At some point do black helicopters begin circling when people discuss China's use of lead in toys destined for the U.S.? (see article on lead paint)

Enough already with talk of building the Chinese economy through trade. Manufacturers have known of the risk of lead in paint for decades. Is it at least remotely possible there is, at a minimum, a total disregard for the safety and health of American children?

Perhaps our congress should institute a ban on all toy imports from China until this issue is resolved.

If a company within the United States used lead paint there would be boycotts, congressional action and possible criminal charges.

China is one of the most dangerous, least tolerant countries in the world. We send billions upon billions of dollars to China every year while the Chinese government impedes the sale of American goods. See Statistics on China - U.S. trade deficit and 2005 Govt Study and Economist Article on China Trade Barriers.

Every dollar we send to China aids in the support of a dictatorial regime that would jump at the chance to harm the United States. The corporate trade with China is short-sighted and not in our country's long term interests. Until China shows some sign of accepting democratic reform our government should develop trade policy to discourage the importation of Chinese goods.

And speaking of China- let's hear it for a free Taiwan! (See article from Taipei Times) Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian should receive a Nobel Peace prize for not agreeing to accept Beijing's "One China" offer.