QuietMan
Member
I was amazed how long it took the FTC to be identified, but I tend to agree that having a government agency solely responsibly for safety is an oxymoron. People have to be responsible for themselves, if you try to save a few too many pennies you have to take responsibility for your actions. Mostly don't do with those folks again, and spread the word. Consumer Reports comes to mind.
Couple of other points that haven't been mentioned.
19th century America had a rep for producing junk. This is where the concept of old world craftsmanship came in. We got over it. BTW, as with American cars during the late 70's, we still occasionally produce junk. It take something like Japanese quality to shake us out of apathy sometimes.
20th century post war Japan had a rep for producing junk. My Dad commented on many of the exports still having the beer can logos on the inside of the cheap toys they were cranking out. They got over it, and are known for quality.
China is new to the free enterprise game, and they have a rep for producing junk. I strongly suspect that in time they will get over it.
I remember a story about a Chinese refrigerator manufacturer (under the communist preglobalization regime) making refrigerators. These refrigerators cost several years income for a typical Chinese family, and over half of them left the factory nonfunctional. The Chinese government solution to the problem? They executed the plant manager. From what I heard it had a salutary effect on quality.
Couple of other points that haven't been mentioned.
19th century America had a rep for producing junk. This is where the concept of old world craftsmanship came in. We got over it. BTW, as with American cars during the late 70's, we still occasionally produce junk. It take something like Japanese quality to shake us out of apathy sometimes.
20th century post war Japan had a rep for producing junk. My Dad commented on many of the exports still having the beer can logos on the inside of the cheap toys they were cranking out. They got over it, and are known for quality.
China is new to the free enterprise game, and they have a rep for producing junk. I strongly suspect that in time they will get over it.
I remember a story about a Chinese refrigerator manufacturer (under the communist preglobalization regime) making refrigerators. These refrigerators cost several years income for a typical Chinese family, and over half of them left the factory nonfunctional. The Chinese government solution to the problem? They executed the plant manager. From what I heard it had a salutary effect on quality.
