My Two Cents

Boycott Chinese Toys

Chris Farrell Nov 7, 2007

Another horrifying story about a contaminated toy made in China. Here’s the headline story from the Wall Street Journal:

Retailers around the world scrambled to pull a popular toy called Bindeez off their shelves Wednesday after a chemical in some shipments of the Chinese-made product was found to mimic the effects of the so-called date rape drug.

Sad to say, although it’s hardly surprising, but Washington is still dithering over what to do. So is the toy industry. The only power that will stop this epidemic of contaminated toys made in China is the power of the consumer purse.

There have been so many stories like this in recent months. Yet far too little is being done. The only thing that will get the toy industry, major retailers, and Chinese manufacturers undivided attention is a parental boycott this upcoming holiday season of toys made in China. Parents, look at the label and if it says made in China, put it back. And then let the retailer know about your decision. Nothing captures managements attention like falling sales, falling profits, and dsgruntled consumers.

I am a strong believer in open borders and free trade. But that doesn’t mean consumers can’t reject the products that are being sold them. That’s why its called a free market.

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