Batman & Barbie, bad for you

Today is my daughter's birthday. My wife went to the store last night to let my son pick out a gift for his sister's birthday. While they were at the store, I received a call from the grandparents who were standing in a Target store-asking for an opinion on what to buy. They said the shelves were pretty empty.

My wife came home and said the same thing. Was it the latest toy recall? I couldn't help but notice all of the toys in our house on the recall list as I scrolled, and scrolled and scrolled down the long list of Polly's, Batmans and Barbies up for recall. Toys from China: I think we need to lay blame not on China, but on our own American creed of cheaper is best.......always low prices, always (where have I heard that?). Frankly, Wal-Mart has forced this upon us-if American companies want to compete with the Chinese in toy production, they need to do it cheaper-which means, out-sourcing to China. It's a slippery slope that leads to substandard products. As you've probably guessed already, I'm not a big fan of Wal-Mart.

I have another theory........it just may be China's way of creating an atmosphere of discontent among our children-for the capitalist, democratic way of life. Then they'll swoop in and solve our problems with their communist system. Hmmmmm.......