renew our call for China to protect the universal human rights of all its citizens; release those who have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted, incarcerated, forcibly disappeared, or placed under house arrest; and end the ongoing harassment of human rights activists and their families.

The Power of One

To Chinese people and the Tiananmen martyrs, we will never forget you. We will never forget your sacrifice.

We will continue to fight for your freedom.

China Support Network – History

Video: Remember Tiananmen Square

News reports:

— Epoch Times: Tiananmen Square Commemoration, Hong Kong Suppressed By Beijing
— Wall Street Journal: Thousands Attend Tiananmen Vigil in Hong Kong
— AP: 21 years later, quiet day on Tiananmen Square
— BBC: Tiananmen marks 21st anniversary
— BBC: Chinese paper prints ‘Tiananmen’ cartoon
— AFP: US urges China to free activists on Tiananmen anniversary
— Tiananmen Square memoir claims China decided to ‘spill some blood’

An estimated 50,000 people, many of them students, gather in Hong Kong's Victoria Park for the annual candlelit vigil to commemorate the anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre. (Photo: AP)

Names of Known Tiananmen Square Victims
Per Remember64.org program

An Ji
Bai Jing Chuan
Bao Xiu Dong
Ben Yun Hai
Bian Zong Xu
Cao Zhen Ping
Chen Lai Shun
Chen Sen Lin
Chen Zhong Jie
Chen Zi Qi
Cheng Ren Xing
Cui Lin Feng
Dai Jin Ping
Dai Wei
Dong Lin
Dong Xiao Jun
Du Guang Xue
Du Yan Ying
Duan Chang Long
Gao Yuan
Gong Ji Fang
Guo Chun Min
Guo An Min
Han Jun You
Han Qiu
Han Zi Quan
Hao Zhi Jing
He Guo
He Jie
He Shi Tai
He An Bin
Hu Xing Yun
Huang Pei Pu
Huang Tao
Huang Xin Hua
Jiang Jia Xing
Jiang Jie Lian
Kou Xia
Kuang Min
Lai Bi
Lei Guang Tai
Li Chang Shen
Li Chun
Li De Zhi
Li Hao Cheng
Li Hui
Li Li
Li Meng
Li Ping
Li Shu Zhen
Li Tie Gang
Li Zhen Ying
Li Hui Quan
Liang Bao Xing
Lin Ren Fu
Lin Tao
Liu Chun Yong
Liu Feng Gen
Liu Hong
Liu Hong Tɑo
Liu Jian Guo
Liu Jin Hua
Liu Jing Sheng
Liu Jun He
Liu Qiang
Liu Yan Sheng
Liu Zhan Min
Lu Chun Lin
Lu Xiao Jun
Lu Jian Guo
Lu Peng
Luan Yi Wei
Luo Wei
Ma Chene Fen
Ma Jian Wu
Mu Gui Lan
Nan Hua Tong
Ni Shi Lian
Peng Jun
Pu Chang Kui
Qi Li
Qi Wen
Qian Hui
Qian Jin
Ren Jian Min
Ren Wen Lian
Shi Hai Wen
Shi Yan
Song Bao Sheng
Song Xiao Ming
Su Jin Jian
Su Sheng Ji
Su Xin
Sun Hui
Sun Tie
Sun Xiao Feng
Sun Yan Chang
Tao Mao Xian
Tao Zhi Gan
Tian Dao Min
Wang Chao
Wang Dong Xi
Wang Fang
Wang Gang
Wang Hong Qi
Wang Jian Ping
Wang Jun Jing
Wang Nan
Wang Pei Wen
Wang Qing Zeng
Wang Tie Jun
Wang Wei Ping
Wang Wen Ming
Wang Yao He
Wang Yi Fei
Wang Ying
Wang Zheng Sheng
Wang Zhi Ying
Wei Wu Min
Wen Jie
Wu Guo Feng
Wu Xiang Dong
Xi Gui Ru
Xia Zhi Lei
Xiao Bo
Xiao Jie
Xie Jing Suo
Xiong Zhi Ming
Xu Jian Ping
Yan Wen
Yang Han Lei
Yang Ming Hu
Yang Ru Ting
Yang Yan Sheng
Yang Zhen Jiang
Yang Zi Ping
Ye Wei Hang
Yin Shun Qing
Yin Jing
Yu Di
Yuan Li
Yuan Min Yu
Zha Ai Guo
Zhai Shun
Zhang Fu Yuan
Zhang Jia Mei
Zhang Jian
Zhang Jin
Zhang Lin
Zhang Luo Hong
Zhang Ru Ning
Zhang Wei Hua
Zhang Xiang Hong
Zhao De Jiang
Zhao Long
Zhao Tian Chou
Zheng Chun Fu
Zhonq Jun Jun
Zhong Qinq
Zhong Gui Qing
Zhou De Bao
Zhou De Ping
Zhou Xin Ming
Zhou Yong Qi
Zhou Yu Zhen
Zhuang Jie Sheng
Zou Bing
Zou Zuo Wu

R.E.A.L. Postings on Communist China

R.E.A.L. Postings on Totalitarianism

April 2010 Reports:

DC: Tibet and Falun Gong Activists Protest Outside Nuclear Summit for China Freedom

Washington DC: 150 Chinese Americans and Supporters Rally for Chinese Freedom

April 11, 2010 – Tuidang Rally, “Freedom Plaza,” Washington DC, USA – Jeffrey Imm

May and June 2009 Reports:

DC: China Embassy – Responsible for Equality And Liberty Challenges Chinese Govt

DC: Capitol Hill Rally Remembers Tiananmen Martyrs

Washington DC: Many Attend Candlelight Memorial Remembering Tiananmen Square Martyrs

The Power of Many United

May 30, 2009 Candlelight Vigil for Tiananmen Square Martyrs - DC's Washington Monument

April 11, 2010 - Washington DC - China Freedom Activists Banners Recognizing Chinese People Leaving Chinese Communist Party

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“I Have A Dream for Freedom for the Chinese People”

April 11, 2010 – Tuidang Rally, “Freedom Plaza,” Washington DC, USA – Jeffrey Imm

MP3 Audio Version Link

Good afternoon. My name is Jeffrey Imm, and our group’s name is Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.).

I appreciate all of you here today fighting for freedom.

We share your fight for freedom around the world.

Today is “Holocaust Remembrance Day.” Around the world, people say “Never Again.”

But “Never Again” is not just history. In the People’s Republic of China (PRC), “Never Again” is now.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, people talk about concentration camps.

But that’s not just history, in the PRC that’s now.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, people talk about cultures being destroyed.

But in the PRC, “Never Again” is now.

So when we stand in solidarity with those that remember the Holocaust today, we say to them that in the PRC, “Never Again” is now.

Compassion is passion. We share your passion for freedom.

This is “Freedom Plaza.” It was named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Near here, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked on a speech called “I Have a Dream.”

I have a dream – that the people in China will be free.

I have a dream – that the Tuidang – will be remembered as heroes.

I have a dream – that the 71 million who have left the Chinese Communist Party – are just the start of waves of freedom – that will Free China Now!

Share with me: Free China Now, Free China Now, Free China Now! (crowd chants in unison).

We have a dream, but we also have a responsibility.

President Obama, you have a responsibility, under House Resolution 605, to meet with the people fighting for freedom and the Falun Gong.

President Obama, you have a responsibility, to have a foreign policy where human rights are our first priority, not our last.

(Holding up poster of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

These represent the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They were signed by the Republic of China on December 10, 1948.

Less than a year later, the People’s Republic of China broke these (speaker tosses sign of Declaration of Human Rights to the ground, indicating the PRC’s rejection of them).

We must pick this Declaration of Universal Human Rights up. We fight for these human rights.

We fight for universal human rights for China.

With its original signature of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, China has signed a promissory note, a promise guaranteeing human rights.

We tell the PRC government today – Free China Now!

Chant with me: Free China Now, Free China Now, Free China Now! (crowd chants in unison).

The Power of the International Language of Freedom

Washnigton DC: Replica of Tiananmen Square "Goddess of Democracy" — Washington DC: Replica of Tiananmen Square "Goddess of Democracy"

U.S. Department of State Message: “Message on the Twenty-Third Anniversary of Tiananmen Square”

Press Statement

Mark C. Toner

Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 3, 2012

China slams U.S. over Tiananmen statement

“Egypt is Free!”

With the resignation of the dictator Mubarak in Egypt, people in the streets are chanting “Egypt is Free!”

We are all responsible for equality and liberty – over the past weeks, the Egyptian people have also proved that they too are willing to be responsible for equality and liberty in their nation as well!

To all those who gave of their lives, and to those who gave their lives as martyrs, it was their sacrifice, their sense of responsibility to their society, that resulted in the dictator Mubarak to stand down today!

The path ahead for Egypt is uncertain for sure, as the military supreme council assumes what some state will be temporary power. But the people of Egypt have spoken and demanded by the many thousands, perhaps millions in the street, that they will struggle for freedom for all.

Let us join the people of Egypt in rejoicing today, and seeking our shared efforts in pursuing the Undiscovered Country of equality and liberty – for all people – everywhere – with our Universal Human Rights!

Egyptian-People-for-Freedom — Egyptian People Protest for Freedom

Egyptian Protesters: We ARE Them

About the Egyptian protesters, Richard Cohen states in the Washington Post: “We are not them.” I am sorry to disagree, and I believe this is the root of our continuing problems, and our inability to effectively challenge extremist views. We ARE them as fellow brothers and sisters in humanity, with shared universal human rights, human dignity, and human freedom.

egypt-photo-2 — We Are Them - We Are Brothers and Sisters in Humanity (Photo: Hassan El Helali)

Especially as Americans, these are the truths that we hold self-evident, that ALL, not SOME, have these universal human rights. Not just those we think who are “ready” for such rights and freedom. Do we believe in this or not?

Mr. Cohen states that “the dream of a democratic Egypt is sure to produce a nightmare” because democracy and democratic values “are worse than useless in societies that have no tradition of tolerance or respect for minority rights.”

I have written many times of the abuses against Coptic Christians in Egypt, and I have stood with them in demanding freedom for their people from the dictator Mubarak. Yes, certainly these abuses start with allowing them to happen among the people. But the Mubarak government and its policy of discrimination, repression, and oppression of the Copts has set the example to institutionalize such discrimination and hate – and it has institutionalized oppression of all Egyptians.

I understand that some fear the increased power of extremists in a future Egyptian government without the dictator Mubarak. However, as the Copts, other Muslims, and intellectuals could easily tell you, the power of extremists who sought to oppress others has been significant during and within the existing Mubarak government. The dictator Mubarak did not care as Copts and Muslims have been oppressed by extremists; moreover, he supported the institutionalization of such oppression. You just need to have been paying attention to Egypt before the protests. When dictatorial governments (as Egypt has has for decades) set the example of oppression as an institution, then one cannot expect democratic values in that society to thrive.

This is why Free People Must Reject Dictators of all kinds — Consistently and Without Reservation, Everywhere.

We cannot ask others to aspire to freedom when Americans arrogantly claim to some, no you are not ready for freedom, you are not worthy of such human rights.

Today, on the streets of America’s national capital, Mr. Cohen’s claim is being read that Americans should reject Egyptian human rights because “we are not them.”

In the February 1, 2011 Washington Post, Mr. Cohen claims of the Egyptian protesters, “we are not them,” and continues to claim that America must reject human rights for Egyptians, stating “America needs to be on the right side of human rights. But it also needs to be on the right side of history. This time, the two may not be the same.”

If such an anti-human rights statement is published by the Washington Post, is it any wonder that American anti-Islam web sites have had no shame in calling for shooting at Egyptian protesters and effectively calling for their deaths?

Egypt-Protest-Getty — Egyptian Protester Rejects Hypocrisy (Photo: Getty) -- By The Way - So Do Many Americans...

Yet some people will still wonder why some in other parts of the world hate Americans.

We must hang our heads in shame at such anti-human rights statements by Richard Cohen, Violent Extemism Watch, and other groups that claim that everyone, including the Egyptian protesters, do not deserve our shared universal human rights. This is not the America I know and not the land of the free and the home of the brave. Those who seek to turn our nation into one of quaking cowards that call for denying human rights and mass murder against others, even if we disagree with some, do not understand what it means to be an American.

So I will simply let America’s founding fathers respond to such outrageous and shameful statements. Let us hear what America’s founding fathers said about what our values, principals, and even identity is as Americans.

This is the “American” position on such human rights, freedom, democracy and human dignity.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

— July 4, 1776 – United States of America Declaration of Independence

To Americans who may have forgotten this, remember when we decided to become Americans this was our founding declaration. We did not declare that only some deserve these rights, but that ALL deserve these rights. Americans did so, because even before we were Americans – we are them – we are our fellow brothers and sisters in humanity who deserve the same rights around the world.

These are the truths that we hold self-evident, even if there are those today who have forgotten them.

Be Responsible for Equality And Liberty – for All.

Free People Must Reject Dictators

The continuing human struggle for freedom, human rights, and human dignity will not end at just one nation’s borders, or with one nationality, one race, one religion, one gender, or any one identity group.

Those who seek to stem this endless tide of human freedom are like those who think they can control the oceans. For a time, one can try to restrain such natural forces, but inevitably the tide will turn, and those who reject our human freedoms will fall from power.

The real choice we have is whether we will be on the side of freedom – or not. The idea that we can support human freedom, human rights, human dignity just some of the time – for some people like us or those we like – is the foundational LIE that tyrants and dictators have used throughout history. Dictators and oppressors count on this lie, they depend on it, they create entire societies and tyrannies on this. But as history has shown and will continue to ultimately show, “A Lie Cannot Live.”

The lie that only some people, because of their identity group or elite status, deserve freedom, rights, and dignity, while others are denied such rights, will continue to be proven to be as a lie again and again around the world. In the racial segregation era of America, the lie of denying humanity to black Americans did not live. In Nazi Germany, the lie of denying humanity to Jews through the Holocaust ultimately did not live. But in too many parts of the world, similar lies continue to be propped up, defended, and excused.

We have seen our national leaders meet with and ignore the horrific human rights abuses and ignore the Laogai concentration camps in Communist China, while freedom is denied to the Chinese people, and people of all religions and beliefs are routinely tortured, kidnapped, and abused. We have seen our national leaders offer to take Sudan off the list of terrorist nations, while its leaders accused of Genocide continue to rule and travel freely around a world that has not seen fit to act for justice in Sudan’s crimes against humanity.

But from time to time, people will stand up to the lies of dictatorship and oppression. Millions have left and openly denounced the Communist Chinese Party. White supremacists no longer can promote hatred and contempt of other races without public rejection.

The days are numbered for societies and ideologies based on the lie of denying human freedom, human rights, and human dignity.

For those who think we can pick and choose who does and who does not deserve these rights, dignity, and freedom, you are on the wrong side of history.

To American and Western leaders, you too need to decide which side of history you are on, when you meet with dictators and when you dignify the lie of oppressors and societies that reject the truth of universal human rights, human dignity, and human freedom. To the American people and people around the world, whether it is in Tienanmen Square, the election protesters of Iran, or now in the streets of Tunis and Cairo, we must stand in solidarity with those who seek freedom. It is no surprise that the Communist China totalitarian leaders seek to censor the Internet to avoid the Chinese people finding out about what is going on in Egypt.

Egypt-Standoff-1 — January 2011 Egypt Protesters

The current popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt once again speak to how human freedom and rights will not be denied. There is much to be seen on how such uprisings occur and we must condemn violence against others. But to be consistent in challenging both societies and ideologies that seek to defy freedom, free people around the world must reject dictators and oppressors, no matter who they are, no matter what their identity group, and no matter what their rationale for dictatorship and oppression.

Dictators and Oppressors are dependent on the world’s silence about their lie that only some deserve human rights, human dignity, and freedom. We must speak out consistently on this anywhere and everywhere.

A Lie Cannot Live. Choose the Truth on Humanity and Its Universal Human Rights.

Choose Freedom, Choose Human Dignity, and Choose Human Rights.

Defiance Against Islamism Must Never Defend Dictators

As the Egyptian public has continued nationwide uprisings for freedom, jobs, and a better standard of life, too many freedom supporting people found it “awkward” to support the Egyptian people’s struggle for freedom. On January 29, Reuters reported that “Egypt protests leave West in awkward position.”

The only thing “awkward” about this is the very idea that free people would find it “awkward” to support people anywhere around the world protesting for freedom. That speaks volumes, and demands that we reflect on where we stand as people responsible for equality and liberty.

Free people must reject dictators – without question, without caveat, without reservation. But in too many parts of the world, too many free people are willing to view that dictatorship is not such a bad thing.

The root of many of these arguments are the existence in Egypt of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood political group, which promotes a political Islamist, pro-Violent Extemism view. The fear of some of these who are reticent to back the Egyptian public in their uprising for freedom is that it will somehow empower the Muslim Brotherhood political leaders (who reportedly have had minimal role in the uprising), or that backing the Egyptian public will undermine counterterrorism agreements or treaties on Israel.

I feel sorry for those people who misunderstand the point of freedom. Freedom is not about how selfish and self-centered we can be. Freedom is not about how secure we can be or how our foreign policy interests can be best served. Freedom is about giving everyone a chance and voice in their own destiny.

On Saturday night, January 29, I watched in shock as Egyptian Christian broadcaster Michael Youssef spoke during CNN’s global broadcast about how the Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak was really not that bad (compared to Nasser), how the Egyptian people’s standard of living had somehow “improved” under Mubarak. He also stated how the protesters were really lucky that Mubarak was letting them speak out in public as they are doing (after the oppressive Egyptian police had fled). The CNN broadcast studio is in Atlanta, and Michael Youssef lives in Atlanta; I am sure that was a major factor in having him on CNN on Saturday night. But I will tell you I have not seen his views as being representative of the Egyptian Christian Copts around the world. I have shared the struggle with Egyptian Christian Copts who have suffered mightily under the Egyptian dictator Mubarak. I have joined Egyptian Copts at protests at the White House when Mubarak has visited in every type of weather. I have prayed with Egyptian Copts in Washington DC for release of their people from oppression and abuse in Egypt. I will tell you one thing – most of Egyptian Copt diaspora does not think life has “improved” under the dictator Mubarak, no matter what Michael Youssef tells CNN. On Michael Youssef’s website, much of it is dedicated to his opposition to Islam, “Muslim Zealots,” and “Islam vs. Christianity.” In his other public statements, Michael Youssef has sought to object to all of Islam. On CNN on January 29, he dismissed the Egyptian protesters by telling the world that “democracy is a Western idea.” If Michael Youssef believes this, then what type of democratic rights have we been fighting for Christian Copts in Egypt?

Salon reported on another figure, SIOA leader Pamela Geller, who was praising the “good news” that the Egyptian police force for rounding up and arresting protesters from the Muslim Brotherhood, and who writes that “Mubarak has been a US ally for decades.” Pamela Geller has been the primary activist behind the continuing protests against the Park Place Islamic Center in New York City. A similar argument was made by Israel National News who reported in an article “US Wastes Chance to Support Mubarak” that “The U.S.seems to have partially abandoned its long-time Arab ally, with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton telling the Mubarak government it must implement democratic reforms and allow peaceful protests.” Since when do Americans cheer when any protesters are arrested by an oppressive regime? Since when did free people decide that “democratic reforms” and “peaceful protests” are a BAD thing?

These ugly fractures behind claims of supporting freedom versus actual support for freedom demonstrates a hypocrisy that must not go unchallenged.

A significant element in this hypocrisy is how some have hijacked the defiance against political Islamist extremists as a challenge against all of Islam and all Muslims. While there is not space to address this very important and complex subject justice in this posting, those who have chosen to attack all of Islam and all of its diverse followers as a monolithic entity has been a key mistake and misstep in political debate on this topic. Moreover, objecting to the Islamist extreme views and ideologies is no more anti-Islam than objecting to Dominionist Christian extreme political views and ideologies would be anti-Christian. Many of those objecting to Islamist views are Muslims. Many of those, like myself, who object to Dominionist Christian views are Christians. Many human beings can stand solidly behind both our religion and human freedom for all.

As free people, we can respect pluralism for diverse religions and beliefs, while challenging those who would use religious views as a rationalization to justify denying human rights to others based on their different religion, race, nationality, gender, or other identity. That was the initial intent behind most of those who challenged the political Islamist views. However, the SIOA and other anti-Islam organizations and their leaders have sought to reframe that human rights debate into a debate that is anti-Islam and anti-Muslim.

Therefore, from the anti-Islam groups’ perspective, any activity that could conceivably allow a political Islamist group to gain power must be wrong, even if millions of other non-Islamists gain freedom. This Mutually Assured Destruction type of thinking is the root behind those who are most wary of the Egyptian protests today.

With freedom, we are also free to disagree and protest against groups whose views we object to. In my own case, that has included my own protests and my many articles challenging the views of the Muslim Brotherhood and their political Islamist views that I believe are anti-democratic. Unlike Pamela Geller, my defense of democracy and freedom does not call for cheers of “good news” when Egyptian protesters are rounded up by the oppressive Egyptian police force. I can object to and disagree with the Muslim Brotherhood, while believing in human freedom, human dignity, and democracy.

To those who have worried about a Muslim Brotherhood takeover in Egypt as a result of the current protests, well-known anti-Violent Extremist Dr. Walid Phares has also stated on Facebook:
“I caution against reaching any final conclusions in any direction yet because it is evolving, and there are several forces pushing their agendas. And yes of course you have the Islamists (MB and others) rushing, Iran applauding, but you have youth which has never been so explosive as before. And of course you have an incredibly ‘lost’ US policy which is adding to the equation. What we see is going to last, and final outcomes are not yet around the corner. More in my book and in pieces coming soon…(bottom line: do not let past historical experiences take over your analysis. No doubt about it, the Islamists are all over the map, but the context had changed. We’re gonna see something new, complex, and long…).”

Dr. Phares and I, in our own different ways, different opinions, and different directions have challenged Islamists’ views repeatedly. There are certainly things on which we will disagree, but anyone who looks into the history of either of us will see clearly that neither I nor Dr. Phares have been appeasers of Violent Extremists or Islamists. We see threats, but more importantly we can also see the need for engagement, encouragement, hope, and mutual respect for people who genuinely seek freedom and democracy.

Dr. Phares has stated on al Arabiya TV: “We need to engage the real leadership of the young demonstrators. We need to identify them and have them represented in the new process. But civil society should form its own leadership beyond the existing movements and parties.”

It is important for all of us who love freedom to realize that there can be NO deals with dictators.

The price to pay of losing our credibility on freedom, democracy, and human rights will always be too high. People, especially young people, around the world are watching to see if we can have the conscience that we claim and if we really do support defense of democracy that we urge others to risk their lives to pursue.

For those who have also been concerned about Islamist views and the Muslim Brotherhood, this is also your opportunity to demonstrate the courage of your convictions on human freedom for ALL people. It is certainly possible that Muslim Brotherhood extremists may grab power in Egypt, but let’s not forget that there are millions of other Egyptians who simply seek a better life and freedom in their nation. If freedom supporting people in America and around the world can’t be there to support the Egyptian people, then who are we to then be surprised if the Muslim Brotherhood gains power?

We must not let fear define our position on the truths that we hold self-evident of universal human rights for all people. If we want others to aspire to a standard of human freedom, human dignity, and human rights, we must first set an example of this for the world ourselves and stand united with those struggling for freedom everywhere.

Be Responsible for Equality And Liberty – for All.

George Washington Quoted on Religious Liberty and Tolerance

During a visit to Newport, R.I., in 1790, a year before the Bill of Rights was ratified, President George Washington received a letter from Moses Seixas, warden of the Touro Synagogue. President Washington replied, in part, to the the Touro Synagogue to state that:

— August 1790 – George Washington: “The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent national gifts. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”

…

— “May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.”

United States President George Washington - 1789 - 1797 — United States President George Washington - President: 1789 - 1797

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Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

UK: Five Years After July 7 Terrorist Attacks – A New Direction of Hope

Five years after the July 7 terrorist bombings in London, the UK government is no longer holding any public remembrance of the victims, other than a wreath being sent to a memorial in Hyde Park. The Global Post’s Michael Goldfarb states that “Wednesday’s anniversary is being marked, well, it’s being marked by nothing.”

But while there may be no official remembrance activities, there are many whose lives and passion for democracy and freedom are living memorials to the July 7 victims, and whose efforts represent a new hope for the United Kingdom in the struggle of ideas.

We have been seeing increasing signs of hope and progress among British Muslims who are taking the lead in supporting secular democracy and human rights as a counter-message to extremists who seek to deny democracy and human rights. While some analysts believe that fighting terrorism can be measured by tactical achievements or failures, Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) believes that solutions will come from a consistent support for democracy and our universal human rights from the public, including British Muslim and pro-human rights groups in the struggle of ideas.

We believe that it will be stories such as Tehmina Kazi’s, the director of the British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD), that will make the difference. We urge you to read the interview with Tehmina Kazi posted on R.E.A.L.’s website today at http://bit.ly/tehmina

While groups such as Anjem Choudary’s Islam4UK and the Hizb ut-Tahrir United Kingdom groups denounce democracy and equality, and on the other extreme, groups such as the English Defence League and the Stop Islamisation of Europe groups are protesting Muslim houses of worship, there are alternatives from those such as the BMSD and its supporters who provide an example in consistent support of democracy, human rights, and human dignity for rest of the United Kingdom and the world.

We urge others in the United Kingdom to follow the example of groups such as BMSD and choose to consistently be responsible for equality and liberty.