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4 My History with China:
My connection to China began 25 years ago, at the dawn of the new millennium. In 2000, I worked for a young internet company called Direct Source Global Purchasing. Our business model hinged on global imports, with China as the linchpin. Back then, e-commerce was still an emerging idea, and global sourcing felt like the Wild West. One of our sales reps made the trip to China to scout manufacturers and factories. When he returned, his verdict was blunt but unforgettable:
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At the time, we didn’t fully grasp what he meant. But it became clear over the years—China was moving fast, and the West wasn't ready for the scale, speed, and ambition they were bringing to the global economy.
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Fast forward to April 2018. Seven years ago this month, I had the opportunity to visit China myself—not for business, but for something much more personal and meaningful. I joined a Qigong tour, traveling with a group of teachers and students exploring the spiritual and cultural heart of the country. Our first week was spent in Beijing listening to lectures by experts in the Tao Te Ching, Qigong, and Buddhism, followed by visits to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. We then visited Wuhan and the sacred Wudang Mountain—birthplace of the Tao Te Ching—before taking a cruise down the Yangtze River. We saw the intricate rock carvings in Chongqing and wrapped up our journey in Shanghai.
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We also rode a high-speed train from Beijing to Wuhan—an eye-opening experience in itself. I saw cities springing up in China’s interior like they were being 3D printed in real-time. Construction cranes dotted the horizon like sunflowers in a field, building not just buildings but entire economies seemingly overnight.
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Shanghai was the exclamation point. A city that feels like a glimpse into the future. The same feeling hit me again, this time even stronger:
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But not in the sense of defeat—more in the sense of awakening. China isn’t just catching up. In many ways, they’re setting the pace.
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And yet, as impressive as China’s infrastructure and industrial scale are, I came away from the experience with a balanced view. I sensed then—and still believe now—that China needs us just as much as we need them. Spiritually, philosophically, and creatively, the U.S. still holds the edge in one important category: freedom of thought.
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America, for all its flaws, remains a country of wild ideas, rebellious thinkers, disruptive inventors, and culture-shifting artists. That’s not just branding—it’s baked into who we are. In contrast, China’s centralized control, surveillance state, and limited freedom of expression can feel stifling. The creativity that comes from chaos is something they haven't yet figured out how to harness or allow.
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Sadly, in recent years, I’ve watched our own government fumble that advantage. Through a cocktail of incompetence, apathy, and shortsighted policies—both in Congress and the White House—we’re not just letting China catch up. We’re helping them pull ahead.
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There’s still time to remember who we are and what we’re capable of. But we’ll need more than slogans—we’ll need vision, courage, and leadership rooted in innovation, not fear.
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Because if we don’t, well… you already know what I’ll say.
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With hope we're not toast for the Future,
✍️ The MerchMuse Team
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Smiles are contagious too, with 20% off
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Hey there, changemakers —
At MerchMuse.shop, we’re creating more than just merchandise — we’re making meaningful messages you can wear, sip from, and share with pride.
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💡 Got your own idea?
We can custom-design anything based on your message, your vision, or your logo! From t-shirts and sweatshirts to mugs, caps, flags, accessories and prints too — your voice deserves the spotlight.
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📢 Whether you’re organizing, advocating, celebrating, or simply speaking your truth — we’re here to help you create something powerful.
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With love, purpose and optimism,
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Until next time,
With gratitude and a smile,
Jon & Peter
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P.S. Got a story of someone standing up for their rights on or off campus? Hit reply—we’d love to hear it and maybe even feature it.
😊
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We are a small operation, and we appreciate everyone's support. Please share this newsletter with any of your friends who might be interested in our products!
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