What's Up With China?

"What is this, like the 8,000th product from China to have lead in it? ...Why don't they just sell lead? Wouldn't that be easier?" - Jay Leno, The Tonight Show

There have been so many tainted products imported from China - from pet food to toys - that it's no wonder so many are calling for an outright boycott of goods made in China. Not to mention that some of the money we spend on Chinese goods goes into supporting an oppressive regime, and very little - if any - goes to the people who actually make the products.

Unfortunately it's easier said than done to boycott China. Just about every manufactured item on our store shelves is made in China. It's not like we have a whole lot of choice when the retailers only sell stuff imported from China.

You have to compliment China on their explosive economic growth. It's a lot like post-industrial revolution America when we produced a lot of stuff for ourselves and the world. And yes, some of those products were unsafe, too. The only difference is that we know better now what is safe and not safe. The Chinese should know better, too. So what is up with China?