Only one chapter today: this chapter is ten thousand characters long, to give the average subscriptions a boost.
In mid-January, Ma County held its two congresses, and Li Long took his proposal to the meetings.
Li Long's proposal sparked considerable discussion as soon as he submitted it. The matter had quite an impact.
The meetings included group discussions, covering not only the congress reports but also the proposals submitted by representatives in each group.
Li Long's proposal had ample evidence. Nobody questioned whether its contents had been fabricated; the discussion mainly concerned the changes he proposed.
As the proposer, Li Long read his proposal aloud, then stated his views:
"It's right for us to promote ethnic unity, because our country has fifty-six ethnic groups. The Han, as the majority ethnic group, stand closely united with the other fifty-five minority ethnic groups. That's the origin and foundation of ethnic unity.
"But we must also promote ethnic unity in accordance with the law. The Constitution is our country's fundamental law, and it stipulates that every child and adolescent has the right to an education-the Compulsory Education Law has already taken effect.
"As for the provisions concerning ethnic unity and religion, our country's Law on the Protection of Minors stipulates that religious beliefs must not be spread among children, and minors must not participate in religious activities or join religious organizations."
"But they haven't been spreading anything, have they? Or participating?" someone said quietly.
"Doesn't studying scripture count?" Li Long countered. "If studying scripture doesn't count as spreading religious beliefs, what are they studying it for?"
That made some people laugh, but more people's expressions changed.
Yes, what were they studying it for?
"But isn't that their ethnic custom?" someone else asked.
"What do you mean, ethnic custom? That's a religious custom!"