The problem with China lies in the fact that they have, basically, no environmental regulations. Public television, PBS, has done two programs on China; their environment and their economy. They have reported that all of the world's major car manufacturer's have plants there, making cars, (Volkswagen, General Motors, ect...). Get this: none of those vehicles would pass the emissions standards in their own countries!
So, I'm against doing business in China. It's not about waving the flag, it's not about the impact of local jobs, it's about the gross exploitation and money before morals.
You may get all excited about these cheap products, but it's a disaster for the rest of the planet. Gear made in China doesn't have to pass any environmental regulation like they do here in the US or the EU. Manufacturers in China can use any solvents, paints and chemicals they please. You might think it's groovy that you can get a tube mic for $199 but it sucks for the rest of us and it will really suck for your kids.
There used to be a speaker company not far from me that had 2 buildings across the freeway from each other. One building was located in that city's jurisdiction and housed the finished goods and offices. The other building, across the freeway was in an unincorporated area. That was where they built the speaker cabinets and used solvents and chemicals that weren't allowed in the city 100 feet away. I always thought this company sucked.
We all want to better our society. The decisions we make today are going to have to reach higher. Buy only from companies that don't rape the planet.
