There are two candidates running for the democratic presidential nomination who I wish

were taken more seriously: Dennis Kucinich and Senator Chris Dodd. I've gone to Kucinich's campaign site* and I don't think there is a position he holds that I disagree with. Of course the corporate media dismiss him because he's a bit goofy looking, vegan and a bit new agey, but his positions are rock solid (and he does have the most attractive and interesting potential first lady). That said, Dodd is overlooked even though he would otherwise fits the mold. And it's a shame, particularly given his willingness to take positions such as this one: Dodd Calls for Suspension of Chinese Toy, Food Imports to US. It's just right to keep toxic products out of our marketplace. Period.

That said, maybe a formal suspension isn't necessary if www.treehugger.com survey reflects the mood of most consumers. The survey asks whether Treehugger readers are avoiding Chinese products. Only 23% say they will trust the market or have no options other than to buy cheap Chinese goods. Slightly over a third say they have always looked for well made products and local food (that would include me) and the others say they will now avoid Chinese goods--5% say they won't even buy Chinese takeout anymore (fear of imported food products, I'm guessing). I hope that consumers refuse to buy Chinese made goods until such time that true regulation and controls are in place. I would add that environmental regulation and higher wages need to be addressed too. Long and short, the Chinese government is going to have to do something, because while this administration will not likely bar entry of Chinese goods, the marketplace may end up doing the thing that the government should.

I am planning on linking to manufacturer's that sell products made in the U.S. It's one thing to say you won't buy Chinese goods, it's another to be able to find real alternatives. I am leaning towards also including EU made products, because the EU is anal about regulating products, particularly food (for example, genetically modified food cannot be sold in EU countries), and there are fairly strict employee protection measures in place in EU countries. If you have any suggestions, please e-mail me or leave a comment.

*The link to Kucinich's website brings you to a page holder with a link to his old campaign site. His new website "is coming soon."

Comments

[fairlane]

It's not just the regulations and potential poisonous products. Supporting China the way we do undermines our economy. The world's largest Communist country owns our ass, and if they ever decide to collect what are we going to do?

We are vulnerable right now economically, and it could potentially spook China if they think our Empire is beginning to crumble.

[gmb]

Fairlane: I agree. As one of our biggest creditors, they have leverage over us. Given that china has truly benefitted by outsourcing at the expense of our middle class....it's just insane. This administration and some others think every thing is fine as long as the shareholders and upper level biz executives are rolling in money, but the rest of us...they could give a shit. Well, given that consumers kept this economy afloat for quite a while, let's see how much these corporations make when no one can afford to buy their shit. GMB