While I don't wish this thread to become purely political, yes, I do think there is politics involved and addressing that might be ok in some ways. A bit of background information of economy and such is good for all. Helps us think.

With that said, part of the problem I think lies in that, for the USA and it's allies, a decision was made to not buy products from countries that did not trade with Israel. At that time nearly all our cloth-type products came from Pakistan, a country that refused to trade with Israel. I can't think of what all was involved with other countries in similar status. The fast shift to a country that would trade might have been caused this rush to crank out unsuitable products. The USA, I know, has had lead standards since the late 70s. It appears that we didn't even have a lead standard agreement with China until 2006? I could be mistaken. Even so, this is 2007.

I agree the American public is not outraged enough yet. I guess they never will be if the assault has been on the things we love: children and pets. But what of the other countries involved too? Canada has been affected just as we have here. Other third world countries have too, but may not have the capability to complain and make demands. Which is all the more reason for the USA and Canada to, imo.

Yes, the investors are behind the wheels on this. Which is exactly my point: a boycott of everything made in China, everything you can possibly NOT buy is the only way to send this message back home, imo.