China Toys With Product Safety
Sunday, November 25th, 2007
Chinese Officials shudder to think tainted toys might tarnish China’s image as they prepare to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. The American public became acutely aware of the problem last August when Mattel was force to recall millions of toys manufactured in China that contained toxic lead based paint and had poor designs with small parts that could easily be swallowed by young children. Estimates are that about 75% of the toys for sale in U.S. stores come from China. Mattel’s actions only serve to raise awareness of the problem but hardly put a dent in the many millions of more toys that will make it to households around the world over the holiday season. (more…)
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul stands true to the libertarian credentials that earned him the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination for the 1988 election. Back then he promoted a global policy of non-intervention, abolishing the Federal Reserve and retuning to the gold standard, and stopping Federal involvement in primary education. Move forward nearly two decades and he opposes the United Nations, NATO and, as a Texas Congressman, he voted against the Iraq War Resolution. He has now expanded his opposition to the Fed to abolishing most Federal agencies including the IRS. Always a free trader he opposes NAFTA calling it “managed trade.” 
Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards recently escalated his condemnation of Hillary Clinton for the support she receives from corporate contributers. He has also criticized her for accepting money from lobbyists and, last month, stated he would ban lobbyists from giving money to any federal candidates. Not surprising from someone whose fund raising has fallen off a cliff forcing him to opt for public financing of his campaign. The plea on 
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf dealt a fatal blow to the legitimacy of his government Saturday by declaring a state of emergency and suspending the constitution. Outlawed is anything disrespectful to the head of state, the military, the judiciary or the legislature. Reports showing terrorist acts or their victims by the media has been banned as well as any statements by Islamic militants. The United States and other Western Democracies have repeatedly warned Musharraf against such desperate acts taken to bolster his beleaguered regime. 
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid brought Senator Dick Durban’s “Dream Act” [ S.2205] to the Senate floor last Wednesday in hopes of quickly passing what is a segment of the immigration bill soundly rebuked in June when calls from an outraged public brought down the Senate phone system. No summary was offered on the new bill, no hearings and no committee discussions.