Dear Donna S. Fernandez, (wherever you are.)

I happened upon an article you wrote in October of 1996. This Article explaining why you and yours have been boycotting china for 3 years absolutely blew me away. I felt as if I could have written it. A few months ago, I started the same journey.

While my children aren’t quite as old, I too will need to explain why there are so many toys they can not have. I too had broken heart when I realized the abuses going on in China, and our nations indirect contribution to them. I too know what it feels like to get blank, awkward stares when I tell people I have decided not to buy “Made In China”.

Donna, you started this path almost 14 years before me. You saw it coming. You knew way before most. You walked this journey as China was becoming our “Most Favored Nation”. You must be a prophetess of sorts!

I was 20 when you wrote that article. The industry I chose to both be educated and work in was busy importing regularly from China. In fact, I was busy analyzing dye samples to make sure the color was perfect for a season. We bemoaned Chinese New-Year that meant 2 weeks of no communication. I had regular interaction with manufacturer representatives in China.

I went on in another job and sourced little girls’ jewelry from China. I coveted an opportunity to start manufacturing garment there, hunting for a source that would take my minimums. I simply needed to meet consumer demand. I had no clue. After all, its half a world away. I have been on the other side of this issue. I know it well. I would have been one that stared at you blankly.

I thank you for knowing back then, what I only now realize. I too am not one that has been a boycotter. I used to scoff at the idea. Being an evangelical Christian I am used to boycotts being encouraged on the most ridiculous of things. I have laughed saying, “Can I only drink milk from a Christian cow?!”. Look at me now. I’m not only boycotting but doing my best to encourage others to do the same.

I’m a concerned parent. I’m concerned not only for the safety of the products we buy today and tomorrow, but the health of a great country my children will raise their children in. A country who is minute-by-minute investing into a nation that treats its people badly, completely void of a moral standard. If they are capeable of doing this to their own, what will they do to everyone else when they become THE super-power from the profits we are pouring into them? They have proven they will win at all costs. They will beat the price without concern for the lives they are risking. I can’t take it anymore… and I’m 14 years behind you.

Thank you Donna for not being afraid to do something drastic, even when you were alone. For taking a stand when all odds were against you and your cause. I know your son now, probably at college, has inherited an incredible trait from his parents that will serve him well in life.

God Bless, I hope you are still boycotting China.

Mommy Zabs

PS- Those reading if you want to see this article that moved me so check it out here.

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