CAPE COUNTY CONSIDERS REQUEST ON FALUN DAFA

JACKSON, Mo. -- The Cape Girardeau County Commission is tongue tied when it comes to proclaiming "Falun Dafa Week."

The commissioners aren't even sure what Falan Dafa is, much less whether it deserves an official proclamation for the week of Jan. 22-28.

But that hasn't stopped Yi Liu of suburban St. Louis from requesting such official recognition for the Chinese self-improvement practice.

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, mediation and breathing exercises that supporters say provides stress relief and improves overall mental and physical health. The practice is banned in China.

An amused Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones referred the proclamation request to Joe Gambill, who just took office this week as 2nd District commissioner.

"I'll take it under advisement," remarked Gambill. "It's got to be good if you can't pronounce it."