Placed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the “Liberty Bell” is an important symbol of the founding of the United States, becoming a representation of people’s pursuit of freedom and justice. Last Saturday, several of the most active overseas democracy organizations and leaders in Los Angeles jointly established the “Liberty Bell Democracy Foundation” to maximize the unity of anti-communist individuals and together face the upcoming major changes in Chinese society.
The “Liberty Bell Democracy Foundation” was collectively funded by enthusiasts concerned about the future of China and the fate of its people. At the founding ceremony, Wang Dan, Hu Ping, and Chen Weiming were each awarded the “Spirit of Liberty Award,” “Thought of Liberty Award,” and “Art of Liberty Award.”
Hu Ping, the editor-in-chief of “Beijing Spring” magazine, stated, “Each of us has this feeling that China is at a historical crossroads, facing the ultimate battle between authoritarianism and democracy.”
Guests attending the founding conference included overseas Chinese activists, student leaders, democracy advocates, members of the Chinese Democratic Party, and other dissidents.
Zheng Cunzhu, the Chairman of the United Headquarters of the Chinese Democratic Party, believes that the changes in the domestic political situation before and after the 20th Central Committee of the CCP and various rumors have sparked much speculation, showing the instability of the CCP’s political situation; ordinary people also widely desire change. He said, “We also know that the Communist Party is facing the destiny of extinction, and many people see that the CCP is bound to exit the stage of history.”
In the face of this irreversible trend, Zheng Cunzhu said, “Of course, we democracy activists and organizations should also respond. Establishing such a foundation can unite everyone as much as possible, enabling everyone to share common experiences and seek a kind of change for the future of Chinese society.”
“Because we know, in times of such changes in society, the privileged can flee, while ordinary people often suffer.” Zheng Cunzhu said that establishing the foundation to cope with changes is a benevolent approach.
Hu Ping emphasized in his speech that the establishment of the foundation is “timely, able to lead more people to join the ranks against the CCP” because China is at a historical juncture, facing the ultimate choice between tyranny and democracy.
He said that despite the numerous challenges, the world must win this “ultimate battle” against the CCP, as it not only determines the interests of every anti-communist, but also the interests of all humanity; “We also believe that we will definitely win.”
Hu Ping stated that the free world, including both parties in the United States, now have a clearer understanding of the authoritarian nature of the CCP than before, and the entire world is more alert to the CCP.
Addressing the situation of numerous overseas anti-communist groups, insufficient cooperation, and dispersed strength, former Beijing University professor Xia Yeliang emphasized that in the anti-communist process, groups must be able to support each other inclusively to establish a better society in the future.
Wang Juntao, the Chairman of the Chinese Democratic Party’s Full Committee, believes that the establishment of the foundation will be very beneficial to promoting progress in China. He said that the struggle for freedom is a difficult process, and the establishment of the foundation is just the beginning; ringing the death knell of communist tyranny in Tiananmen Square will require more people to participate.
To promote the ideals of freedom and democracy, the foundation will annually recognize organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing the democracy movement, as well as publish magazines, hold lectures, and salon discussions. ◇