China blasts Obama call for toy ban

[NYCGirl]

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/21/china-blasts-obama-call-for-toy-ban/

Angry Chinese officials are taking aim at Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama over his statement that he would “stop the import of all toys from China.”

The Illinois senator’s remarks, which came at an Iowa campaign stop Wednesday, were “unobjective, unreasonable and unfair,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters at a Thursday briefing. “Imagine if the quality of American products was not 100 percent up to standard. Could we take that as a reason to totally ban U.S. products?”

Members of Congress have demanded stricter enforcement of U.S. imports of Chinese goods over the past year following several recalls of potentially dangerous products, including toys tainted with lead. But Obama’s comments are the harshest to date from a major presidential candidate.

This is not the first time Obama has drawn criticism from foreign officials. Shortly after the senator officially entered the presidential race, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard slammed him over his opposition to the war in Iraq, and his calls to withdraw U.S. troops by spring 2008.

[Adelante]

1. Heh, that should hurt him

;)

[Deja Q]

2. If the US screws up, it's okay for foreign countries to criticize it...

When other countries screw up, it's wrong for anyone in the US to criticize them?

Two words: Bull. Manure.

(I refer to the "product problem", of course.)

[iamjoy]

3. What Did He Buy For Christmas?

Where were the gifts he and Michelle Obama bought their girls made?
I looked through the stores, and it seems like almost every toy is made in China. I was able to find a few that weren't.

But, the most popular ones are not made here.

All this fuss about Chinese toys not being safe is nonsense. If 95% of your toys come from China, then it is reasonable to expect 95% of your problems with toys will. Also, I kind of side with the Chinese in blaming our importers. They asked how cheaply the toy could be made and just took safety for granted.

Buy American because we need to save American jobs.

[glowing]

5. Well, if its anything electronic, forget about buying American.. we don't

produce nintendos and the such... Its much easier to buy for smaller children.. there are some good co. that make some great educational toys.. but for older children.. forget it.. Its going to take more than us just choosing American co...its going to take a tighter control on products being imported.

[glowing]

4. At this point who cares.. we are already in a world of hurt... If you set

up an economy to move us into Energy efficiency and real change... you revolutionize America in the economic, technologic, and "feel good" front.... Its FDR time, only Green style this time... Piss them off, hold them to better standards, and for the sake of all that's good, even if it breaks us in half, make them account for their actual economic worth... Their value on their money needs to increase... They are keeping it way toooooo low.

[Mend]

6. you don't have to ban anything....just have American "organic" toys the way

we have organic food...more money but a lot safer...buy less, buy safer, and the Chinese will figure it out and improve their standards. Meanwhile, we will get some industries back in this country.