Brian,
I have always assumed the Chinese were only supplying us with the plastic junk we requested.
They have the capability to make whatever we order. It is us..the consumer, that wants the best bargain for the buck.
If Sears is to keep its profit margin, pay the board of directors, pay its stockholders quarterly dividends and pay its CEO a huge salary, then the only place to cut corners is with a plastic jack made in China.
Every other company is doing the same thing, so the only jacks you find on the shelves are plastic. Your choice is now, which store do I buy the plastic jack from?
WE don't abide by this philosophy, but old bolters are a real minority! Even the reproduction mirrors come from Hung Chow...go figure.
This is the direction the world is headed and I don't think we can stop it. The VERY bottom line is still the dollar bill.
Stuart
