China and The World

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: John Ames Birch <amesbirch403@gmail.com> Date: Tue., Jul. 27, 2021, 3:32 p.m. Subject: China and the World (Opinion) To: <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>, <chrystia.freeland@parl.gc.ca>, <dujarric@un.org>, <antonio.ferrari@un.org>, <anthony.rota.c1@parl.gc.ca>, <haqf@un.org>, <ames348@gmail.com>, <aclupreferences@aclu.org>, <actso@naacpnet.org>, <america@aljazeera.net>, <ankra-consular@international.gc.ca>, <assistance@liberal.ca>, <carolyn.bennett@parl.gc.ca>, <yves-francois.blanchet@parl.gc.ca>, <calgary@globalnews.ca>, <chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov.cn>, <cnn.feedback@cnn.com>, <correspondence@council.nyc.gov>, <Colleen.Quinn@mass.gov>, <jean-yves.duclos@parl.gc.ca>, <Jason.darrah@banff.ca>, <dir_enq@cso.gov.hk>, <edmonton@globalnews.ca>, <editor@japantoday.com>, <egypt@ad.gov.eg>, <eonline@bellmedia.ca>, <editor@thetexan.news>, <eservicesupport@postmedia.com>, <ecampaign@gop.com>, <edpubs@edpubs.ed.gov>, <GlobalBarrie@globalnews.ca>, <haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk>, <hotair@cbc.ca>, <info@ccla.org>, <info@rttv.ru>, <info@pmo.gov.et>, <jacob.loesh@state.mn.us>, <jamie.l.ruiz@cbp.dhs.gov>, <jeff_klein@dkcnews.com>, <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <jsavikataaq@gov.nu.ca>, <jedmiston@nationalpost.com>, <media@aclu.com>, <msnbctvinfo@nbcuni.com>, <AGR.Minister@gov.bc.ca>, <newstips@globaltv.com>, <news@skynews.com>, <news@connexionfrance.com>, <npainternational@jinji.go.jp>, <news.tips@abc.com>, <news@thelocal.se>, <newschannel@ctv.ca>, <newsonline@ctv.ca>, <ncte@transequality.org>, <pjohnston@postmedia.com>, <premier@gov.ab.ca>, <premier@gov.bc.ca>, <premier@gov.nl.ca>, <premier@gov.nt.ca>, <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premier@gov.sk.ca>, <premier@gov.yk.ca>, <weekend@cbsnews.com>, <w5@ctv.ca>, <washingtonbureau@naacpnet.org>, <letters@scmp.com>, <taiwannewseditor@gmail.com>

Growing up I heard stories about a beautiful nation of mystery and honor. I learned of great battles and dynasties. Legends of great warriors, dragons and emperors. A land that captivated my imagination through ages of dynasties past. Great scholars like Confucius and Sun Tzu arose to make history with their words. Leaders like Mao Zedong who I read helped fight for free speech and freedom of the press as he wrote about womens rights. They sought to evolve what China meant not only to its citizens but to the world. Recently, there have have been some reports of strife between free speech and commonality. The age old struggle of the collective verses the individual. Trying to find a balance between what's best for the collective and what is needed for the individual. Every nation has struggled with this age old question about collective good and individual rights. I understand the importance of looking out for the collective good but we cannot forget the individual. A balance must be struck. Finding balance between the collective and individual free speech will take patience, perseverance and practice. Mao Zedong understood this as he fought to be published. Pushing back against censorship as he proclaimed "let a hundred flowers bloom, let a hundred schools of thought contend". I also read he indicated that "two principles must be observed: 1. Say all you know and say it without reserve; 2. Dont blame the speaker but take his words as a warning. Unless the principle of "dont blame the speaker" is observed genuinely and not falsely the result will not be "say all you know". China is a global leader in manufacturing, commerce and space exploration. I believe that China can lead the world in human rights and freedom of speech as well. A shining beacon to show the world that a balance can be found between individual rights and collective good. Open and honest dialogue engenders evolution of a society in so many ways. Without freedom of speech we reduce the potential of our people and planet. Individual rights and open dialogue do not threaten the collective they embolden it. In fact, without the rights of the individual the collective will never be whole. We may hold different ideas and viewpoints but we are more similar then we know. Each of us no matter our flag or politic want good lives or us and those we love. I see China as a world leader, one that I can hopefully look up to one day. A day where free speech reigns and human rights are at the forefront as we collectively work on our worldwide space program. A day where China and its citizens stands equally with other nations towards our common future. I love you china, I love the potential of your people and the paths we will take together. Standing side by side for all humankind. Stay safe, stay sanitized and stay supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2