My friend Nicole sent me an interesting article from Reuters on our government’s “actions” toward finding a solution to the “china import problem” we are now facing. Because of its 3 page length I will simply pull some quotes out for you and add in my two cents. If you would like to read the whole article please do.

Article by Missy Ryan- Reuters

The Bush administration will recommend steps in November to ensure the safety of imports, the head of a new safety panel said on Friday, as it seeks to restore public confidence shaken by a rash of dangerous goods from China.

Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, who heads the panel created by President George W. Bush last month, told reporters his commission would follow a broad-brush report due on Bush’s desk on September 17 with a more detailed set of recommendations in mid-November.

So far so good, they are acknowledging the problem and have decided to research possible approaches. I will be very curious to see what they come up with.

The move to bolster U.S. import safety comes after a series of product scandals that have raised consumers fears about adulterated toothpaste, seafood and other goods.

This week, U.S. toy maker Mattel Inc. recalled millions of Chinese-made toys containing lead paint.

Leavitt, who has been touring the United States in recent weeks to check import and food sites, will make at least two visits to China before the end of this year.

With all due respect to both Leavitt and the President’s administration, I believe the problem with China runs so deeply that visiting them will prove to change nothing. I’m not saying they shouldn’t do it anyway. The Chinese KNOW these things are wrong. The fact is they do it to get the business. They cut corners to save cost. They will have their best faces on with a visit from an official from the US government. And they will smile and not I’m sure. Let’s just say I’m not putting any, “Oh great I feel so much better now” faith in it.

With the volume of goods pouring across U.S. borders growing — worth nearly $2 trillion in fiscal 2006 — the Bush administration says it is impossible to check every single plastic doll, apple, or bottle of aspirin.

I absolutely agree with that. Throwing more money, more inspectors probably will fix nothing. The volume of product is far too great.

Instead, officials are looking for more stringent oversight before goods leave other country’s shores.

“We will not be able to inspect our way to food and import safety … it has to be built in at every part of the product chain,” Leavitt said.

I find this unrealistic. We have little to no control or means for accountability to make sure countries are shipping untainted product. They are half a world away! (because that way it is nice and easy to turn a blind eye to all the corners they cut to give us that ridiculously low price- ignorance is bliss.) I really wish SOMEONE would look at this problem without political eyes, or without the eyes of “let’s make the government dish out a ton more money”.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, speaking alongside Leavitt, said he sees a major role for private companies, such as shippers, in checking goods.

He promised aggressive prosecution of those in the United States and beyond who break the rules.

The administration also sees hope in new technology, such as computerized spectrometers that can detect mercury or arsenic in food. Leavitt suggests that checkout-aisle savings cards might help track tainted food when recalls occur.

Those ideas would both be interesting to hear more about. I’m not sold on it,, but I also would like to hear more, maybe these steps could help?

But many lawmakers are unimpressed with the administration’s response. Sen. Christopher Dodd, a Democratic presidential contender, pressed Bush this week to temporarily ban food, toys and pet food from China.

In a speech in Little Rock, Arkansas, St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank President William Poole said the safety worries must not be allowed to create barriers to trade.

“My concern is that certain groups will attempt to use concerns over safety and job loss to restrict imports and thereby pursue an agenda of economic isolation in an increasingly globalized world.”

Wow- not sure I agree with either extremes. I do think we need to start producing less and less in China, ideally, not at all! But I don’t think it should necessarily be a government mandate. Being pro-limited government I just don’t like the smell of that. I know we have done that before (look at Cuba,) but as of yet, I have not really been convinced FORBIDDING trade is the right approach.

On the other end, I think fearing that doing such a thing would isolate in an increasingly globalizing world is not valid. The fact is, We have too much to offer other countries for them not to want to deal with us, have our medicines and such. As a country we are far too dependent on other nations in my opinion. Our oil comes from the middle east, Venezuela- and other places that HATE us. And our products come from China and other countries that hate us. Someone please tell me why this dependence is healthy?

Leavitt called for better understanding in China of U.S. expectations. “We want to have confidence in the process they use to assure quality of their exports,” Leavitt said.

LEVITT! China knows exactly what the US wants…. cheap prices…. this is hit into their heads over and over. We may be saying with our moths “give us safe product!” while our actions “can you beat this price?” Say, “give me that price no matter what the cost.”

I really don’t believe this problem can be solved best on a government level. This is something the citizens (power to the people!) have to deal with. That’s us! If we take away demand and say we would rather have less at a fair price than violate human lives and put our own at risk by buying from manufacturers the companies have little to no control over! Our mindset has to completely change. We need to simplify. When did we become so hoarding?

I am not being self-righteous. These are the very questions that have caused an overhaul of my lifestyle over the last months. I grew up with money and most of my life have had just about everything I have wanted. Shopping medicated me! But I just got to the point where I can not do it any longer. I don’t need it! I finally got sick of myself! And you know what- it was not the completely terrorizing process I always thought it would be. I feel fine, content actually!

One person taking this step seems so very small. But a countries mindset changing has to happen one person at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed thinking your small actions can’t make a difference. They play a crucial part!

Trackback URI | Comments RSS