China

Sure, we have heard a lot lately about the foods and toys from China laden with a variety of toxins and tonics that have shocked the public. I think about my kids just like everyone else and wonder how bad it is. Or how bad it could get. We hear about journalists being detained for questioning the products at factories in China and being harassed on city street corners. It seems like something new is being recalled every day.

But is anyone really that surprised? This a 'developing democracy' but let's be real. This is a communist country with only a capitalistic veneer of democracy. A capitalism run by the factory bosses who listen to no one and the communist leaders meet in their politburo of lies.

These moments are rare lately, but I was proud of George Bush the Younger this week. He put a new face on the lies of China by standing proud next to the Dalai Llama of Tibet. As part of this week's celebration of the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Llama, President Bush met with the Dalai Llama, despite protests from China. China still occupies Tibet and the Dalai Llama reacted to the threats of 'grave consequences' with his usual calm, saying "that always happens."

I don't want to get carried away with boycotts on toys and other products, especially when there are American companies that are managing the production of some of those products that are entering our market. Perhaps they are the ones that need talking to, the ones that need a product boycott?

But there are other reasons to boycott Chinese products. Tibet, human rights abuses, press freedom, the list goes on. The Chinese government said there would be consequences if the Dalai Llama is so honored. What consequences? More poisonous toys sent to the world's children? More tainted food to the people of the world?

China continues to be a trading partner and ally of convenience for our politicians. But I don't think it is convenient to ignore the 'real' China. Not convenient at all.