Still reeling from the "lead painted (in some circles 'lead tainted') Hot Wheels/toys scandal," Wal-Mart has been caught selling, yet, another hazardous product made in China. But instead of toys, this time we're talkin' footwear, the flexible, flippery, floppery kind. It turns out Wal-Mart has been selling (you won't believe it) tainted flip flops. Wearers of the fiery footwear have reported experiencing chemical burns as a result. Who knew? I'm glad you asked, because Wal-Mart, Ho Chi Mart, whatever they're calling themselves these days, apparently did receive complaints on the nefarious foot apparel and continued to sell it anyway.

You're, no doubt, wondering why they continued to sell the flip flops? Because with the many millions of pairs Wal-Mart has sold, they claim they only received ten complaints. However, Wal-Mart's assertion is being contested by Kerry Stiles of Oklawaha, Florida. Stiles has, herself, suffered from severe chemical burns subsequent to wearing the flip flops and has a web page dedicated to telling her story. She also has numerous well documented accounts of people who experienced chemical burns as a result of wearing the flip flops.

When the story finally broke in the press, Wal-Mart allegedly removed the offending footwear from the shelves.

Aside from Wal-Marts effrontery, maybe now my friends will understand why I check the "Made in…" labels on my purchases, and why I don't buy anything made in China if I can help it. My "forward thinking" economic global-Nazi friends used to laugh at me for being so anal about this stuff; but they're not laughing now, and you know why dear reader…most of them are flip flop wearing Wal-Mart worshipers, or at least initiates into the cabal of free trade.

For those of you who may have forgotten, allow me to remind you why globalism is "good" and why free trade with China is even "better" for America:

1. Deindustrialization
2. No longer self sufficient
3. Loss of National Sovereignty
4. Devaluation of the American dollar
5. Loss of jobs
6. Further weakening of Social Security and Medicare
7. Increase in public pressure for federally funded national health care
8. Eroding of agriculture (farming)

And you thought "protectionism" was a dirty word.

1. 

   Kerry S.

   January 20, 2009 at 2:48 am

   Hey Chad,
   Nice job. Although I do like your flip flop photo much more than mine…:)
   Please keep checking the made in tags, no matter who laughs at you. Thanks for putting this out there, I just stumbled across it. Hopefully someone will read it and like us, check the tags!!
   Be safe always,
   Kerry

   Reply
2. 

   Chad Phillips

   January 20, 2009 at 4:42 am

   Kerry,
   You honor us with your presence here. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I hope that you’re doing well despite your brush with the evil empire. Let me know when your photography site is ready and I’ll add it to our weblink page.
   Stay strong,
   Chad

   Reply