This Monday, the San Leandro City Council will be voting on whether to raise the flag of the People's Republic of China (PRC) over San Leandro on October 1st, "National Day". That day commemorates the establishment of the PRC, following the triumph of the communist army, led by Mao Zedong, in the Chinese Civil War. Betwee 2 and 5 million people were executed as "counter-revolutionaries" and between 4 and 6 million died in re-education camps in the two years following this date.
Honoring the PRC by flying their flag, would be an an affront to all the victims of human rights violations by the current undemocratic PRC regime. In recent months, China has increased the persecution of pro-democracy activists and members of the opposition, which now languish in jails throughout the country. Its labor camps continue to be centers of torture and death, while the Tibetan people remain oppressed an not allowed to freely practice their religion. The Dalai Lama remains in exile.
By raising the flag of China, San Leandro will seem to be condoning the actions of the PRC government - a government that has not been elected by its people.
Please ask the members of the San Leandro City Council to vote against raising the PRC flag.
Why is this important?
