Today Americans regard freedom as the most fundamental right, so it is shocking for them to learn about countries that do not have freedom . Americans know about the cruelties committed in the Middle East, but what about the atrocities committed in China? Under a communist government, everything in China is restricted, limited and monitored. Miraculously, a religion emerged from the country and spread under the name "Falun Gong." Falun Gong practitioners face persecution in China, forcing them to go abroad to practice in peace. Although it may cause conflict, America's strengthening of religious freedom internationally is crucial because it will not only save millions of lives around the world, but also preserve the national identity of the United States by as a defender of human rights. In 1992, Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, began spreading the practice in China, and by 1998 there were more than 100 million Falun Gong practitioners. They came from all walks of life, from poor farmers to high-ranking officials, and all strictly adhered to authenticity, compassion and tolerance, their three most important principles. In a 1998 government survey, Falun Gong "improved health, raised moral standards, and encouraged social stability." As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) became increasingly corrupt over time, Falun Gong grew, perhaps because its emphasis on righteousness filled a moral void created by the dissolute government. A communist government thrives on being the one and only power. Feeling in competition with a powerful and constantly expanding religion, the government feels threatened. They feared that the number of Falun Gong practitioners would eventually exceed the number of Party members, and once that happened... middle of newspaper......s Quoted "Background: Persecution of Falun Gong in China ." Fofg.org. Friends of Falun Gong, nd Web. November 16, 2013. The Epoch Times. Nine comments on the Communist Party. Gillette, NJ: Yih Chyun Book, 2004. “International Religious Freedom Act” print. The United Nations. 1948. the canvas. November 16, 2013Roosevelt, Eleanor. Introduction. In your hands: a guide to community action for the tenth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Np: np, nd N. pag. Print."United States Government." Faluninfo.net. Falun Dafa Information Center, May 25, 2008. Web. November 16, 2013. “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. » The United Nations. December 10, 1948. The web. November 16, 2013 “Why is Falun Dafa persecuted in China? » Behind is 09.wordpress.com. Behind Lies 09, December 8, 2010. Web. November 18, 2013. “A young Falun Gong practitioner: Kristine Feng. » Personal interview. November 16. 2013.