While U.S. media continue to rail against the Made in China label, with their executives denying any real responsibility for (possibly) the death of infants, the non-regulated Chinese market continues to teach its hard lesson.
Zhang Shuhong, whose Lee Der Industrial Company in Guangdong made the Fisher-Price toys recalled last month after his best friend sold the company lead-based paint used on the toys, hung himself in his workshop. His name is also spelled Cheung Shu-hung, has a partner who remains alive.
This follows the execution of Zheng Xiaoyu, who was head of the country’s Food and Drug agency.
These are examples Americans should take notice of.
China does not have a sophisticated regulatory regime which inspects
plants, assures their safety, and protects the public. The U.S. is
supposed to have that. But with the Bush Administration having
systematically dismantled the regulatory system over the last six
years, do we, still?
When an American official takes a bribe, or makes a decision which
can result in the deaths of innocents and the humiliation of the entire
country, what is the proper penalty?
We are likely to find that out soon enough. If we don’t go hard on
these criminals is the Made in USA label going to retain its meaning?
Yes, we could prevent all this with proper regulation, with proper inspections, and with an honest bureaucracy. But you dismantled all that, Mr. Businessman.
And now you should pay with your life. Unless, of course, you lack the honesty and courage of a Chinaman.
