‘Total Recall’ China-style

Dan, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:38:52 GMT

Life in China is very cheap. That is their biggest export.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

William Bolding — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:54:43 GMT

these are the types of jobs we are loosing because of NAFTA & other free trade agreements and China could care less about quality control.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

D Marquez — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:38:21 GMT

Wow! No comments?? No suprise. That's how our society is unfortunatly. I bet everyone is posting comments about Paris Hilton's release. Who cares about our own health and safety? It's only a Global Issue!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

dale hendon, Sunnyvale, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:46:50 GMT

Marisa is obviously a left leaning liberal who has become a talking head and mouth piece for the commies of Red China. It is true the US corportation bear much responsiblility for the lack of quality control of the products being produced and consumed primarily by the American public. To say the Chinese are not greedy, self-serving, myopic cheats and liars is to allow politcal correctness to trump the truth. The Chinese have been in the business of doing whatever it takes to make an an additional profit, no matter how small or how great the consequences. They sell trash for cash. For the Chinese there is no customer service or satisfaction or concern about customer relationships. They will hammer a price to the point the vendor can make no money and then they will take whatever leverage they can to make the vendor go broke.
The Chinese Red Commies are intent upon world domination. Anyone who disagrees with this is just plain ignorant. We think we can modify their goals of conquest and expansionism through trade. We cannot.
Those who appease the dragons of the middle kingdom are doomed.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Mike, Green Bay, WI — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:04:02 GMT

These are the "Cowboy Days" for China - double digit growth, limited regulation, opportunities abounding. With a casual attitude toward ethics and responsibility and a government unprepared to regulate consumer safety, Chinese manufacturers are in a position to cause large scale catastrophic damage like we saw with the pet food contamination scandal.

Virtually all Chinese rivers ooze from shore to shore with black pollution sludge. Lakes and resevoirs are literally cesspools for polluted filthy run-off. This is the water that is used for food production and food preparation. Add to this the fact that Chinese manufacturers are willing to adultrate food to toxic levels in order to sneak some addtional profits and government fod-safety regulators willing to look the other way "for a price" and you have a combination for dangerously unhealthy food products coming from China.

Why in the world anyone would eat food produced in a country that does not even have drinkable water is beyond comprehension.

Wear Chinese shoes on your feet if you want to save money, but please be more careful about the things you put in your mouth.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Pico 26, Ft Lauderdale, FL — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:08:44 GMT

this is just another example why this sytem does not work & will never work. have China make everything & enslave their people (since there are so many to enslave & will work for peanuts). Why do you think Walmart is gigantic? This country is foolish to shop there & purchase anything from them! the Waltons are getting wealthier & so is the Government of China (not the people of China). so I say: keep buying garbage made in China, and soon enough 'ol red, white & blue will soon be 'China's'. Why is Ford laying off hundreds of thousands, GM also laying off hundreds of thousands? the ignorance is this country is unbelievable? Buy American!
wake up America!
STOP BUYING 'MADE IN CHINA"

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Peter Redmond, Wash — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:15:14 GMT

You cannot blame the US or any customer of China for the problems seen here. Keep the blame with those making the decisions to break rules in order to save a few pennies. If you can't make a good profit off products built in China you don't belong in bussiness.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

S. Chavez, Washington, DC — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:16:06 GMT

Death penalty for widespread corruption. Life is good here in the United States. We only send people to white collar jail. Just hope the Chinese are not in charge of discipline when globalization is complete.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jim Lipuma — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:16:12 GMT

We need to fire all the politians they get compfortable and forget the good ole US of A.
Its called dont rock the boat. Put them on Soc Sec and no special interest groups allowed.
This stuff wouldnt be happening if there were honest politicains in office with out the go as usual attitude.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Mark, Illinois — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:20:03 GMT

It's too bad that we still continue to shop at the "Walmart's" of the world, always looking to save money. The lower cost needs to come from somewhere and it starts with production cost. Now they need to be held just as responsible for importing and selling the product as the overseas facilities that produce it. Look at the outsourcing of customer service jobs to the Middle East! Corporations trying to cut costs at the expense of the consumer. We complain about it but are we really trying to do anything about it??

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Wayne — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:24:24 GMT

Hundreds of products made US companies are recalled every year. Why does't the US media make a big deal out of those? Didn't a company from SC recall pet food that killed dozens of pets last year. People didn't get crazy about that. Typical American double standard.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Patrick Richey, Littlestown, PA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:26:56 GMT

Obviously the individuals commenting have never been to China. I spent the last two years in China and set up factories there. These isolated instances do not reflect the overall state of China. Kind of like saying all US companies are just like Enron.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Charmon Fincher, Montgomery, Alabama — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:31:38 GMT

Monopolies...Monopolies...I absolutely hate the service at Wal-Mart and had always blamed it on the location of the store, the poor management, etc. until a worker at a video store pointed out to me that Wal-Mart workers are actually overworked and unhappy. THIS made sense. If customer service is any reflection of what corporations do to their employees, then their "bargaining power" must be inhumane. I suppose now with Global marketing the quality will go down on everything so that America "balances out with even third-world countries". Who are we to demand quality for our almighty dollar, anyhow? Right? Global setbacks in philosophy and ethics may be dangerous, but if you've worked for a competitive "Global Marketing" corporation, then you have adjusted to this fact years ago when they began DOWNSIZING.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

enuf is enuf, greenwood, IN — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:33:32 GMT

China scares me more than anything else on all levels. They could care less about food safety, product safety -- they don't care about their own people so why are we (US government and citizens)so naive to think they would about the rest of the world. They will also not get sued by any of us. Nor can we sue the business that imports this junk, it's too hard to get through the red tape. They have slave labor and corruption galore but that's what Americans are expected to compete against with our manufacturing and food processing.
I have a great idea -- why don't we have a separate group of inspectors to check products for those rich Americans who can afford it. That way those who fall in the "have" category can continue to reap the benefits of a global economy and the "have nots" can continue to get shafted. Oh, that would me -- what's left of the middle class.
We are such fools and we still let the politicians and business run over us like a mac truck.
PS: I'll talk about anything but P.Hilton and A. Coulter.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

CARLOS GUTIERREZ, MIAMI, FLORIDA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:36:46 GMT

WE BETTER START LEARNING TO SPEAK CHINESE, BECAUSE THEY WILL BE THE CONTROLLING WORLD POWER, AS THE USA IS TODAY, IN ABOUT 20 TO 30 YEARS. THEY ALREADY OWN QUITE A HUGE SUM OF OUR NATIONAL DEBT. THEY OWN AND CONTROL THE PANAMA CANAL, AND IT SEEMS THAT EVERY ITEM I GO AND BUY IS MADE IN COMMUNIST CHINA. FROM CAR PARTS TO TOOTHPASTE, TO EVERY TYPE OF WAR FARE, INCLUDING NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND STAR WARS TYPE OF WEAPONS, AND WE AND THE ENTIRE WORLD ARE HELPING THE COMMUNIST CHINA BUILD AND BUILD AND BUILD, THAT IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG, AND ON AND ON. WE ARE SUPPLYING THE CHINESE WITH THE ALL TYPES OF FACTORIES AND TRAINING THEIR ENTIRE WORK FORCE TO BUILD ANYTHING AND TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD. ONE DAY SOON THEY WILL CALL ON THEIR CHIPS, AND WE AND THE WORLD WILL NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO, BUT LET THEM TAKE OVER. SO HELP US GOD, UNDER COMMUNIST CHINESE RULE.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Steve King — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:36:46 GMT

I guess we almost deserve what we get since we have allowed the politicians and Special Interest to control our lives. I say we eat the Rich and dump the incumbents in all parties this fall. We are allowing the Zetas to control the border with Mexico and have passed laws to make all of North and Central America one place eventually. America as beautiful as you are your people have sat on their lazy asses and left you to die at the hands of the rich and the powerful. One would think that the Politicians and CEO's don't have children or grandchildren and if they do they are naive enough to believe that in our country that is being driven down by them their demise will never come because they are wealthy. What a diservice our Government has done us all. Cowardice and Greed rules in America today.China is no more to blame than the people here who buy Chinese goods that once were made here.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

CARLOS GUTIERREZ, MIAMI, FLORIDA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:39:20 GMT

‘Total Recall’ China-style

j.r. prescott — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:39:29 GMT

"Buy American" is just a slogan nowadays. The American worker wants maximum pay at minimum effort, and our economy is based on how much we can accumulate before we finally DIE. You must remember that China is also the most prodigeous producer of bootleg cd's, dvd's, and counterfeit clothing in the World. Copyrights and patents don't mean anything in a country like this.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

L Hill Irving TX — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:43:15 GMT

as long as US consumers reward companies like Wal Mart for rock bottom prices intead of fair prices this will only continue to happen. And when you consider Wal mart alone is responsible for 1 % of our total national GP that is really scary!!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jon A — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:45:46 GMT

Not sodium hydroxide! you mean they use BAKING SODA? Check your facts as baking soda has ben used for centuries to make bread rise. While Chinese do have quality control problems so does the writer of the article. Maybe they ment sodium chloride? no wait that is salt.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Kayla, Fort Worth, Tx — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:45:53 GMT

Wal-Mart is the biggest abuser of these cheap exports. Not only does the conumer suffer, but so do the workers of China, Mexico, India.ect....
See "Wal-Mart- the High Cost of Low Prices" it will open your eyes.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Andrew , Saylorsburg, PA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:47:26 GMT

Every Nations cuts corners, that's called money first, health second. Paris Hilton and the rest of the rich don't take part in the sacrifices normal people deal with. They preach a mighty thunder of concern about Africa and other poor countries, yet still own million dollar homes and continue to buy useless items.. live like kings and queens, as our children fight wars and protect their home. Rather pathetic..

‘Total Recall’ China-style

wendel harvey la — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:51:32 GMT

please buy U.S.A. products please

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Susan Smith, Clinton Township, MI — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:53:14 GMT

I am confident that the Canadian pet food company won't be importing ingredients from China, since they voluntarily did the right thing. I believe it's time to rewrite our trade agreements with China.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

C. Orjansen Moorhead MN — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:56:45 GMT

It seems the global downward pressure on costs has finally breached the food chain. Heaven help us!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jim, Berkeley, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:58:23 GMT

For the record, sodium hydroxide is a relatively common baking ingredient and is not necessarily toxic, depending upon preparation procedures and concentrations. Can you give us the article source to check out whether or not the bread was toxic? If it was, I hope the bread is no longer on the shelves.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

B Ritell, Westchester, NY — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:58:31 GMT

If China competed head to head on quality for machine made items (vs. high labor items), there costs would be similar to ours. Their costs are lower on these items now because issues such as water and air pollution are only beginning to be addressed. Also their currency is not been set afloat properly. Corporate America and the American Public will sacrifice quality for price every time.
Don't expect the Chinese manufacturers to stop taking shortcuts anytime soon.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Fred Garvin — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:58:46 GMT

Wow, I dont care about what we eat or where it comes from, all I care about is Paris Hilton and what she eats or what she doesnt eat because we live in a shallow society where people care more about some silly socialite then the war or our international food supply!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Tony Chi, LA, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:59:02 GMT

Stop being racist and blaming it on them. It's our fault in the first place with all those Stupid Walmarts that try to cheat the factories. If we're willing to pay an extra $5 for a $100 set of tires, Then they could make a much superior product. Its a fact of life: you get what you pay for. Also, for the pet food, it's not their FDA, it's Our FDA that's the problem by not inspecting imports, putting our producers at a disadvantage, by not being able to cut corners. So it's not their fault, it's our fault for pushing them to cut corners, and having their government do the work that our FDA should be doing.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Luis Modesto, Casselberry, FL — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:02:34 GMT

I'm in manufacturing, specifically & produce embroidered goods for ad specialty companies and I get the same types of pressure. the answer for me is to draw a line. I know the level of quality I provide my customers and they know the responsiveness of my business to thier needs. Everytime you cave in to those pressures, you create to situation of price competition with your fellow manufacturers. My answer is to aise my price, not a lot but enough to remove those slack customers that would have left anyway. It works well for me & I build loyalty with my best customers.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

JR MV,AR — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:05:29 GMT

Sentenced to death?!?!?!?!? DAMN! That is ROUGH!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jamie, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:07:48 GMT

"these are the types of jobs we are loosing because of NAFTA & other free trade agreements and China could care less about quality control. "

What types of jobs?? Sweat shop jobs? Free trade has little to do with the rapid change of the workforce and the shift of jobs overseas.

The practice of sending low skilled labor requirements to a low cost area has been practiced since the early colonial days and then regionally before that. If you find that you're current job for X amount of money now is being paid 1/2X, it's because their is a large amount of labor available elsewhere and little cost to ship what they make, package or process whether it is small toys or processing you're taxes. There are a lot of business graduates in India and the internet is cheap.

Get used to it and find a skill that is in demand. Do a little research instead of whining.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Carol, Dallas, TX — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:13:23 GMT

We need to recognize the American companies who are allowing the Chinese to adulterate our food products and hold their feet to the fire until they clean up their act or bring the process back here where it can and should be carefully regulated. We deserve to have food products we can trust. I guess we can thank Nixon for this debacle.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Erik, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:20:18 GMT

Shop by price? Wal-Mart?
Somebody is cashing in and it isn't a factory worker.
'Mom & Pop' shops lack the luster of fully stocked shopping aisles and bright florescent lights.
Got an alternative?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

D - Lawless — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:22:37 GMT

Trade agreements are good for a free society. However, I agree with the above(s) that China's QA is probably next to nothing compared to the sophisticated world. I work for a company that out sources, and it isnt a bad thing to share the wealth, but there NEEDS to be a cap, law, or governing bill on the amount of B.S. that we can push in and out of our boarders.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

E Englerth — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:26:15 GMT

The problem is pervasive
It's soaked in malformation
When the heart of man is sick
It infects every nation

‘Total Recall’ China-style

David Ramirez-San Antonio ,Texas — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:27:20 GMT

The United States is the only superpower in the world in a postion to lead the planet to realize humanitys' full potoential or as Winston Churchill put it "the last best hope for humanity" Now let's talk about what China has sacrificed for humanity. We will always be a position of vigilant defense for the sake of humanity, this our charge from God. God Blessed America!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Bizkit — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:33:24 GMT

This is clearly our own fault (as consumers). We want junk that we don't need, at prices that are cheaper than the market can support, and look the other way when large corporations support factories that use child labor, unsafe goods, and unsafe working conditions...As long as we get that pair of shoes we've been wanting...for cheap, we don't care. Way to go.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

David L., San Diego, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:34:34 GMT

Water mixed with sodium hydroxide, wow, how terrible.
Now, how about water mixed with hydrochloric acid used to rinse ready to eat salads in bags at the
local grocery or, with a different amount of water,
put in swimming pools. A rather poor example.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Chris, Atlanta GA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:35:10 GMT

I do agree that China has no interest in whether or not products shipped to our country are safe for use. And I do agree "who cares" what Paris Hilton is doing or wearing. We, the American people are in trouble with our current export policy and we need to pay attention and let our Senators and Congressmen know what we will tolerate and what will cost them an election.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Larry — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:36:06 GMT

As long as Walmart is the juggernaut that drives making all of their products in China, the USA is toast. The trailer trash that shops at Walmart are the people that allow the Chinese to get away with no quality items that are jeopardizing all of our health and safety. Walmart shoppers are unAmerican!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Mya — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:41:06 GMT

Sentenced to death? Although nice to hear, it is no consulation to those of us how lost our pets to the poisoned food that made it's way into our animals and killed them. This is just really good to hear that someone is taking responsibility for such a GREAT loss.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

William Smart — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:50:32 GMT

Here you go - China is not a NAFTA member, China has the same problem as everyone else. When you make product less expensive to produce, you quality will always degrade. This concept, I'm very sure (North American) big business knows, and has been pressuring factories everywhere for years to make a cheaper product, however unions in our own country have driven up the cost that it is cheaper to produce somewhere else (China) and deliver the product back to North America. This still has yet to satisfy the consumers need for a yet cheaper product so business sets out to find a even cheaper factory one who probably pays the government to look the other way. Now, if you really don't want to pay more for pet food, or run the risk of killing your pet, then make your own food. Shopping at a place that pays it's executive staff the equalivate of a small country's budget is going to make the problem go away.

There's power in numbers, ask the cold virus.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jim, Colorado Springs — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:55:03 GMT

Recalls and bad products are also from manufacturers here in the USA. Diamond Pet foods and Natures Recipe Pet food had recalls that killed pets. These were in the last 12 years and were made right here in the US. You probably didn't even hear about those. Science Diet killed Cats from lack of Taurine in their food. Did you notice? There are just as many shoddy manufacturers here as there are in China. I spend 3 months a year over there and have seen factories that are state of the art. I've also seen dumps I wouldn't buy anything from but I've also experienced the same here. Labor may be less over there but most factories house the workers, give them 3 meals a day and provide medical benefits. I've opened my own new factory there and know first hand how "cheap" that labor is when you figure in all the added expenses. The Chinese workers are happy and take great pride in both their work and their country. It's media attention that drives all of this. A few years back was the summer of Shark attacks. It was in the media daily. It turns out that it was an average year for Shark attacks. The media just sensationalized the heck out of it. People that chime in with their uninformed responses are as bad as uninformed voters.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Tim D — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:58:49 GMT

Well it's about time. Good food cost money, Cheep food cost lives. Here and in china, mexico, agentina My advice is to get to know a friendly famer or farmers market in your area and buy fresh buy local Because the news on imported food will only get worst.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Robin, Pasadena, California — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:18:24 GMT

We must stop trade with China until they "get" that the USA will not import from them again until they have Quality Control. We need a new President who is aware of this type of globalization breakdown. 3rd world countries coming up too fast want just what we American's want -PROFIT! However, America must lead the way, but we are at fault too. Until America can quell it's greed and the desire for cheap products, we will pay for it with our lives. Cutting the bottom line, is capitolism, making a profit, using cheap labor, is the acceptable way today. There is no integrity and honor among theives. I say if you don't have ethics about products we use, eat, and serve our animals, then we can no longer import your products into our Country. If we start with demanding China's products be of the highest quality, perhaps China will be forced to improve the treatment of it's citizens for the better as the next step toward their lack of human rights issues, which is another reason we should not be doing business with them. America needs to lead, not just blow smoke around the globe.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Bernd Hoefel, Boulder, Colorado — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:18:57 GMT

To the author:

Sodium hydroxide (or lye) is commonly used in baking soft pretzels and other baked goods and has no adverse health effects at the dilution commonly used. Do your research before you save the world...

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Mike, Jacksonville FL — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:19:48 GMT

I now find very difficult to find any product that isnt made in china...if we. as a nation start a movment to ban goods made in china and demand gods made here in the u.s. then you will soon see the chinese take notice and start to improve the quality of their products

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Den, Toronto, Ontario — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:33:54 GMT

Even with cheaper production, do you know that most prices have held steady or decreased slightly (-10-20%). The gross profit margin of some of these companies is obscene. Take Colgate for example, their gross profit margin is 57%. That means for every dollar they make, 57 cents goes in their pocket. Accounting for r&d, marketing, etc. these companies still have net margins above 20%. They can spare or have the option of sparing r&d and reducing marketing costs and increase their net profits. The FTA destroyed the Toronto & area manufacturing economy and NAFTA is now destroying what's left of Canadian & US manufacturing because some CEO says its for their shareholders rights plan. Bulls--t. Its all about their own pockets and they just don't give a damn about the local workers or local economies in Canada, U.S. or Western Europe. The contract plants that are being used to outsource manufacturing in North America have margins of 5% to 9%. This is not enough to maintain these facilities let alone have any capital for expansion or renewal. We are letting our foolish leaders run our economy into the ground. Just wait and see...this happened in Germany in the 1920's with a devastated economy. They got Hitler from these ashes who then caused a lot of pain and suffering. We must be prepared!! And don't say that I didn't Warn You!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

john florida — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:43:03 GMT

you get what you pay for or i'll sell you what i can get away with till i get caught.
TONY CHI: don't you think it is up to the producer to insure that his product is safe before the buyer finds out the hard way that it is not?You want us the buyer to spend the money to prove that an import is safe to buy.When it should be up to them to make sure that we (the buyer) are safe. That would insure that we will continue to buy from you.As far as i am concerned if we get an import from whoever that is unsafe and is proven to be done on purpose we ban the company for ever.Do you think they would show more concern then.As for an American company doing something that is as far as i am concerned criminal like poisening our pets and us we do have a court system to deal with them. Who do you take to court in china???It is also the responsability of the importers to check what the hell they are selling to us.Putting a guy to death is a little harsh but a goo long jail sentence would work for me.The exporters are being named as culprets but the importers should be held to account in a harsher light. they brought it here and they should take the fall. I don't care where they got it.they are the responsible parties who should know what they are selling.We talk about walmart as if they are the only people to import from china.Well let me tell you what next time you are at the mall just walk in to some of the high end stores and look at labels;you are in for a shock.As for American companies wanting price breaks the word no comes to mind, their is a point of no return and if you can't make a profit without killing someone then you are better off just sayin NO.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Joe — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:52:57 GMT

China shuts 180 food factories for chemicals
Toxic ingredients used in products from candy to seafood, state media says
Formaldehyde, illegal dyes, and industrial wax were found being used to make candy, pickles, crackers and seafood, it said, citing Han Yi, an official with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, which is responsible for food safety.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19457564/

Yeah I guess it is all just a bunch of hype ;)

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Donald, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:53:02 GMT

Someone said it's the fault of red commie China to seek only profits and careless about public interest. That's not true. Chinese are absolutely and sadly Capitalists, like tobacco companies.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Paul, Colorado — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:53:05 GMT

I do business in China and just returned from my first visit from there. I visited the factory where my product is made. I witnissed a work force that was happy to work and please the customer (me). They were housed and fed by the factory. They make more in 3 months at the factory than an entire year where they are from with farm labor. The people seem quite content, dare I say happy, in their daily work. I have suppliers here that act like they are doing me some kind of favor by doing their jobs. Americans ARE spoiled beyond comprehension. Any person in America at least has a chance to get what they want out of life.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Wayne — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:00:46 GMT

Jim from Colorado Springs wins this debate. He seems to be one of the few people with clear, objective head in this country.
Diamond Pet foods based in South Carolina killed dozens of pets last year; Firestone tires (US made) had 17 million tires recalled, etc. These are just a few of the many examples of bad American products. Remember?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

alex brown pueblo colorado — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:01:52 GMT

boy cott all things comming from china. they are trying to kill you off the easy way, you think you are getting cheap goods, but you are realy getting poison.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Retired Exec, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:02:57 GMT

China does bear responsibility for the deaths and illnesses caused by deliberately mislabeled Chinese goods in Haiti, Panama, the Dominican Republic, etc. China bears responsibility for defective tires and other goods, as well. It is not the fault of the consumer that Chinese goods are deliberately mislabelled nor is it the fault of "the Wal-Marts of the world" , as you cravenly put it, who seek quality goods at the lowest price. China wants access to the world, but then hides the wrongdoers. In many cases the goods are hidden behind a maze of middlemen in China, none of whom are ever prosecuted for their crimes. Prosecution of one official here or there is nothing compared to the many party members who are protected by the state. Perhaps Americans ought to refuse to buy Chinese goods and we would see how fast Chinese authorities would actually pursue the murderers. In the meantime, stupidly blaming the purchaser of mislabelled Chinese goods is like balming the victim of a drunk driving accident for being out on the road. It is obnoxious and only helps the wrongdoer.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Joe, Bethpage, TN — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:08:47 GMT

I went to Wal Mart a few years ago to purchase an American Flag. On the box I could see "IN AMERICA" The price tag covered "ASSEMBLED" I opened the box and the tag on the flag "MADE IN CHINA" was on most of the flags and the price tag was placed in the same spot on every box to hide ASSEMBLED. I consider that treason. Because of that I'll never shop at Wal Mart again. It is the selling out of the American people by Corp. America. Blame the greed of Corp America. In fact I couldn't find an American flag at any local store that was made in America. I had to order one to get a true "MADE IN AMERICA" AMERICAN FLAG.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Matt, Fresno — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:16:35 GMT

I suppose this all boils down to points of view...not that there is necessarily a right or wrong one, just different ones. In any economy, society, or business, everyone is going to do what is in his or her own best interest. The average Wal-Mart shopper is just trying to save money, and to condemn him or her is hypocritical. Same with the CEO, CFO, COO etc. who has just decided to move operations over to China to save his or her company millions of dollars every year. The persons in his or her company will make more money, and his/her product will cost less. So long as he/she has not knowingly outsourced labor to a sweatshop, then his/her actions cannot be scrutinized. I would condemn the individuals who knowingly do what is in their best interest at the expense of others. However, contracting with Chinese factories that employ individuals who have willingly moved off the farm to seek employment in these factories is no crime. This is no different than hiring a gardener for minimum wage who just emigrated from Russia. I am sure the gardener is happy to be employed. If the individual employing the gardener feels obligated to pay more than minimum wage, he or she should. What he or she should not do is tell their neighbor to start paying their gardener more, because it is the right thing to do. So I say, criticize individuals, companies, societies who knowingly cause harm to others to benefit themselves. Not individuals, companies and societies who are doing what is in their own best interest, in a moral and legal way.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Joe, Mesquite TX — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:17:32 GMT

People just still don't get it. China's population will make it the next superpower regardless of what we want--they have more people in the top 10% by IQ than we have people total. If they continue to pursue a 19th century economic model they will suck up all the mineral resources now known to exist, poison their own homeland and poison the world at the same time. Look at how long it took the U.S.A. to get lead out of its' gasoline. We need to encourage them to adopt a more reasonable model and NOT make the many mistakes we made with the environment and product safety. If we fail in that, a military confrontation with them is inevitable and it will not be pretty. The idea that we can just not buy anything or run home to isolationist America is nonsense. As for the "collect all the chips" comments, who is really worse off, the people who manufacture goods and sell them for paper money backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. or the guys who received those goods (especially when we default)?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jane Doe,San Diego — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:18:54 GMT

Don’t be so hard on the Chinese people. There are over a billion of them and as in any other country; A few bad apples don’t make the entire batch bad. The government can’t possibly check every single manufacturer. They hand a death penalty for corruption, which is more than I can say for our own government  A few years ago I spent 15 days in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chonquin and a 6 day cruise on the Yangtze River). I had a time of my life. Although the air was pretty polluted, (The Chinese Government is working on changing from coal to gas and electric) I found the country and cities very clean and the people sweet, friendly and kind towards foreigners. I saw only two homeless people, try that in San Diego, San Francisco, New York or any other city in the good old USA. No one is trying to keep up with the Joneses over there. They are industrial hard working people, trying to get ahead just like the rest of us. Buy American made; and take care of our own corruption first, don’t rag on people you have never met.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Byron, Pueblo CO — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:21:08 GMT

Sodium hydroxide is not baking soda (NaHCO3). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is also known as caustic lye and is a basic (or non-acidic) compound used in the manufacture of soap, Drano, and other non-food items, although a very, VERY weak solution can be used to dip some breads in to change the color of the crust, possibly the technique the author was talking about, although given China's record of giving a damn, I doubt the technique was used properly. Now that the US knows about such risky behaviors, it's all on us if we allow it to continue. Why not post US inspectors in sites from which we purchase our commodities to ensure quality and safety? And if China refuses, then we refuse to buy their products. Simple.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

D Holman, Rochester, MI — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:25:02 GMT

I wonder why bother mentioning issues at all. Regardless of importance, they seem to always have two sides arguing with "the solid truth" on their side... The real question is : are we willing to change our opinions based on dialog? Accountability is something that in inverse-proportional with power and wealth ... and until media will decide to step in and mass-report on corruption in business and governments : here, in China and everywhere else in the world; this sort of angry blogging on issues will just remain a feel-good-few-minutes-a-day experience for most of us... no real global change.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Juan Herrera, Dallas, Texas — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:31:44 GMT

Why not establish more manufacturing and food processing plants in Mexico? We would solve the illegal immigration problem in a flash, by employing the same people that come here illegaly. Mexico has a triving shoe, processed foods, auto parts and furniture industry. Give them the work, instead of our potential enemies.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Andy, Dublin CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:34:14 GMT

I agree. Every time some uneducated, flag waiving, low income, white trash American spends his/her welfare check at Wal-Mart it empowers a communist nation who is bent on the fact inevitably communist/socialist governments will control the world. US influence is the only thing stopping them from achieving that goal, hence why they are spending so much of their GDP earnings on bulking up their military. Trust me, when WWIII breaks out and people are picking sides, China will NOT be on ours. Go ahead and laugh if you want, but you will not be laughing in 30 years when a Chinese battle group is 300 miles off the coast of San Francisco enforcing Chinese foreign policy.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Greg Perkins irasburg vt — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:42:58 GMT

not all the people who shop at walmart are trailer trash it is just a great place to go if you need a lot of househoild items at a lower price, and as an economic choice it simple buy the same item at a lower price. It isnt right that these items are made with chemicals and other harmful agents but when they are made safe we are saving money. just imagine if we had to pay some average joe in a union 20 dollars an hour instead of .10 cents an hour plus benefits and health care. think of the astronomical price the item would cost. Also i cant blame the chinese for wanting to cut corners when we as american companies pay unfare basically unlivable wages. Cut corners go ahead just dont poison us.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Dottie, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:53:11 GMT

I just have one question. Why are we considering importing poultry from China? Course I don't understand why we are importing any foodstuff from there in the first place. After all, we can hardly eat anything produced in this country anyway, e coli has become a mainstay it seems.

No wonder most European countries don't want our food.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

john S — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:58:40 GMT

I am done and am getting off the China train - you want to know why:

NOT A DEMOCRACY (not a communist either)
GREEDY IMPERIALISTS
DECEPTIVE and DESTABILISING smaller, poorer (and DEMOCRATIC!) India
Support of Pakistan, North Korea, Sudan and other destablising forces
Total disregard of the environments
Building a DARN TAR ROAD to the Everest - what next the Rockies?
Doing nothing to curb illegal TIGER HUNTING
UTTER DISREGARD for TIBET and TAIWAN (recognise these two and China will treat you as an enemy)
Absolute imperialist in the guise of "The People's Republic"
HORRID Human Rights record (no other place has the reputation for Chinese torture)
Systematic attempts to bypass all American and European laws on decent international standards
Predictably deceptive - recent CIA documents document Chinese perfidy in attacking India in 1962 in the middle of broad peace ties
Killing my pet cat with tainted food - must you eat everything in sight

So, getting off the China train - unimpressed - boycott all things Chinese. (Chou on this)

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Craig, Denver, CO — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:24:57 GMT

Wake up and buy American made products only! Get it?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

V T Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:26:28 GMT

The reason for all of these issues is the Unions. The unions are the reason Ford and GM are laying off so many workers. Americans have unionized themselves out of the global market for labor. $22 an hour to work an assembly line? Please!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Chuck, St Joseph WI — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:26:40 GMT

It should be up to the American buyers to police the the products they are having manufactured in China. For an importer to allow lead based paint to be used on a childs toy, especially after years of press on this, is unacceptable. Companies are not enforcing their own specifications or are ignoring them, at their own peril. I havn't been in a Wal-Mart in many years because of the continued poor quality of much of their merchandise. As for the melamine in the animal feed, the Chinese did not invent this but taking chances is deeply ingrained in the Chinese character and the consequences of getting cought don't seem to mean much. It will be a long time before I knowingly buy a food item with ingredients manufactured in China.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Bohdan Szejner, Kraków, Poland — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:33:34 GMT

I have to agree with Carlos Gutierrez (above), that history has a way of being circular and, if America isn't careful, we will soon be working as coolies for the Chinese, much as they had been working for us on the XIX Century California railroads! The problem is particularly scary due to the fact that it is clearly of our own making: China is a Communist coutry which is being build up by the Capitalist greed! I think that it is time for a global referendum on this, not just in the U.S., but wherever the freedom-loving people congregate!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

MaryKay,Calumet,MI — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:38:27 GMT

Sodium hydroxide
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye or caustic soda or sodium hydrate, is a caustic metallic base. Forming a strongly alkaline solution when dissolved in a solvent such as water, caustic soda is widely used in many industries, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents. Worldwide production in 1998 was around 45 million tonnes. Sodium hydroxide is also the most common base used in chemical laboratories, and it is also widely used as a drain cleaner.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Ryan, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:54:23 GMT

I work for a U.S. company that does a lot of business in China. I have been to China several times. We do go through pain staking measures to ensure the quality of the products being made in China under our name is safe and effective. But that is because we have the money and the resources. The issue is China is wide open to any company (U.S. or other) to do business there. And the blame for the issues we are seeing now lie on both sides. For one China regulation is not even 1/10th of what the U.S. does, but it is getting better. It has to for them to play in the global sandbox. However, the message being sent to China from U.S. companies and others is low cost, low cost, low cost. And the Chinese are doing that. If we went there and said cost is important, but safety and quality are number one. Then that's how they would do it. For now, China is going through what the U.S. went through in the early 1900's. An industrial revolution. And it will take time for them to get to where we are regulatory-wise. You have to consider it took the U.S. 75 years from the start of our industrial revolution to establish the EPA.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Bill Edwards, Surrey, B.C. Canada — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 23:10:37 GMT

Hi Everybody,
My wife is Chinese, and by virtue of this wonderful relationship, I am related to a lot of Chinese people by marriage. Guess what? All of you China bashers, you have it wrong. Dead wrong.
By and large, the vast majority of chinese are hard working, diligent, dedicated to education and life-long learning, intensely moral and ethical, as well as so dedicated to family concepts the average North American family looks like a disfunctional game-board where the members play with one anothers' heads in pursuit of control of the household.
No. I'm not some ignorant young pup without a history either, I'm in my 50's, as is my wife, I've been married twice before to both an American woman and a Canadian one, and now thank God for the dose of Yellow Fever I got in marrying my present wife.
I also lived in the U.S. for 21 years of my life, and with God as my witness, I wouldn't live State-side again for love nor money.
Ther ignorance of the average American defies comprehension on any level. You live in what you call the most progress, democratic and powerful nation of laws and morals on earth, yet 48 million of your people are without medical insurance of any kind due to the high cost of coverage demanded by the greedy scum who run the medical community. As a consequence, some of the most desperate of your society are turned away at hospitals and clinics to die in your streets or the abject poverty of their homes. Your pay structure denies the majority of your citizens even the basics of creature comforts let alone any appreciable standard of living. You will take your young and ship them off to war half way around the world at the whims of your greedy, self-serving politicians, oil industry leaders, weapons manufacturers, and the ethics of the least deserving of your people, all in the name of so-called National Security. Your nation has been turned into a paranoid nightmare by your own politicians, In fact, I wouldn't be surprized if your own government set up 9/11 just so they could begin the process of total control of a New World Order. I can go on all day on those scores. But, better still. Your education systems teaches precious little to your children. Certainly not enough to give them the vital head start they need in the Global World we live in. Half your students don't even know where Canada is, and we're the second largest land mass in the world, right next door.
Crime, criminal elements, consumer fraud, and all other ills are present in every society, as are those who will perpetrate it. The only difference is, your biased media will downplay the criminal nature of American firms committing potentially dangerous offences against your people, while tearing a whole new butt-hole out of foreign entities doing the same thing.
Stop being so damned ignorantly American, and start realizing that your own greed, malcontent, over-priced unionization, trust in crooked politicians and business leaders, judicial failure to inflict adequate punishment on those business leaders and politicians who function with impunity, and a host of other things have led to this period in your history. Don't blame the Chinese people. They didn't do this. A few greedy people did, with a big chunk of them being your own American business leaders demanding lower production costs and higher profits, and all in collusion with your own politicians.
Birds of a feather fly together, and they're all over the planet.
Personally, I feel a whole lot safer in the middle of a crowded Chinese community than I do anywhere in the good old U.S. of A.
By the way, most chinese have no idea of who Paris Hilton is, and don't want to either.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jean L. Manson, Durango Colorado — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 23:12:58 GMT

Come on Folks!......Greed and Lust for the almighty currency of the day RULES here and there....It's a ME,ME,ME world.....Do you really believe YOUR "Rants" are going to change the "'if' you do this for me, I'll do that for you world?" NO ONE...I mean NO ONE gives a hoot and a holler "If" it is safe and durable.....except those who "control it." Take NANO'S as a example.....4% investment in research into "It's safety.".....It's like a budget for NASA to look for planet killer comets, meteors, greedy people falling from 3% of the sky.....But NANOS will be in everything in 10 to 20 years at the geometric rate of doubling knowlege (a penny's sum doubled for 30 days)....Only here in this field "it will be trillions in secret doubled 'by the 'NANO's'(AI)." No it's real...check it out in the Consumer's Report's issue July 2007. So....Matrix Revolutions is NOT far off..."IF" we do not die of a myraid of other causes first, laughter..more laughter...It's YOUR world baby!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Herb L floral parn NY — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 23:27:00 GMT

what happened to BUY AMerican...........Jobs here first Not the rest of the world

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Herb L floral parn NY — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 23:28:05 GMT

what happened to BUY AMerican...........Jobs here first Not the rest of the world

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Greg Wilcox - Tampa, FL — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 23:50:19 GMT

It's not just food they're out to poison us with. Have you read the caution label on any set of Christmas Lights or extension cord sold in the last few years. The warning label says to handle wash your hands because of the high lead content. Every factory town there must be as bad as the Love Canal.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jeff B, San Rafael, CA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:16:56 GMT

Jon A: "Not sodium hydroxide! you mean they use BAKING SODA?"

No... baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Sodium hydroxide is lye, a highly-caustic chemical.

That said, lye solutions are used to prepare several foods, among which are German pretzels. It seems this Chinese baker was using a perfectly acceptable method of baking German bread.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Democraticman — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:33:53 GMT

Who's to blame? The fat lazy majority who make up the Western world today and the hungry politicans who prey on those that cannot make their own imformed decisions!!!! China, India and whoever else will take our way of life away due to political incorrectness and the greed of the few among us. Our only hope is to start thinking clearly and logically as our forefathers did before us, and then maybe just maybe we will have a fighting chance to survive the near future.....

‘Total Recall’ China-style

jc miami fl — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:40:35 GMT

Here is a fun fact 50% percent of america is really ignorant it shows everywhere and they are all republican.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Gene Robbins — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:46:33 GMT

Jon A:
better get your chemistry straight,my friend, Sodium Hydroxide isn't baking soda..it's caustic soda..I know,I have two burns from it while working in an industrial wastewater facility. Sodium Bicarbonate is baking soda...

‘Total Recall’ China-style

PiercePCassidy, Canada — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:52:33 GMT

"... that sentence sends a message, but will it be a deterrent?" my guess is he'll not be doing that ever again ie. he has learned his lesson.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Bobby,, Pittsburgh PA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:02:44 GMT

Seems to me someone has swallowed Chinese propaganda 'hook, line and sinker'. What 'soaked their uncooked bread in water mixed with sodium hydroxide in order to give them better color' describes is German Lye Rolls. Look up a recipe, it will tell you to soak the bread in lye water, or 'water mixed with sodium hydroxide'. The same is done with pretzels too.
The Chinese are just trying to cast attention away from their own problems.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Lee, Beijing — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:08:18 GMT

Sad, sad, sad. I live in China so I see this all the time. 96% of domestic ice cream companies in China produce a product that is unfit for human consumption by THEIR standards. This was reported in the news here. Farmers PAINT ginger with toxic paints to make it look better for market (you need to buy the dirty ginger here). The China Daily said (when they set up the office of that jerk that's being executed) that there was no regulating body in place to regulate the amount of talc in flour (why would talc powder be in flour in the first place???). Restaurants here buy used oil (and if you've ever seen the carts they collect it in, or SMELLED *Gag*, you would never eat out again). Several illegal brick kilns were just busted here (once again this was in their paper so you can imagine the problem is much worse). The kilns had enslaved their workers some of whom were middle school students still wearing their school uniforms from the day they were abducted. The kiln that got the most coverage was run by the son of the town's party secretary. They BUY other countries' e-waste (the most toxic garbage in the world btw), locals of those areas sift through it looking for reusable parts for China's own tech industry. The toxic chemicals give the people there cancer. The other day I went outside and my eyes felt like they were being burned (and Beijing's pollution is pretty good by Chinese standards). The government constantly says that they will not cut pollution if it stymies their "development". THIS is what we are talking about. This is the real China straight from the horse's mouth. If you think that I'm being hard on China, or "it's not that bad because I've been in one of China's big cities for 2 years" (I've been 7), please keep in mind that I've only sited Chiense propaganda newspapers (which under-report the bad stuff). China's government and businesses care about its people less than people in America do (at least we TRY to push for human rights). They use the political restrictions that are just as strong as ever to make sure that the economic boom does not benefit anyone but the government and its cronies. If you think that THIS group of people, who don't care about their own country, will care about a foreign country or the rest of humanity (look at their Africa policy, makes the US look like Mother Theresa), THEN YOU ARE DELUSIONAL.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

rena, Indianapolis, IN — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:23:22 GMT

China has a problem from over-population to environmental pollution. It is a growing country in which the government is having a hard time to control. This is not a matter of politics.
Buying American doesnt solve any crisis because we live in a global world. Exporting and importing is suppose to help countties prosper.
Other competitors will come up with ways to make things better than the US (like the Japanese with Honda and Toyota). Who doesnt trust Japanese cars?! No one ever complains about Toyotas breaking down.
This is an issue of morality. China was always been behind in technology since the beginning of the 20th century and they are trying their best to catch up with the rest of the world. However in their effort to become rich, they have neglected many rules and regulations; like how to run an efficient and trustworthy company. Not all chinese companies are corrupt and careless, but it is so hard for the government to track all personal businesses and factories that many of them become un-noticed with their malfunctioning or dangerous products.
When other products are being bought to the US, it is our job to test these products to see how safe and reliable they are. It seems like our system is not any better either.
If you think it is so dangerous buying Chinese made products, think about the Billions of people in China everyday who suffers from such negligence.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Robert, Highland, Ca — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:31:02 GMT

Jim, Colorado Springs, I will agree with you, after we had the Pet food scare, this same food was fed to some fish growers in the midwest and tons of it was also send to Cattle Companys for human food comsumtion, our own goverment knew the food was contiminated, yet it was sold to them, do we still blame China? Msn had a report several months ago about our own food supply in LA shows the food that is sent to our stores were repent with cock roaches and rodants, even worker peeing on the food the we eat, Remember. Remember the Firestone Tire Recall, the car recalls and the hundred of recall just here in the USA, before we throw rocks, lets look at our own windows, we to have to take responsibilties for what we ship to other Countries! Remember the cargo of nuts that was shiped to China last month and was returned back to USA because they found insects in it, hmmmm.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Pubs Avenel NJ — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:39:12 GMT

keep letting the illegals in THEY are the source of most of our problems THEY are the ones undercutting the US workers. THEY are the ones living like RATS 20 to 30 to a house with only one thing in mind send the US dollars back home until there is enough to go back and live high on the hog in some shithole country. Ask any african truck driver why they are here and they will tell you just to get capital so they can go back to africa and buy a truck. Why do you think they have no interest in learning the english language or living the American way. Thats the honest truth.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

M. Olynyk@core.com — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:50:30 GMT

FYI, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, not sodium hydroxide.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

lee f denison ferndale,mi — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:04:46 GMT

nafta was a big mistake ! how stupid can this country be,take clinton and all his followers and export them,like they did are jobs!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

BW Ogden, UT — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:06:13 GMT

Jon A you need to do your home work follow this link http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/s4034.htm and learn about sodium hydroxide! No they donot mean they use BAKING SODA,

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jacie , Hibbing, Minnesota — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:17:27 GMT

I agree with you Jim Lipuma on firing all the politicians but how would we do that? Besides someone had to vote for these yokels and put them in office.

Term limits would be great. How about changing the standards on how to be a senator, and limiting the money that can be spent on campaigns. Many are buying their ways into office. I say take away all the benefits of the politians and give them the same as everyone else for health care, and social security. Take away their stipends, car expenses, the privilege of allowing their kids to get free eduations etc. I will bet that if we did that you would see social security change in a heart beat, and socialized medicine approved over night. But How would one get the constitution changed and who in their right mind would ask for that in congress. Their career would be down the tubes over night.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jeff, Sacramento — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:23:14 GMT

CARLOS GUTIERREZ. If they call in their chips, we do what any red blooded American should do. Don't pay them because they are the fools to think we care about their country. Think Cinco de Mayo.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

jim fisher, near albany, ny — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:18:55 GMT

People are trashing Wal-mart, the cheap china exports/imports, it is true that living in china and what is paid to workers in china is very small and unreal in our country. I know that when i was a kid i had a great can opener, i never knew of buying another becasue the one my mom had, she had for countless years, In the past i would buy one a year from walmart, maybe 2 a year, they never worked right or broke pretty quick. I broke down, bought an expensive one from an american company and we will see. I hire people for good money, much more then the level they could get at walmart or at any other local mom and pop shops around here where i live, Americans or people in my area turn down good money or demand more or want a lot more then they could get paid by me to work, most of my employess are not worth what i pay them, but i need people to work so i can make money, I would pay more, whatever i needed to find good help, but people dont work, they are horrible, they turn up late, screw things up, do all sorts of things that make my business harder, even if i paid A LOT more, they would be the same quality as they are now, It is rare to find a GOOD employee and if i do, i give them raises and bonuses to keep them, and they still leave to find a job that pays more, or just to "move on" who knows why, to me the "general type" of employee is not very motivated or skilled at least in my area, they always want to get rich and work nothing for it, Its sad but true. I sell antiques on ebay.com, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to find people with computer skills or who know how to use a spell checker, basic point and click skills, im talking office applications here, its crazy and scary and its sad really. I do teach them, and it seems that the learning curve is high with many people i hire, it is really sad.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Ziao Lee — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:25:08 GMT

China is one of the world's most irresponsible and worst totalitarian regimes pretending to be embracing democratic reforms in the eyes of the west while vast human rights abuses, torture, destruction of the environment, murder of its own ethnic and religious groups, corruption and systematic arms build up continue uninterrupted. It exports dangerous defective products, it floods the western economies with cheap corrupt labor that has destroyed millions of jobs in the EU, Canada, Australia and the US.
The international community should have never allowed
the Olympics to take place in an autocratic society and every decent human being that cares for humanity should boycot it worldwide. The United States has created a monster by engaging in business contracts with such a dictatorship. The EU has stopped purchasing aircraft components, pharmaceuticals, baby food and high tech equipment because they already figured it out that the manufacturers in China do not care if the western economies are flooded with dangerous defective products. The other western nations should do the same.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Larry L. Attleboro, Ma. — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:36:31 GMT

It is true that China is experiencing great growth at this time, very much as we did in years past. The cost for labor is lower than the US including benefits to them or businesses could not afford the shipping cost to the US.
The way I see it is, there is less regulation environmentally. The cost to comply in this country is much higher and must be passed along in the piece price of the product. There is a marked financial advantage to not have to pay for compliance by manufacturing out of the country. We have learned that the price is much higher later when cleanups and health issues become major problems. As time goes on I see a leveling of ground between countries manufacturing expenses, where it will eventually be more cost effective to manufacture locally as fuel cost will beat out the other expenses. Investors come from many different countries to have products made as cost effective as possible. In that mix of buyers and manufacturers we will see the good and the bad.
Our focus should be good quality control using safe practices to protect all people and animals. Saving a nickel does nothing for anyone if they are ill or dead. The general populace in all countries is made up of working individuals just trying to get by and have a better life. One should not be angry with people we do not know. Hold the supposed responsible people to their responsibility.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

*WILDCARD — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:37:25 GMT

i keep telling people the "viruses" are because of the food we're eating.

WOW, IT REALLY IS IN THE FOOD AND WATER AND AIR

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Collin Zabinski, (Metro)Detroit, Michigan — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:41:05 GMT

I believe that the American Public is being a little to harsh on China. China has been very successful at marketing its products to the world, half of the stuff Americans have wouldnt even suspect it came from China. China's economy is growing rapidly, their military budget is increasing very fast (yet Americas budget is much more then any other country in the world)so Americans are felt threatened from this. I might also add that there communist witch the U.S will not tolerate competing with us. China and America will be the next competing countries in economy in the near future so I give China credit. People should view this positivley and learn from what they are doing.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Mike, Green Bay — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:43:14 GMT

I feel sorry for the baker of German bread who is accused of using Sodium Hydroxide to make bread. He is being strung up mostly due to ignorance. Sodium hydroxide, also known as household lye is, indeed, used to produce the soft chewy crusted German style pretzels.

Good luck trying to explain that to some middle-aged Chinese officials who missed schooling during Mao's Communist Revolution so they could work the fields.

This is one of China's great shortcomings; The lost generation of The Communist Revolution. Pulling kids out of school and sending children to the fields may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but now that generation is of the age to lead the nation in government, industry, science, and education. Sadly, many or most of them have a huge educational deficiency.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Gabe at Seattle, WA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 04:35:02 GMT

to Larry,
Wal-Mart is great. Guess who came up with the ide of "one world, open market, exporting jobs, going offshore to avoid rax, making bigger and bigger profits". You guessed it, an American and the amirican greedy business followed. Now eat what you have cooked Larry.
Incidentally the name of the person was David Rockefeller the then Chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank. He was the very first, advocating global market theory. While not all Chinese products cut the mustard I do recall the American auto industry's dismal record in the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties. Deservedly they lost half of their marketshare and my guess is that you are be driving an import too. That's for the "Buy Amrican" idea.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Gabe, Seattle, WA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 04:55:26 GMT

How about the Goodyear tire recall in the USA? 100 million tires as I remember. Defective products?
Think Chevy, Ford Chrysler American Motors and the "don't buy a car that was manufactured after a weekend" Remember all those "good old American cars" that lasted one or two years only??

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Aaron, Lansing — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 04:56:24 GMT

I like the moron up there who thinks baking soda is Sodium Hydroxide. Any first year chem student can tell you that Sodium Bicarbonate is baking soda, while Sodium Hydroxide, though it is used in bread baking, is also something you use to clean out your drain.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jess Paxson, Raliegh, NC — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 05:22:10 GMT

I have spent about 1 year in China located in an Industrial Park which was started 10 years ago. The Chinese officals are very intent on maintaining the industrial site and the surrounding envirnoment. Specifying certain requirements in regards to discharges, chemicals allowed and correct disposal. In certain areas of China the opposite is true as factories are left to manage such issues as they see fit. In most cases, in the factories best interest and not for society. Similar to the US, China will develop stronger infer structure as time marches on.. As the past 20 years have shown Westerners, China is capable of doing everything it desires. Until China reliizes the long term effects of their poor management of resources, the remainder of the world will sit back in harsh judgements. I have not found one Chinese that did not try to do the best job they could with the tools and technologies available. Given time they will correct the issues that have been so readily announced.. and as they do the competition will become even fiercer.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

RCross, Warren, MI — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:06:44 GMT

Sodium hydroxide is not baking soda, it's LYE, (used in cleaning products and soaps. It is very poisonous. Baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate. Much safer stuff.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jay, LA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:11:58 GMT

The author side-steps pertinent facts that this problem in China is not driven by foreign firms in as much as it is its own cultural issues. After all, there is little shame in Chinese business practices. There is also no real value on human life if it is someone elses needed to be risked in orde for one to make a profit. The root of this is cultural in that to be Chinese is to be opportunistic and posess selfish, shameless greed at levels that the West and Japan can not comprehend because we are less corrupt and have more of a sense of personal responsibility and shame. The incident about the bread the author mentions is but one small one. The author should mention more about past major problems like the poisoned baby formula, poisoned alcohol, etc... not to mention the scores of knockoff items of everything imaginable... all things that Chinese businessmen passed to the consumers for a quick buck, knowing it was either unfit for consumption or unethical.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

CA, Houston, TX — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:20:20 GMT

All you people need to get a life. The consumer-driven economy of the USA that allows most of us to have the standard of living that we do, is predicated on corporations taking advantage of low-cost labor and cheap imports.

You are all the same people who want your house to cost $150000 with all the bells and whistles, but want to run all the Latin Americans out of the U.S... Tell you what, stop buying the cheapest goods, only buy American, and only buy homes built by American workers. Then let's see if you're still on your high-horse. No, you'll be broke.

So, this is how the world operates in a global economy. Either get off the gravy train or quit complaining.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:36:21 GMT

Shut down the borders. Import only vital commodities, and get this country on the right track. The rest of the world needs us a lot more than we need them. Protectionism works, give it a chance. Besides, we have 12 million "extra" workers here to fill any voids in the huge job demand that would occur. Righto!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

AC, Cupertino — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:37:17 GMT

Jim of Colorado: Thanks for voicing a different opinion. China has the best and the worst. Don't forget that most of your electronic gadgets, notebook computers, and etc. are made in China these days. Does anyone know companies like Solectron, SCI, and Jabil? They are world class contract manufacturers make your trusted brands of electronic products from factories in China. For disclosure's sake, I do not work for them and not even in the same industry. I have friends who make products for US brand name retailer. How much do your think those retailers pay for the simpliest iron from China (ex factory)? The answer is $3.50. How much do you pay at the store? Get the picture!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Paul Anywhere, USA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:05:39 GMT

Yes, it seems that in the US we have become undeducated, unable to do simple math, think on our own, and understand the real truth, in the rare occasions that it presents itself. All of the common people in the world are the same, we all have to work to eat, have clothes to wear and a roof over our head. We are not the ones that make policy that puts undue burden on the general masses. We used to be a free society run by statesmen, not perfect albeit, but with far more values than is exhibited by most today, so sad, so very sad :(

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jayson Olympia, WA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:07:29 GMT

Sodium hydroxide is lye, when mixed with water it forms an alkaline solution. Sodium hydrogencarbonate is baking soda. I hope you people don't make your own food.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

vincent... shanghai, china — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:16:26 GMT

It's incredibly surprising to me to read statements that characterize china as "commies"... "red china" who intentionally do evil and harm to the united states... you inexperienced, untraveled, quiveling remote-control couch potatos... all u know is what brian williams tells you, or what u read in the newspapers... i suppose its not a shame when the u.s dumped millions of toxic medical products into africa, or the substandard tires it sold china for years and years... or consuming the lion's share of natural resources worldwide... or using 72% of the world's concrete for 3 generations... and the list goes on and on... u belly ache about tainted food products, or toxic pet food... "sweat shops"... look to your own back yard first... ever seen cotton being picked in georgia, or onions in arizona, or the terrible conditions of all migrant workers? this is not the u.s.'s version of "sweat shops"? when's the last time china invaded a country? i am a vietnam vet... please don't preach to me about china's military... the u.s. sits on a lofty position there... i have been living in china these past four years... teach at universities... i marvel each day at the liberties, freedom and independent ways of an ultra-modern society here... a complete reversal of "american freedom". i love america... always will... but americans seem to harbor a narrow view of the world... perhaps that is why only english is spoken by the masses... look to any other country... citizens know several languages... this shows you, americans look to themselves as the center of the universe... it was unfortunate about toxic products entering the states... anyone wanna claim responsibility for the 987 people who died in dailan in 2002 from rat infested peanut butter from the jiff company?... how about the 142 fatal traffic accidents since 2004 in nanjing due to inferior brigestone tires? brian williams didn't report that, did he? how many of you know that 38 million chinese died in WWII at the hands of the japanese? u only know what u learn in school, the boob tube and the news. we really need to take it easy on other countries, and offer help to each other rather than stone throwing. peace

‘Total Recall’ China-style

David, Washington DC — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:34:52 GMT

Please people, you want cheap shoes, cheap plates, cheap pots, and cheap everything, but then you go and complain about it. It's YOUR AMERICAN companies cutting corners here in China. It's YOUR AMERICAN companies bringing jobs here because Americans are obese, lazy, uneducated, and your unions want $50.00 dollars per hour to pack stuffed animals. It's YOUR AMERICAN COMPANIES, SUPPORTED BY YOUR LYING PRESIDENT, WHO DON'T CARE ABOUT THEIR OWN AMERICANS. WAKE UP AMERICA!! YOUR OWN PRESIENT DOESN'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT YOU PEOPLE. HE ONLY CARES ABOUT THE BIG COMPANIES THAT HELPED TO GET HIM ELECTED, OR SHOULD I SAY STEAL THE ELECTION. Take over the world??? Which country is bombing every country within sight in hearing for cheaper gas? NOT CHINA!!! Crude oil is in short supply but American oil companies post a record profit???? WAKE UP STUPID AMERICANS, DON'T BLAME OTHERS, IT'S YOUR FAULT. YOU ELECTED THAT IDIOT THAT'S CURRENTLY STABBING YOU IN BACK, NOT CHINA!!! Evil communist China??? How about America's own CIA and their CRIMES AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION AND PEOPLE? Bet you don't read much about the American government's crimes in the newspapers much huh? You have a King in America, an absolute ruler, don't be fooled. Dick Chaney breaks all manners of laws, he rules you foolish people. How did the company he was formerly CEO of receive an exclusive "no bid" contract in Iraq. Simple...CORRUPTION!!! This is only one of hundreds of his crimes against the American people. But who owns the media that won't report all this? Big companies, like General Electric. What is their main source of revenue?? NOT LIGHTBULBS PEOPLE!! Try MILITARY WEAPONS!! Yes, MILITARY WEAPONS!!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

CircuitBurner — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:03:04 GMT

Oh hell, of course ...
If I had just set myself up a money making operation in china , I would not see anything wrong !
I would even bring down my home country to make my poor
ethics seems less noticeable .
Why dont you just say what you mean ?
" My country sucks too , so why not make it in china ?
They are wonderful people who love their jobs more than stupid americans " .

Naturally ...

‘Total Recall’ China-style

tom callahan, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:17:01 GMT

What I like the best is my former employer had touted the virtues of value added manufacturing, lean manufacturing, and working harder, not smarter.

For example, at one time, it took a group of 5 people 12 hours to make 6000 units. Later, with automation, it took 2 people 8 hours to make 12,000 units on a bad day.

And, each year, we reduced costs with more automation, less expensive raw material, and less processing, so as to be cost effective with the competiton.

At the end, we were told that our strongly anti-union facility was competing with the Chinese, yet our jobs were ended up there.

It is heart warming to see the old stock American made products on the shelf at the same price as the Chinese made product. For, this is really passing the savings to the consumer.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Renegade. Monterey, CA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:30:49 GMT

Quality control has gone down the toilette ever since We the people like to pay a low price for goods, not realizing that we are paying a very high price for that item. Todays demand for X product requires the shelves to be refill a at faster rate to fulfill the market's need so causing the quality to go down. If you all remember back in the 80's when we bought at small businesses we were assured, and we were sure as well, although we pay a medium to high price the quality was greater than todays. And now corporations have been taking over by greedy and irresponsible people looking forward to make a quick buck pushing small businesses out and offering nothing for to much money. Manufacturing plants to meet the market demand neglect the quality of their product. So its all a redundant phase. Older generations of businessmen knew how to handle their product and guarantee it. I learned by my Father who still in the Market for over 47 Years down in Mexico, quality product and respect for the customers take you a long way. Better to offer great quality and support the National product and be there for a long time than a short period, end up having troubles with the law and clients. We have huge examples, corporations who looked forward to make a huge profit over a short period end up getting shut down for the way the handle business. That is a total disrespect for our older generations of Businessmen. I rather pay a high price for a great product than garbage, Know the person who manufacture it was respected and not abused. I learned this by working at Woolworth's, Sears, and small local businesses. I do blame part on Countries, People and Corporations for not following Business Ethics. Corporations should be more responsible. But again people should be prepared to pay high prices on quality product.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Mike Diamond — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:09:10 GMT

The world and the United States unfortunately is getting exactly what they are bargaining for. We are giving China every opportunity to rule this world, including the US, so those of you who will still be alive 20 or 30 years from now, better start to learn Chinese and be in position to deal with those attrocious methods and human enslavement. I wish there was only enough patriotism in the US for us to stop the theft of our jobs, livelyhoods, freedom and soon our entire country. WAKE UP AMERICA, THE YELLOW DEVIL IS AT YOUR/OUR DOORSTEP.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Ennie Olson, Park Rapids, MN — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:21:09 GMT

Larry, I'm interested to learn that you consider me trailer trash because I shop at Walmart. If you let me know where you shop, maybe I can come up with a name to call you. We live in west central Minnesota in a farming area. I am 63 years old. Our nearest Walmart is 15 miles. It's 45 miles to the nearest "big town". We own our own home and our own Siberian Husky. I read from 8-10 nonfiction books per month. I like classical music and jazz. My granddaughter is at the U.S.Naval Academy. Both of our sons served in the military to protect your sorry ass. If you are shopping for a car and the identical model of your choice is available at one dealership for $19,875 and at another dealership it sells for $24,000, are you seriously saying that you will buy the $24,000 car in order to prove something? What you say about me says alot more about you than it does about me. Ennie Olson

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Steve, London UK — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:42:19 GMT

I'm with Jim. Though the media has an important role in helping to protect the "masses" through their power to communicate unfrettered by government censure, they too pander to the worst elements (the Paris Hilton fanclub, etc.) Hey, costs money to get story out, so go for the sensational ones that will deliver the best eardership so we can raise the advertising revenue. As someone stated earlier, we all have choices - we can make our own (or your pet's) food and clothing and have Walmart go bust or we can spend our money only at the local organic store, or not. At least most of us have choices, and it will be our exercise of those choices that will drive the market. Regulations and such are there (or shouild only be) to help those who have no choices.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

E. Hontz, Washington DC — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:35:00 GMT

Buy buying American you are putting a poor Chinese worker out on the street. People work in these factories not because they are forced to, but because the alternatives (i.e. subsistence farming) are less attractive. One hundred years ago these factories were in the US, but through technological, educational and sociological advances these companies were forced out due to the comparative advantage of cheap labor in Southeast Asia.

As to the fact that the Chinese hold a large part of US national debt, that is just plain wrong. The largest holder of US debt is the US Treasury Department with something over 40% the majority of the rest is held by G7 countries.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Sandy, Trappe, Pennsylvania — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:52:52 GMT

Our consumer-driven mindset is as much at fault. If you stop shopping at grocery stores, Wally World, and fast food tire joints you won't have a problem. Buy local, buy American, and stop the rampant greed and "got to have it all" compulsion. Americans especially, and I've been one of those, have a sense of entitlement that is really quite shocking. We are no more entitled to the perfect services we've come to expect than we are entitled to use the world's resources to satisfy our lust for stuff. Caveat emptor--let the buyer beware!

During the pet food scare, the only one that was of any merit, in my opinion, I continued to feed my cats environmentally friendly products from local companies. During the toothpaste scare, I continued to use minimal amounts of natural products made by American companies. E. coli scares? No problem. My family continued to eat fresh spinach from our indoor garden and all the Texas rice, Pennsylvania beans, and New Jersey tomatoes we wanted--it wasn't hard to avoid E. coli. Worried about strange additives in your food? No a worry if you stop eating manufactured frankenfoods. Eat real food, eat it fresh, and above all, eat it local.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Steve Me. — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:59:17 GMT

I visit China very often too. It's not at all what I've been brainwashed it to be. The people are kind and happy. Something I rarely see here. I've never seen slave work,not in the cities or country sides. The family lifestyle is probably what I imagin it to be here decades ago. It's a pretty free country now. You can become anything you want to be.Just like this country,there are those with nothing and those with everything. I hope their progress never takes them where we are now. Yes,it's their turn !

‘Total Recall’ China-style

tammy, greenwood, indiana — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:15:59 GMT

wouldn't it be great if we could look in the eyes of every person who made our stuff and food ...to see if they really cared for us and then, we could show them with a smile or a handshake that we do appreciate their dedication to quaility sfuff.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Michel Floch — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:23:43 GMT

This is a health & well being issue. Any retalation against authorities or countries that find poisons or hazards should be delt with as an attack against humanity

‘Total Recall’ China-style

JT, Tennessee — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:31:44 GMT

I'm working for my company right now in China and they are more quality minded then our company ever was. If you want to blame someone blame the parent company in the states that want the least possible cost because they drive the process not the China manufacturer.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Chris, Tacoma, wash — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:49:14 GMT

Dont like buying a cheap product? Shop somewhere else. No one is forcing you to buy products from other countries except yourselves... get a friend to boycott with you and demand your stores start selling products that are made by people who get a fair price from their work and thus actually care what they are doing

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Bruce Drysdale, Numa , Iowa — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:06:28 GMT

If not for Walmart my paycheck would only be worth half as much. How about illegal aliens cuting our wage base. If American companies paid a decent wage Americans are willing to do all work, we always have, the illegals DID NOT build this country as the protest signs say and I resent them flying Mexican and other flags in my country, built by my father, grandfather and so on. They just want to exploit our hard work. People use to make excellent money at packing houses, now min wage, roofing, drywall, plumbing, carpenters, electrical work, on and on use to be high paying jobs for my family and now are minimum wage jobs done by illegals!!! And those are just a few jobs to mention. Americans should worry less about China and more about greedy American companies who are willing to break the law, screw the American worker to make more for themselves and polititions who are willing to sell out Americans for ILLEAGAL VOTES from ILLEAGAL CONSTITUANTS. No wonder we have to shop at Walmart. ADD another 12 million to 40 million people to our safty net and Social Security that I have been paying into for 40 years ans see what is left for us. Have we been paying this all these years to give away??? To people who want our country to be like Mexico and other countries? Why, if they are such great workers, do they not have utopia in their own counties instead of cardboard houses? It is INSANE to import a large uneducated, unskilled class of people when we are trying hard now raising our home grown underclass, especially our African American brothers and sisters, out of poverty and off the safty net?? People better WAKE UP to our problem at home. We don't have to buy from China, but they aren't trying to steal my grandchildrens future as our politicians are.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Mark Pittman — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:15:44 GMT

GREED

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Carl S. Clarkstown New York — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:23:40 GMT

Hmmm,
I'm not 100% sure but I believe that the lax and understaffed inspections of imported products at our shipyards carried out by OUR federally paid inspectors.
Why are we paying for our own FDA (etc.) AND theirs as well?
I say we tax every import enough to pay a large and well-trained staff of inspectors for these products and if this improves our trade deficit and the safety of our products (horrors) then so be it.
International trade agreements be damned.
Carl

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Karen Mazer, Lincoln, RI — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:33:44 GMT

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye or caustic soda or sodium hydrate, is a caustic metallic base. Forming a strongly alkaline solution when dissolved in a solvent such as water, caustic soda is widely used in many industries, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

R Smyth — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:35:58 GMT

FYI...high medical insurance are a result of John Edwards 2 america's. 1. Real americans 2.greedy ass lawyers that prey upon them driving up costs for other americans. IF IT WASN'T FOR JOHN EDWARDS AND LAWYERS LIKE HIM YOUR INSURANCE RATES (medical, auto, and home owners)WOULD NOT BE AS HIGH AS THEY ARE. Wake up people.....

‘Total Recall’ China-style

William Rivera — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:38:05 GMT

I see a lot of people that are sitting here siding with the enemy. Big Corporations are the enemy. Even if i wanted to stop buying crud from China, I can't. It's impossible anymore to find products made in the USA. Wake up America, Stop shopping at WALMART. They are the selfish ones. That 2% Of Walmart Raking in the cash are those RUDE stuff shirt CEO's, VCEO'S, And all of the other "Corporate Leaders" Within the ranks of Walmart. Get a clue people... Do not shop at WALMART. Shop your locally owned and operated stores and you will see a large improvement in the crime rate and the economy. Legalize Marijuana and make sure only American Grown is for sale.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Tas, Singapore, Singapore — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:38:37 GMT

Look people yo can blame China all you want but t is YOU the Americans causing the problems by buying the crap and by allowing yor businesses to move to China and turn people there into slaves.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Ted Kulin — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:39:04 GMT

I am a importer of stamping products from China. The suppliers we use all have quality conrols that are at least equal to and definately surpass mast of the US suppliers I have used over the last 30 years. This type of quality negligence is from pressure to lower prices by greedy businesses that are imposting these products. I am positive that these problems were known prior to export, if the suppliers chosen use the quality standards that are used wrldwide in business. Shame on the companies outsourcing and importing these products. It is part of their job to investigate and monitor qualiy systems. As i said they are only interested in the oh "mighty buck."

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Greg, Southeast Asia — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:40:16 GMT

Human nature requires we speak to serve our own interests. And that is exactly what many of the mad writers have done above. I live in Asia and from what I have experienced, the author isn't that far off. The fact is any free trade agreements are not meant to merely support developing countries; it is a way to feed the greed of the West. When an American company outsources to developing countries, the goal is to bypass the humanitarian laws that requires workers to be taken care of and consumers to be protected. Why? To make business more profitable! What would you expect of any poor girl who has barely enough to eat if you said, "Listen , I'll pay $2 a day, teach you a trade, and give you a place to live if you sew garments for me?" To her it's better than living with no hope for the future. So my friend's fiancee said "Sure." She slaves 6 days a week in 95+ degree heat to make clothing for someone to save in the West. Some would say, the jobs good for her. I would say, that kind of treatment towards any American would be faced with jail time. American's and other westerner's must be favored by God and deserve better lives. No? That's how some of my Asia friends explain the desparity.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Timothy Huff, Saratoga Springs,N.Y. — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:43:47 GMT

Gosh I seem to read that all the worlds problems are now causerd by Wal-Mart and China. How about looking at supply and demand, Americans seem to think they have a right to use up the resources and get them on the cheap. Then go on to blame everyone around them for the over indulgence on the grand scale. Look deep inside your own home first. Quality and greed are not compatable.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

John lansing Michigan — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:47:24 GMT

Who take s time to read all of these posts? Get a life people. You wnated cheap; you got cheap. Go to your Walmarts and dollar stores, but do not cry to us when you get cheap products that are dangerous to your or your familys health. You want to make $40 and hour but buy products produced by someone making 17cents an hour. Next time you go to Walmarts look around this is where your last job went. Suck it up.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Kyle, Greenwood, South Carolina — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:50:26 GMT

Hey Bill Edwards, that is why you are in Canada. We don't need people like you here in OUR COUNTRY, NOT YOURS. You should be ashamed to talk about America like that. At least I am writing and calling my Senators on this matters. Did you? What did you do. Oh yeah you tuck tail and ran. You are a disgrace. So you just stay in Canada and do your visits to China. Yeah some people on here made inappropriate comments, but yours was the rudist I have seen on this comment blog.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Chris, Chicagao IL — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:55:15 GMT

Everyone is so quick to blame China and us consumers for wanting low priced goods. But what about the corporate greed in America? That is what led to it being sent to China in the first place. Layoffs, cutbacks, anyway to save a buck so they get Millions in perks and undisclosed bonuses each year. All on the broken backs of people in this country who get stuck with their foreign made products. This keeps up their will be a world revolution like their was against monarchs in coloinal times.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

jared, Everywhere — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:05:07 GMT

Nothing is ever what it seems to the naked eye when we live every hour of every day within our own borders, just how the world hates us, we hate the world because of what we hear from our respective medias. The majority of the worlds people are trying to live the 'American' dream, I say let them! If it effects us adversely change it, you have the power as a consumer, have the integrity and discipline to follow what you think is right and proper. But what is that these days, we can't even exercise self restraint when someone sues for 3 mil for a bruise sustained in a fender bender. We've become quite decadent and this is why we are driving ourselves into obsolescence as Americans.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

China Law Blog — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:19:03 GMT

You are absolutely right to put at least some of the blame on the American companies for the dangerous product they import from China. Much of the fault lies with the American company's failures to monitor properly or to test. Much of this stems from an unwillingess to spend any real money on safety because the whole reason they are manufacturing in China in the first place is to save.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Lewis Munn, Roundup, MT — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:29:25 GMT

I have become very conscious of the manufcturer through a friend in Singapore who knows what the Chinese Majority say and do.
Especially how they treat minorities in their country.
I am out of work due in great mesure to the concentrtion in my field into huge conglomerates with the help of our federal regulatory agencies. My Singapore friend is out of work due to race and age discrimination tacitly supported by their Chinese-dominated Government.
My friend COULD and would like to work in the USA where jobs in my friend's field are advertised all the tim, but at salarues too low for Americans to desire them, and the US Immigration charges too much and takes to long to process immigration requests and work permits.
While the same government wasnts lots more Mexicans working, and winks at the illegals, and ourt Conress debates Amnesty for all illegals from one country, not those from others.
I know my Senator got a lot of his money from produce growers, and he is among those angling for a higher minimum wge for US workers and unlimited immigrtion to the US to tgake all the jobs paying less! Pricing US labor right out of the local market.
But people elect these Congressmen based on campaign promises to make everybody rich, and the priuces very very low, and they have NOT gotten an education in economics thru our government supported and regulated schools, so they bite, and wonder why all these mandted high-pay-if-you-are-a-citizen jobs go to the low-priced import laborers.
Crazy, but who said we were sne, I guess.
Anyhow, I avoid things that are cheap and shoddy, and emans I buy little made-in-China from Walmart. But sometimes, the high cost of US goods and the fact I cannot find good payuing work anymore, I have to bite the bullet, or not eat.
Depressing! But happening world-wide as I hear news from the people!!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Kat — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:41:15 GMT

Hmmm, well! I guess I need to stop eating bagels & pretzels as well as these are also (deliberately I might add) dipped in a sodium hydroxide water bath to give them the shiny outer shell!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

STEVE , FT MYERS , FLORIDA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:49:54 GMT

THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND EVERY U.S. POLITICIAN IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPORTING THE LARGEST AND MOST DANGEROUS COMMUNIST REGIME IN THE HISTORY OF HUMAN KIND. WE HAVE SENT OUR JOBS TO CHINA, A COMMUNIST REGIME. WE HAVE SENT THE VERY FOUNDATION OF WHAT MADE AMERICA GREAT (PRODUCTION) TO CHINA, A COMMUNIST REGIME. I CHALLENGE ANYONE WHO READS THIS, TO GO TO WALMART. PICK AN ISLE, ANY ISLE AND START CHECKING THE PACKAGING OF ANY PRODUCT. SEE WHERE IT IS MADE. THEN GO DOWN THAT ISLE AND PICK UP PRODUCT AFTER PRODUCT. SEE WHERE IT IS MADE. I'LL BET YOU NEVER THOUGHT OF YOURSELF AS A COMMUNIST SUPPORTER.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Ginger, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:50:36 GMT

I have travelled to China 12 times since 1980. I have visted many factories during my stay there. The Chinese government needs to stop coruption first. Many of the factories are profit driven, led by greedy get rich factory owners that have little regards to their employees. Stop blaming the Chinese factory workers. Most of them are from the country side, moving into the cities and working in unsafe working conditions in order to earn enough monies to support their parents and younger sibbings back home. It is very sad to see how these hard working individuals suffer. They would work 6 to 7 days a week, 10 hours a day or more, with only 1 week of unpaid leave per year in order to visit their families during Chinese New Year. I saw first hand how the living and working conditions of these Chinese worker led. And it is not a pretty sight. We in North America are extremely lucky to be living in here. Blame the greedy factory owners and the corrupt local government officials for the problems, but don't blame the hard working Chinese factory workers who put their lives at risk from depression, unsafe working conditions, unsafe food and water, long hours and earning about 1 to 2 US Dollars per day in order to make these corrupt and greedy factory owners and local government officials rich and to those who want cheap merchandises. Our governments, corporations and the consumers here in North America need to realized that monies and profits driven will result in many more cases like the tainted dog foods incident. We as consumers need to look at qualities rather than prices when we are shopping for goods. Being a Chinese woman living in Canada with a Caucasian husband, I am very fortunate to be living in this country. From my travels, it saddens me to see how others live. We are very lucky, because we have choices on where to live, buy, eat what we chooses.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Ed Sokol, Walled Lake, MI — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:59:58 GMT

To the guy from Vermont who would rather buy products made in China by a worker who makes 10 cents an hour rather than by a fat lazy American union worker for 20 dollars an hour I as you this: How many Chinese customers (from China) do you do business with compared to those over paid American union workers?
We spend it here! They don't! GET IT?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Simon, Portland, OR — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:11:40 GMT

It is unfair to abase the entire Chinese economy, if you disagree, then we should all be judged based on the practices of Enron. Over the last ten years, its growth has been over realized and business often exploit this increase in capital and lack of consume awareness. We must keep in mind that the American consumers are not the only ones being affected by unlawful practices; the Chinese populace takes the brunt of unsafe products. There is no lack of quantity, but there is lack of an effective watch dog agency overlooking quality. Chinese workers are not slaves, just happens that standard of living is much lower, and to the gentleman from Florida, your fear of Chinese domination is an exaggerated paranoia of globalization of the Chinese brand.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

A. Taillard, Omaha, Nebraska — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:13:54 GMT

MaryKay up there quoted what sodium hydroxide was from wikipedia. If she had read the article she would have seen this paragraph:

Food uses of lye include washing or chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables, chocolate and cocoa processing, caramel color production, poultry scalding, soft drink processing, and thickening ice cream. Olives are often soaked in lye to soften them, while pretzels and German lye rolls are glazed with a lye solution before baking to make them crisp.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxide

My husband is in China right now teaching Economics in a Beijing school. Their economy is transitioning into capitalism from communism.

Also, for all you bashing Wal-Mart: if the company were to go belly-up tomorrow, millions would be without a job.

For every recall we have of a Chinese product, we have for an American made one. Last time I checked, the Firestone tires I used to have on my car were American made. The ConAgra Peanut Butter I had to throw out was made IN MY CITY.

The media will sensationalize stories because it gives them better ratings.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

George, Boston, MA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:26:20 GMT

The greedy American companies and leaders are to be blamed, not the Chinese manufacturers. If China fight Iraq, it will get blamed for the rocket high oil price, but I guess nobody wants to talk about that.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Aunt Millie, USA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:40:22 GMT

Thousands of young Americans wewre killed and wounded fighting COMMUNISM around the globe because of the evil of it. Now look at the COMMUNIST who are runnig our country and our manufacturing base. They hide behind DEMOCRACY while turning the rest of us towords COMMUNISM. Old Indian Trick.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

jordyn amstutz, colorado springs, co — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:55:44 GMT

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxide for all the folks who keep saying sodium hydroxide is just baking soda...caustic alkaline substances...yummy

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Jay, Tampa, FL — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:56:54 GMT

Using pressure from foreign business is a lame excuse. Businesses around the world face these same pressures but most don't resort to the types of practices that the Chinese do. The main reason that the Chinese do is that their only motivation is to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible and they know that there will be no repercusisons for their actions.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Sick of it, Brighton, Mich. — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:40:30 GMT

Our politicians are idiots. If they'd stop paying our farmers not to farm the USA would have enough to take care of ourselfs. And they need to start rewrading the manufacturing Co. for keeping their business here that keeps the Americans working. Bring back all the products made in the other countries back here. We need to start looking out for our country and the hell with the rest let them figure it out. We have enough Americans out of work to fill the positions needed with out the ******* foreigners here send them back evn the legal ones. Stop giving them all the breaks and start looking out for ourselfs. It's hard to find, but I'm so sick of this **** that I'll only buy American I might be walking around naked, but at least I'm not supporting these other countries.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

e. Wick 17400 Stagg St Northridge, ca 91325 — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:41:40 GMT

some of the comments state to buy products that are made in the U S A , it is almost inpossible to find any,children cloth,toys, houseware (most companies that have good old American names also import almost everything from China) Also we are not aware what is in a product, where it came from, etc.. Edie

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Cory Shenyang China — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:57:06 GMT

I have lived in China 5 years now and I do not want to go back to the USA I have already brought 2 friends from home here and they love it. Better chances in the job market here than there was for me in the U.S. I actually thought about what I am going to type before I typed this. I am happy to read there are some smart americans that have not be brainwashed from the news still left there but it seems most of them have gone outside the USA. As for the "RED Commies trying to take over the world" Can you tell me what other countries does china have a military base in..... ummm.... none and what about the USA. ummm to many to count. If you look how much china spends on the military and how much the USA does. You will be shocked. I have found the chinese to be great people like the average joe in america that just wants to make a home and have their children grow up better than they did. And for all those people that say free tibet and the whole Taiwan thing. That was chinese land before and they will take it back and last but not least. I know in my city almost 80% of taxis and 75% of our buses use LPG gas when is america going to start using LPG? It wont because the people american have elected are backed by alot of OIL.

PS When has china ever attacked and took land from other countries after the TANG dynasty And how many western countries have attacked China??? If some day China does attack them it would be simple pay back!!!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Ripperjack — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:01:46 GMT

Just wait, after the '08 Olympics, the chinese government will collapse. Think about it. No one wants to goto an olympics in an impovershed nation? Where the people are up rising? Anyone remember when wal-mart used to be buy american? well those days are long gone. We had all better get used to speaking manderin cause when they collapse, they are going to call our debt, and then we can really come to appreciate what W has done to us. Thanks to all the gov for this one. Really though, it is W's fault.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Tom , LA, California — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:02:58 GMT

People's moral is biggest issue for this kind of issue. A lot chinese people are only think about making money and don't care about quality of the product.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Brandy, Texas — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:05:48 GMT

George, sure the american companies that import from China and don't bother to check it for safety are at fault, but Chinese manufacturers are just as much if not more to blame, they are the ones using dangerous chemicals to save a buck with total disregard for the lives of the people or pets who are using their products.

My question is, why do we need to import such things from other countries anyway?? Can't we make toothpaste and pet food right here in the US???

It's all about money with these big corps. and the government, the people come second.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Another Perspective, CA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:10:17 GMT

It is to my surprise (and distress, for that matter) that I found most of these comments inaccurate and demeaning to the Chinese. It is certainly easier to point the finger to the other side, however, as an employee at a biotech company, I feel compelled to divulge some of the truths about FDA regulations. First, according to the FDA, it is up to the end manufacturer (Purina USA, for example) to ensure the quality of the raw materials (the gluten from China, for example) that go into their products. Yes, the manufacturer of the raw materials usually issue certificates of compliance/quality/conformity. However, each country or region has its own pharmacopeia, which may differ in allowed limits of so-called "contaminants" and the test methods to quantify or identify such "contaminants." "Contaminants" in the FDA world can mean anything from a toxic substance (such as cyanide) to an innocuous process byproduct (such as fructose vs. dextrose). It is therefore common practice, at least among the biotech industry, to retest all received raw materials to ensure that the certificate of compliance that came with the raw material is accurate. We have caught many manufacturers (all American in our case because of the aforementioned differences in pharmacopeias, we don't deal with foreign raw materials yet) who have had errors on their certificates. If we would have just taken their word for it, our product would have been greatly compromised and a recall would definitely ensue (per FDA regulations). The quality control system for non-consumables (such as toys) is different, and thus I cannot discuss such matter. However, in the case of the contaminated pet food, I would like to hear more about what steps the FDA has taken to ensure that the quality departments at our biggest pet food manufacturers are doing their job. A practice many companies have taken is to send a representative to the raw material factory or contract manufacturer for a quality audit, usually before the product containing that raw material hits the market. All the attention is being pointed towards the lack of quality controls in China, but let's keep in mind that China IS a developing country and they are DEVELOPING measures and standards to match the European and American counterparts. However, just like America, anything that is or will be government regulated takes many years to implement. It is only logical to think that the standards in a sub-developed country will be either non-existent or different. The discretion of whether or not to buy such products is up to the buyer itself, in which case are our American companies. They chose to purchase these materials from China without testing them properly before putting them to use. With the former in mind, I wonder how come in a DEVELOPED country such as America, with advanced guidelines and regulations regarding food quality, contaminants such as the mad cow disease protein (prion) also gets into our food supply in the grocery stores. Oh wait, by the let's-attack-the-Chinese rationale, Americans are also communist and don't care about the quality of their products as long as they save a buck. Would that be a correct statement? I don't believe so. I am also not saying that all the blame is on the American companies that bought the bad Chinese products, but at least let's be fair in this dialogue.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

jean ladd — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:11:26 GMT

I have to agree with most everyone,we need to stop and smell the roses as in the future we may not be able to do that as the chinese will own us ..they have our debt,our property finances getting our weapons their military is increasing ours is decreasing(BEING KILLED OFF IN IRAQ),we no longer produce anything ,we import and outsource everything,we import our doctors,nurses,scientists---we cangive 500million in aid for mosquito spray in africa for malaria,but yet our people in the south suffer from lack of housing and services..what is the US coming to ,can we not get it together and become a great country again that people look up to ..not throwing eggs at?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Shafi Kaluta Abeid, Dar es Salaam — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:46:22 GMT

The best solution to this problem is to think globally. Chinese are exploiting resources from Africa. They buy them very cheap and import them to their country for production purpose. Africans give out these resources either by ignorance, by greed of some corrupt officers or by necessity because there are no best alternatives around. Without the access to these cheapest resources, China would'nt bother you that much because they would not have solid industrial base. Why then should'nt you reverse this trend?. How to do it. First ensure that Africans are given education sufficient enough to support manufacturing and service industries. Second, pump the continent with Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) so that the industries can be constructed in Africa (at source of raw materials). Third, export the products produced by your investment back to your base. This process will enable you to diversify dominance risk China is posing to your goodselves. it will also enable you to get even cheaper products since the raw materials will be fetched at sources and the Africans will be even less expensive than Chinese! In the long run, the strategy will work not only for your benefit but for the benefit of humanity since poverty and hardship endured by Africans is the scar that the global community is directly responsible due to colonial and neo-colonial factors. IF YOU BUY MY IDEA, PLEASE START YOUR TRIAL PROJECT WITH MY COUNTRY TANZANIA. IT IS A COUNTRY RICH OF MANY NATURAL RESOURCES. IT IS THE MOST PEACEFUL COUNTRY IN AFRICA AND THE COUNTRY THAT ITS PEOPLE ARE CALM AND FRIENDLY. IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ON INVESTING IN TANZANIA, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK www.tanzania.go.tz/government/tic.html OR SIMPLY USE ANY SEARCH ENGINE AND TYPE TANZANIA INVESTMENT. WAITING AND PRAYING TO SEE YOU IN TANZANIA SOON.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

DW573 Poplar Bluff Mo. — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:47:55 GMT

Perhaps we as consumers should pause for a moment or two and look at the price we are paying for saving

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Frank, Boston MA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:05:19 GMT

Of the 900,000 "tainted" toothpaste and thousands of tons of "tainted" food distributed in the US from China, so far spinach grown in the US leads the way in actual recorded human illness and fatalities. Food for thought...

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Dee Smith, El Paso, Texas — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:17:27 GMT

It is the job of our elected officials to protect the American people through oversite and legislation of the different agencies of the government that regulate food and product safety regardless of where the product comes from. THEY ARE NOT DOING THEIR JOBS!!!! Our officials are more worried about protecting the rights of illegal aliens! Americans can use poisoned toothpaste and give their pets poisoned food and drive on deadly tires and let's not forget if you leave the country you can't get back in without a passport, but if you are an illegal alien you can walk over the border any time you please and don't worry our elected officials will protect your rights?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

SK, Boston, MA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:18:54 GMT

I shouldn't be surprised but there are so many freakin' racist people on this forum! The Chinese and China have their problems, just like Americans and the US. Please distinguish between the people and the country. Don't go grouping all Chinese people into this corrupt, cutting-corners group because if you are you're ignorant. Chinese are probably the most hard working people on this planet. They will rise and overcome and not wallow in despair. They work hard, even for meager wages, and they do their best with what they have.
Yes, many products that have come from China have been recalled. But there are products that are made in the US that have been recalled as well. Look at:
http://www.recalls.gov/. Here are some recalls you might not have heard of:
- Illinois Firm Recalls Beef and Chicken Bases Due To Mislabeling
- Washington Firm Recalls Beef Products For Possible Contamination
- Dodge Ram 2500 2007 Pickup Trucks...equipped with 34 gallon fuel tanks fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
- Gateway Inc. Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard
Many of you say "Buy American". That's great to say but I bet many of the items you own are not "Made in the USA". The reason being that not that many products are solely made in the USA anymore. And if you haven't noticed, many Made in the USA products are inferior to products made in other countries when it comes to quality.
If you want to blame someone, blame yourselves. YOU are the consumer. YOU are the one who can make the conscious decision on where to shop and what to buy. The Walmarts of this world thrive because the demand is there. Who wouldn't want to pay less for an item that would cost 30-50% more elsewhere?
Another issue is that we Americans want to buy BRAND: Colgate, Sony, Levi's, Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, Heinz, etc. Brands cost more and when we buy brand we feel safer in the product. Well, anything brand is mass-produced. Anything mass-produced must be made cheap. Where can we get a labor-force that can mass-produce cheaply? Third world countries, because we all know no "American" is willing to work for $1/day. Many people in third world countries are willing to work those lowly wages because work is hard to come by in many of those countries.
Don't blame the workers because that is their livelihood. Cutting corners and producing an unsatisfactory product is not their goal.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Taillard, Bellevue, NE — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:19:49 GMT

It's amazing how quickly some of you quickly forget the many U.S. recalls we've had over the years despite the fact that you seem to believe we're oh-so-much better in manufacturing that the Chinese. Do not forget your lessons in comparative advantage, people: if we were that much better in manufacturing than we wouldn't be outsourcing many of our processes in order to re-allocate our resources towards sectors we're more efficient in (anybody remember how the U.S. was coined a "service economy"?).

And just a note, there are many nations where the cost of living is under $1 per day (the World Bank's measure of extreme poverty) that we are not outsourcing as many jobs to. It takes more than simple cheap living to make good trade partners.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Sanchez, Yuma, AZ — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:31:41 GMT

As I drove by a new Shpping Mall yesterday that now sits on what was several acres of produce I noticed a for sale sign on an adjacent field. We are selling our farmlands for shopping Malls and housing devlopments. It's very scary to think we will soon rely entirely on the Chinas of the world to supply our foods. We'll have outrageous prices like those for gasoline when there is a national food shortage. But even worse, they won't have the same standards we have for insecticides and quality, making each meal a possible health hazard.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

SGM, London, England — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:51:44 GMT

What a hoot! Where else but internet site like this can one see a debate between an FDA representative and xenophobic, conspiracy theorist who can only type in CAPS?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Lazarus Magdelene, Corpus Christi, TX — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:07:15 GMT

I hear alot of valid complaints. The corruption of our politicians, mass media, and corporations does need to be reigned in. Not just in America but world wide. This has been growing steadily worse over the decades. This corruption and these double standards are the true reason America is hated. Bush just gives them the excuse to publicly express their hate.

We have found that today's ballot box is ineffective when these corruptive entities can so easily and effectively collude in today's age of instant communications.

What we need is a leader trained in constitution law that can use their intelligence, expertise, altruism, and instant communications to organize and lead us into a strategy to stop this corruption.

After all, we are goaded constantly into giving up money for charity, allowing well over 12 million illegal aliens special access to citizenship rights that Americans themselves would never receive elsewhere, and a myriad of other abuses of our altruistic nature. These abuses will eventually break down our civility if they are not stopped. We can see it happening already.

How do we reign in this corruption? Maybe amend the constitution through electronically distributed and legally binding petitions? The typical American doesn't know what constitution law allows hence the American public's need for a champion and leader in this endeavor.

Anyone out there willing?

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Lazarus Magdelene, Corpus Christi, TX — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:18:17 GMT

@ Shafi Kaluta Abeid, Dar es Salaam:

Thank you for saying that. You are right. Also America should be doing the same in Mexico and the rest of Latin America.

It's no secret to anyone who has thought more than 5 minutes about the problem that the reason these 'globalized' businesses and politicians are arranging production in China is because they are well aware that typical Chinese worker is a slave of the state. Typical outcome of an unhindered Leftist government. We are seeing now in America the opposite effect: what happens when capitalism is unhindered? A swift decay of morals so horrifying that it rivals the worst sins of the Chinese system.

We need balance. Profit at any cost is not worth it.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Sully, Baltimore MD — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:23:41 GMT

Chinese goods are crap and have been for years. I am all for a global market, but the Chinese could care less if they poison pets and people in their zeal to ratchet up their once poor economy.

Everything is made in China, clothing, TOOTHPASTE (come on!) and on and on. If you want decent goods you need to pay for goods made in places other than China - like Europe for example.

Maybe if we lost our taste for greed in this country, and stockholders demanded accountable CEO's (with a lot less income and perks) we could once again become an industrial and manufacturing nation.

Companies use illegals to work; enforcement is little or non-existent.

Wake up people, this is only the beginning.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

David Powell, Cape May County, NJ — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:31:25 GMT

Buy American. At least when Japan and Taiwan were sending goods into the US they were well made quality goods. This stuff is shody or downright poisonous. They are cheating the consumer on quality at best and endangering health and lives at worst. The poster who said that life was cheap and that was the big export from the Chi-Com gov't was spot on.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

misty , oregon — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:32:10 GMT

WHY are we still receiving goods from china if all these items are contaminated. the USDA or whom ever is in charge should put a stop to all imports from china...then maybe with the repercussions they will take our laws a little more seriously. there is no reason we should be putting up with this. If we were sending contaminated supplies to china, they would have already put an end to it!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Michael — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:40:20 GMT

Sodium Hydroxide is Lye, not baking soda or powder, which is sodium bicarbonate. Lye is caustic.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

DW, no particular town, NM — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:57:27 GMT

>"they soaked their uncooked bread in water mixed with sodium hydroxide in order to give them better color at a reduced cost."
>I put on my regulator hat and felt obligated to warn people reaching for the bread.

Too bad the people who reported the story didn't put on their chemistry 101 hats. While it may not be sanctioned for processing bread dough in China, I doubt that using a little sodium hydroxide qualifies to food chemists as the use of toxic substance. It's used routinely to make canned hominy here in the US. You wouldn't want to eat or drink it full strength, but this sounds like a surface treatment that would be rinsed off afterwards. (NaOH is hydrophilic, so if it stayed on the bread it would attract water, leaving an unappetizing, gooey, mushy surface that nobody would buy. Since the bread did not look like this, we can be certain that there was not much left of the NaOH by the time the bread was baked.)

What should people think when I tell them that tons of fresh produce are routinely stored in acetic acid and the consumed by people all over the world who are unaware that their vegetables are sitting in an acid used in chemistry labs and industry the world over? (Hint: Maybe you look it up before you form an opinion.)

‘Total Recall’ China-style

nanci, niagara — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:09:43 GMT

At Easter I was in Walmart buying candy for friends & family, except for the Hersheys, all of the CANDY was made in China. I was so upset that I emailed Walmart. You mean to tell me they can't find affordable CANDY in the USA to sell in thier stores? I was appalled.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Enough is Enough — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:26:45 GMT

We can blame the government. We can blame the Chinese. We can blame Wal-Mart. We have a tendency in this country to blame any and every one but the one really at fault. That would be you and me. We elected our crooked government. We stand idly by and let our crooked government cheat us (working citizens) out of our jobs, out of future security, out of our privacy, out of our rights, etc. It's past time for a change in this country - from the hightest office in the land all the way down to local government. The problem is that "here we go again" - in my opinion, we don't have a valid candidate for the Presidential office. We don't need a Muslim/Christian - can't make up his mind, we don't need a Republican - going to bow to the richest lobbiest, we don't need a woman who couldn't manage to take care of her husband, taking care of us all! What we need people, is a hard-working, honest, ethical, no-bullshit, won't be bought at any price, honest to God leader. Everyone knows politicians are crooked. We don't need a politician. We need a business man. I would run, but I don't have a billion dollars to piss away on campaign adds and the last election proved that it doesn't matter who really wins the race - it's the one's with the political savy and crooked partners who will take the stage. Our forefathers are rolling in their graves at the joke WE have allowed this nation to become. We have gone from top of the world, to the joke of the world in 2 generations. I tremble with fear at the future prospects of this nation. It's time for a "revolution" for lack of a better term. It's time to empty DC of the morally corrupt, inept, big-brother, sadistic sacks of sh** that make up our government. It's time to put jobs back into American hands. It's time to buy goods from American producers. It's time for the goverment to get the hell out of our personal lives. It's time for the people to tell the government "HELL NO" we will not allow you to snoop on us, to plant bugs in our phones, to put camera's on every street corner, to strip search our grandmother's at the airport, to read our emails, to detain us without arrest, to burn our constitutional rights in our faces, to export our jobs to Asia, to send our mighty warriors out on a global easter egg hunt, to declare war on every nation, etc., etc., etc.! It's time people. WE - that would be you and I - need new leadership, new ideas, new direction, and new choices. WE have the power. WE are cowards. From the greatest nation, to the most cowardly in recorded history. We allowed our goverment to level the playing field with the "global economy". The only problem with that is that we were on top, and when you level the field - and you're on top, the only way to go is down! To hell with them all! If they are a government official, I can guarantee - they are not here to help you! They are here to screw you! Wake the hell up!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

BEN D. MODESTO, CA — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:29:07 GMT

AS I READ THROUGH THE COMMENTS. I SEE CLEARLY TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE. ONE GROUP IS ONES THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN TO CHINA. THEY ONLY IMAGE OF CHINA IS FROM TV, NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES. THE OTHER GROUP HAVE BEEN TO CHINA AND HAVE MUCH CLEARER VIEW OF THE WORLD AROUND US. THERE IS NO ONE TO POINT FINGERS AT. EVERYONE IS AT FAULT HERE. THE CHINESE OFFER US AMERICANS A CHEAPER OPTION TO THE MORE EXPENSIVE SIMIAR QUAILTY PRODUCT (MADE IN USA). THE CHEAPER PRODUCTS KEEPS THE US ECONOMY FROM INFLATION. IF WAL- MART, TARGET, ETC WERE TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS. NOT ONLY MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WILL BE UNEMPLOYED. BUT THOSE HAVE A JOB WILL SEE THERE PURCHASING POWERS SHINK BY AT LEAST 50%. PLEASE LOOK AT BOTH SIDE OF THE COIN WHEN MAKING A STATEMENT OR POINT FINGERS AT WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Gary Rich Denton Texas — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:40:25 GMT

I suppose the poor standards of imported Chinese food sources puts the American cook between a Wok and a hard place............

‘Total Recall’ China-style

allCANADIANgirl — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:42:23 GMT

I am only 16, but even to me the ignorance that abounds in the U.S. is apparent. I am half Canadian and half American. I have been raised in the U.S., but never have i felt any loyalty to such a country whose people are so plainly uneducated and ignorant. I thank my father (the Canadian side of my family) for pushing me to further my education past that of the average American teenager (or seemingly, even the average American adult), and because of that, I, a 16-year-old girl, have a deeper understanding of the global market, economic policies, and economic growth and development than many of the people who posted here attacking WalMart, the Chinese, Americans for not "buying American," so on and so forth. One only has to look at the atrocious spelling and grammar of some of it's citizens that have posted here to begin to see it(and that's without looking at what they actually said), many of whom who adopt racist, white supremacist views (maybe not blatantly, but certainly detectable)and attack the Chinese as the source for corruption. It's easy to say that the Chinese people are greedy and care only about money if you do not know the people themselves. Have you ever been to China? For those of you who say, "Buy American made," and, "Why can't we manufacture our own goods here in the U.S.?" that isn't how development works. Look at the stages of development. After industrial comes post-industrial, in which the focus of a country shifts from primary and secondary activities to tertiary and quartinary activities. This process has been observed in the majority of developed and developing countries and is the natural and gradual shift that occurs. The U.S. is post-industrial, so returning to industrial would be a step back in a country that is supposed to be about progress. If you really appreciated your computers and high-tech toys that are so popular today or your medical care advances that save thousands of lives every day or the farming techniques that allow farmers to produce enough to feed thousands more than they could before, you wouldn't say what you're saying with comments like "Why can't we manufacture our own goods here in the U.S.?" which is essentially saying, "Let's go back to the industrial stage." These technological advances were made possible because we no longer depend on industry and people can devote their lives, not to a factory job, but to the research that advances technology. "Buying American" is also an isolationist practice, which is the reason China is underdeveloped in the first place. The Chinese government chose to adopt isolationist practices in the past and as a result, fell behind in growth and development. Is this what you want to accomplish, to take a cue from China's isolationist history and create your own American version so that you can also fall behind and have to scramble to catch up?

"We have enough Americans out of work to fill the positions needed with out the ******* foreigners here send them back evn the legal ones." -Sick of it, Brighton, Mich.

In response to that, did you know that the unemployment rate in the U.S. is 4.8%, and of that, the majority is made up of people of ethnic minorities, not caucasians, as you seem to imply. Immigrants, whether legal or illegal fill more jobs than could possibly be filled by ALL unemployed Americans, no matter what race or ethnicity. If we were to deport all immigrants, it would destroy hundreds of companies that rely on them to fill necessary positions, which in turn would cause the loss of thousands of jobs provided by those companies. The downfall of those companies would cause the ruin of other companies that depend on them for goods, services, etc. and the losses would continue in a chain reaction that would damage the economy. So, thank you for an uneducated statement.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Denise, Honolulu, HI (currently residing in Shanghai) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 02:47:28 GMT

Everyone keeps acting like low quality products from China is a 'new' thing or a 'suprising' thing. 'Made in China' has always meant 'will stop working in 3 months'(regardless of what the warranty claims) or 'extremely low quality (toxic)...do not put in mouth.' I've had 20 years experience of living and working in Asia, 8 of those years, I spent in Mainland China. Why is it suddenly a suprise that America, or anywhere for that matter, can't trust Chinese-made products in the long term? Oh, and one other thing! America's so-called "tainted products" being held up in Chinese ports, is just China's passive-aggressive way of getting back at America for supposedly making them look bad over the pet food recall. They have to point the finger at America to try to distract themselves and the world from the fact that they KNOW they are in the wrong. And as far as the pet food is concerned, they do NOT care.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

CarlosX, Miami, FL — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 03:43:10 GMT

Yesterday I saw some American flags in the Dollar Store. The flag said "MADE IN CHINA" and looked real cheap.

Our own flag being made in Red China. It is like a joke.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

KAZ WYSOCKI,MADISON HTS,MICH — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:27:48 GMT

China exports trash to America and gets big$.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Kaz Wysocki,Madison Hts, Mich — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:31:57 GMT

China closed factories producing trash for america

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Muriel DeGroot-Chase — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:23:33 GMT

When I think of China, I think of the perepared duck hanging and assoted tables of pig heads, guts and all the body parts from nearly extinct animals from around the world used for medicinal prurposes, or not (perhaps for an erection or good fortune) In a word,different. China has a different mindset, akin to when chocolate in the United States contained lead and other poisons. When merchants peddeled their wares in carts across the country. We cannot expect to use toothpaste or any other health and beauty items from a country that does not have the same vision for quality and animal rights as we do.I stay away from anything 'Made in China' that is not plastic or clothing.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

C., Miami, FL — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:49:55 GMT

I think that we should not just assign blame, but accept that we are also part of the problem. Yes, the governmental regulating bodies in charge of controlling the quality of goods have to do their part, but there is only so much a government can do. We must educate ourselves, start reading labels more carefully. Also, it is because of the high demand for low costs in a global economy that these things happen. What do you suppose banning products from China will do? Some producers will go underground, many others will just go to some other nation who cares more about making a profit that they will look the other way when they come knocking at the door. All this Trade Agreements that supposedly allow the world to trade more freely and at cheaper prices are also causing the competition for market shares to drive some competitors to desperate measures if they want to survive. The small producers find themselves in a hole, because they cannot compete against the big entities and the government won't help them out.
I just say that this quality problems is not a matter that pertains just to a couple of nations, or even to particular exports goods. We also have problems with cars that explode when they are hit by another car and all this incidents have been pushed aside to be handled quietly by the big companies. Why is it that those companies are not delt with properly? If you let one industry cheat to get cheaper costs, all others will try to do the same. You can see the wide-spread pandemic with food, drugs, and all sorts of consumer goods. DEMAND QUALITY and DON'T LET ANYBODY TELL YOU THAT BECAUSE THEY ARE BIG WE SHOULD KEEP OUR MOUTHS SHUT!

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Chuck S, Seattle, WA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:02:08 GMT

Chinese haven't invaded a neighbor and taken land in thousands of years? In the 1950's (which would be, obviously, after the Tang Dynasty) the People's Republic invaded South Korea. Prior to their invasion, they, along with the Soviets, gave significant military aid to the North Koreans. (Who had no manufacturing base capable of making tanks, bullets, artillery pieces, or aircraft, etc.

The Sino-Soviet practice of flooding developing countries with cheap arms continues to this day. Africa is awash in Chinese built AK47s and RPG7s. A large number of factories/businesses in the PRC are owned by the People's Army. Should this surprise anyone? Had an 'Ah-ha' moment yet? It's extemely easy to exploit the resources of an unstable country! Just find the nearest despotic, sociopathic warlord and get him to barter for bullets. Works like a charm.

You write, "How many Western countries have attacked China?" Do you include the USA in that group? The AMERICAN efforts (such as the American Volunteer Group, nicknamed 'Flying Tigers') to DEFEND China in WWII from Japanese agression seem to be lost to history. I doubt you'll find any reference to them in a textbook in the PRC.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

AUNT MILLIE USA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 19:30:34 GMT

Oh, are we starting to get fed up with the internal and external destuction of the good old U.S.of A.? Will how about that.Soon we will wake up one morning to be greeted by NATO forces on every street corner. They will be here to repell any resistence to the New World Order that is beig rammed down our throats by the upper crust of the whole wide world better known as The OLIGARCHY. Look the word up in a dictionary.However, historicly it always boils down to which side the military takes. Do they side with their mothers,fathers, brothers, and sisters etc.or do they protect the Longshanks, Hitlers,and Chaves' etc.So, it appears that if our military decides to represent their oppressed citizens, they will most likly go up against NATO troops that will be here to protect our elected OLAGARKS. Oh, one other thing we as patriots should be concerned with, that being how swiftly all of the illegals and other American haters are able To assymble on less than a moments notice. They must have one hell of a group of enablers. That in its self should scare the hell out of any Patriot. Remember, History is the Light that illuminates the Present. As the NEWT man stated quite a while back,"We will give you the new Rome." Just keep in mind what went on in the old Rome.My new motto is NO MORE DEMOCRATS AND NO MORE REPUBLICANS. THEY ARE TWO WINGS OF THE SAME BIRD.AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY GIVE US. None of this stuff happens over night but it is a miccoscopic chipping away. If you do not put your thinking caps on soon it will be to late. In closing, China is comming, and soon.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Larry, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 21:32:11 GMT

Not "bread soaked in sodium hydroxide"! Heavens! Lye in food production? You should know that it's a common method for making pretzels, not to mention that lye is used in other food processes as well. I have a wonderful recipe that I use to make some fantastic, traditioanl soft pretzels. It's quite safe when used properly.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Dan, Ca — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 01:22:29 GMT

Of cheap things in China, life is the cheapest. That is because there so much of it.

China is the most successful country on earth because it is able to support the most people per unit area. That is what they will export. And unless you or your children (if you have any) can compete with that or can live like that, you will be extinct.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Margaret Bozzell — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 03:13:07 GMT

PUBLICIZE ASAP PLEASE!
SUBJECT: GREED & NAFTA are Killing Another American Town, that was Milton S. Hershey’s Dream & Philanthrophy in Hershey, PA. The town of Hershey PA in Derry Township was started & developed by Milton S. Hershey when he founded the Hershey Chocolate Factory in 1903. He also built a town for his employees, fulfilling all the needs of the community & providing for their welfare. His company grew & grew in products & size, with many subsidiaries. Mr. Hershey dies in 1945. Now the Board of Directors are free to kill Hershey. Now the Chocolate Company and its subsidiaries are being moved to CHINA & MEXICO. And another several thousand Americans will be out of work, and another American town will die, just as the towns in the south died when cottons were moved to Mexico. Thanks again to NAFTA, Mr. Hershey’s dream will die! Why can’t the Federal Government or the PA state government do something to stop this? How many more American jobs are going to go to another country while Americans become poor & homeless? Sincerely, Margaret Bozzell 217 Alhambra Drive Bristol, TN 37620

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Kathryn Evans, Green Forest, Arkansas — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 22:10:09 GMT

I'm 50 and a military Air Force brat who grew up thinking, "this is the safest place anyone could ever live, in the USA." These recalls are very scary, since most of us have to save a buck, it is tempting to buy cheaper, I've been drinking green tea from China for a buck, I'm still alive, so far! Do you think this will be the path the bird flu will use to get here? When Tyson's buy's chickens from Michigan instead of right here in Arkansas something's up. We are so used to being safe here in the USA that we forget to take precautions. One of my Chihuahuas died last spring were I was getting Ole' Roy dog food from Walmart, 1 vet said the liver, vet 2 said brain tumor, vet 3 said seizures, Cowboy died, don't know why. Now I get my dog food from a feed supply store. Also there is not enough pork belly money left to hire more FDA and USDA inspectors. And that's really scary. Another thing, the tainted fish and eel and shrimp from China,I bought a package of baby shrimp at my local grocery store for $1.68, all it had on it was the distributer's name and address not the manufacturer, it's on a lot of products, is that legal? You don't really know where the stuff comes from. We all just need to be safer. God save us all.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Kathryn Evans, Green Forest, Arkansas — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 22:18:57 GMT

We need to be more observant.

‘Total Recall’ China-style

Kim Huggard, Paris, Tennessee — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:52:13 GMT

It is one thing to buy cheap home electronics and furniture, but why has China got it's hand so deeply into our food chain. China is world known as a dirty country and yet the powers that be in our country feel it's in our best interest to purchase their junk!
I feel the China Free label is the way to go and who cares if we hurt their feelings, after all China is still a Communist country isn't it? They have no problems poisoning our food supply and then crying foul when we refuse their shipments!Bring back our own food suppliers to our own country and give up on this global market crap before something happens that can't be corrected. Wake up America and quit buying their garbage. If the China Free label won't float, what about the good ole' Made In America Label, I'd settle for that!