Falun Gong sits motionless while hundreds of old men and woman gamble the day away
Portsmouth Square is considered the heart of Chinatown. If that is the case, one wonders why it is named as such.
On my day wandering through the square, I suspect there were over a hundred groups of old Chinese men and women sitting on makeshift plastic boxes, gambling away, oblivious to their surroundings a hop away from the Transamerica Pyramid. Everyone was smoking, and old men gambled with old men while old women gambled with old women.
Yes, there were kids and families playing in the playground, but gambling was the primary activity in this square. One wonders if this is a weekend event, or daily, as most participating were well into retirement.
For some balance, a handful of Falun Gong members sat silently on pads with one hand sticking upright in front of them. They don’t move. I see them in Washington DC as well, and wonder what their point is. They are suppressed throughout China.
Here in the US, they likely have jobs and normal lives, as that is part of their creed. I can’t say I fault them for their recruitment approach. For unlike annoying Mormons or Scientologists, they aren’t annoying – they just sit with one hand sticking up.
The worst of winter is over here in Northern California. It was a sunny day and no jacket was needed. I had a great Mexican lunch after a half day at work which began at 4:00 a.m. I continue to work like a dog, but eat far better than any dog, and sleep well.
I miss my sweetheart in Korea. She misses me as well!
