Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Letters Home

In response to a recent letter to the editor published in the Tallahassee Democrat, which I periodically check online, I sent in a letter of my own. My letter has been published in today's (September 13) paper. Unfortunately the editors, facing space constraints cut out bits and pieces, so I have decided to post my letter in its entirety here, for any interested in reading.

I must disclose that part of my argument was heavily influenced by an article I recently read (China isn't the problem), but I felt it was important to get the information out to others.

Here is the original letter that inspired me to respond.

American corporations and consumers have been taking advantage of cheap Chinese labor and products, ever since China embraced capitalism. Thousands of jobs that could have spurred our economy are instead shipped overseas so mega-corporations can save money while in turn overcharging us for items such as shoes, clothing, toys and pet food. Criticizing China isn't quite fair, in the same way gun and ammunition manufacturers shouldn't not criticized for gun violence.

As we head for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, it is time for the U.S.to take responsibility for its own failures in consumer safety and human rights, rather than point its finger at China. While China's human-rights record is questionable, it is our country that is abusing prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and thousands of civilians across Iraq. Our corporations reap profit from cheaply made Chinese products that should have been made here, where workers are entitled to at least the meager minimum wage, among other minimum protections.

Finally, one unsafe Chinese export has become a staple of patriotism in nearly every American city - fireworks. In addition to causing accidents, fires and deaths, fireworks add to our pollution problem, as countless toxic chemicals rain down on neighborhoods and bays after we've witnessed yet another round of pointless, unnecessary explosions.

And who profits? It's not our cities, citizens or schools. We can criticize China, but we must look at ourselves first.

JOSHUA FISCHER

and, my full reply

Mr. Fischer's letter on the recent problems with Mattel Barbies coming from China brings up some good points but also failed to mention others.

If China is able to produce certain products more cheaply than we are, the Law of Comparative Advantage suggests that it would be most efficient for them to do so. Instead of thinking that we are losing jobs to the Chinese because of this, we are simply shifting jobs. When we buy their exports in U.S. Dollars, the Chinese turn around and support the U.S. economy with their investment of these dollars (which are currently financing an escalating government debt due to the run away spending in Washington). Jobs are not being lost as much as they are changing from one sector to another. This is not a new idea, but happens continually in an ever-evolving economy.

Additionally, the recent fear of Chinese-made exports is being distorted by the media. China certainly has no intention of killing its customer base with dangerous products, this would not make any sense from a business perspective. While mistakes may be made, instead of a patriotic blaming of China, it would be more appropriate to blame Mattel. As a company, Mattel has chosen to have China produce some of its good and should oversee the goods being manufactured for their company.

If tainted Barbies were being made for Mattel in Florida, the rest of the country would not blame us Floridians, but would rightly blame Mattel for the defect. The same should be true for a good being produced anywhere. Ultimately it is the company that should be held accountable for the product it delivers to the market.

SCOTT KENNEDY

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