Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Is it okay for governments to violate human rights in order to maintain party platforms?

Government entities are entitled to uphold their principles of governing; democratic nations are obligated to hold elections, whereas totalitarian domains are expected to suppress them. To what extent, however, should a government be allowed to control the human masses? Of course government should seek involvement in a rebellious group who wishes to harm Hindu-Americans. On the same note, however, should big government put a stop to a mass to whom they see as potentially threatening to their political powers? Where do you draw the line?
When we look at the Communist Party, we generally see a small group of head party leaders who preach to the majority of the people that they work for the benefit of all, and that their country is superior to others. Alterior to the party's motive, we often see the Communist Party as an oppressing evil, whose goal is to control every aspect of human life. The party seems to rely greatly on instilling fear within its regime to control its people, and is often found to be threatened by even the slightest communal gathering. As an outsider looking in, we see only these things; we fail to recognize the objective of the party's initial platform.
Falun Dafa is a widely practiced spiritual cleansing, originating from China. Falun Dafa, or Falun Gong is not a religion; it’s a peaceful way of life that centers itself on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. In 1999, however, the CCP or Chinese Communist Party, began to arrest and persecute members of the group. Although Falun Dafa is not a political party, its rapid growth in members stirred uneasiness in the Communist Party. Opposition quickly arose against Falun Dafa members, and many have been arrested and beaten since July of 1999 (1).
Examining this violation of human rights as people of a democratic and free nation, we are initially shocked and outraged, followed by a desire to stand against the Chinese government. If we consider, however, the party’s platform, such a reaction from the Chinese government should seem only natural. In order for the Chinese Communist Party to exist in the form that it does, suppression is necessary.
Is the persecution of peaceful Falun Dafa followers beyond repercussions and forgiveness? Absolutely. No persons should have to endure such an obliterating lifestyle. From a literal standpoint though, the Chinese Communist Party is within its rights to stifle anything that may seem threatening to its regime. It would not be sufficient to diplomatically ask the Chinese government to stop the persecution of the Falun Dafa members. Instead, the only way to end the violations of human rights, would be to put an end to the Communist regime itself.


References:
1. Jacobs Andrews, China Still Presses Crusade Against Falun Gong. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/world/asia/28china.html?_r=1. 2009.