Do we really have to give any kind of support to that kind of sect? They use to show up fraquently during alter-globalization actions, but never do anything else than self-promotion...

i don't know much about the falun gong, but i'm not offended by falun gong's "self-promotion." if anything, these globalization forums provide an opportunity for us to refuse anti-democratic decision making and the repression imposed on dissent through the mechinations of the elite. seems to me that's exactly what those who practice with falun gong are doing. i welcome a diversity of resistance.

Thursday, January 31 - A few protestors braved the drizzle and overwhelming police presence as the World Economic Forum began in New York City this morning.

On a crowded corner, 150 to 200 Falun Gong practitioners gathered in front of the Waldorf Astoria to protest the persecution of fellow believers in China. Falun Gong is an ancient Chinese practice of refining the body and mind through exercise and meditation, based on three simple principles of "Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance." The popularity of Falun Gong has increased dramtically since its introduction to the public in 1992. Currently, it is practiced freely in over 50 countries -- but in China, Falun Gong practitioners have become victims of what they call "state terrorism".

The Chinese government banned Falun Gong in July 1999. Since then, thousands of practitioners have been detained, tortured, and sent to forced labor camps. One such victim shared his story for the first time at today's press conference. Last year, Tan Yongjie, 27, was arrested for handing out fliers calling for an end to the persecution of fellow Falun Gong followers. He was sent to a forced labor camp and tortured. Amazingly, he managed to escape to the United States to tell his tale. Now that China has entered the WTO, organizers of the protest are urging that corporations which invest in China pressure the government to stop human rights abuses.

Friends of the Earth was also on the scene, half a block south of the WEF conference site. As the name of the group indicates, they are concerned with the WEF and the environmental devastation resulting from globalization. According to organizer Carol Welch, the group is calling for the development of international environmental standards that would regulate industry and protect the environment. Participants in today's protest, coming from many different countries, such as Israel and Switzerland,chanted "WEF- You are the weakest link- good-bye!" mocking both the forum and the popular game show.

Joanne Lepore's message was clear. A solitary figure walking in picket line fasion, she carried a banner which read "Life should be the profit motive. Capitalism must die." She came down from Ghent, NY to protest alone today beacause she has to work this weekend.