Made in China
China is not America's Friend yet.
Current as of 9/9/07
"Made in China" is simply another name for "junk." We buy their cheaper products and how much are they worth in a couple of years? Buying all that depreciated junk leaves China with our cash, which, if they are smart, they will immediately convert into gold, silver or platinum and copper, which should maintain its value despite world currency depreciations and appreciations.
This won't be the first time China got our cash (cash which is
worth no more than the fickle whims of worldwide trust in the dollar).
The last time the Chinese got our cash was just prior to the Opium Wars
in the late 1800's where we forced China, against
its
own
laws, to take opium in exchange for our cash. You might say that we
and Great Britain were the drug cartel of the day!
The result was the theft of their ports–Hong Kong being one of them. The result forced the import of British and American trade triangle opium.
Looking back, you might also say we owed them one (if you don't count our helping them to oust the Japanese during World War II).
"Junk" best describes Chinese products which in my mind use low tolerances. Products by the same company can come with a variety of screw ups generally due to poor quality assurance and almost non-existent product testing. Look forward to throwing much of it out or returning it to the manufacturer if you can.
Unfortunately, this trend is supported by too many Americans speeding us on our way to National bankruptcy because we demand these cheap products to maintain their spendy trendy lifestyles. No longer do most of us choose to buy American. To do so would leave a consumer with few choices.
A boycott of Chinese goods, though entirely justified, is not likely to happen. More likely, the Chinese will gain more control over our markets as we go further into debt to possess cheaper and cheaper junk.
Less face it. We have poor buying habits and lack personal responsibility, both politically and economically.
The answer lies the personal decisions YOU make every day. Buy less from China and less in general is the best answer that I can come up with. President George W. Bush's rhetoric for America to spend its way out of recessions is neither healthy for you or for China. Abstinence from Chinese products will force quality improvements in the long run and support what's left of American Manufacturing.
