Get a load of this. City council members in Palm Bay, Florida are considering an ordinance proposed by the Mayor that would prohibit the city's purchase of goods manufactured in China: City Considers Banning Items Made In China. When asked for the reasoning behind the proposed ordinance, Mayor John Mazziotti proclaimed, "We are losing jobs left and right to them," as well as the "complete lack of environmental, health and safety standards in product manufacturing in China." The ordinance would prevent the city from buying any items costing more than $50 that are manufactured or assembled in China or that contain more than 50 percent components from China.
First of all, good luck with that. My bet, if this ordinance passes, it's going to be a hell of a time trying to avoid products or parts having anything to do with China. Also, why $50 and up? Why not go all the way and ban everything? If you buy something assembled in China costing 49 bucks, haven't you handed your money over all the same? Seems rather arbitrary, considering the supposed principle behind it. I also have to wonder how many citizens of Palm Bay have actually lost their jobs to "the Chinese," or have been so deeply concerned about China's quality and safety standards... until recently, when the media jumped on this China-bashing craze. Alas, Mayor Mazziotti, it looks like you've given into the hysteria. Blame China! Everybody's doing it.
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