CHINAâS MINSTER OF TRADE EXECUTED FOR FAULTY PRODUCTS
The New York Times reported today that China has put its top food and drug regulator to death for accepting cash payments to approve untested drugs for sale to the public. According to the Times, China is concerned that a recent spate of news reports involving defective and dangerous products (toothpaste, pet food, car tires etc.) has damaged its global reputation for the production of consumer goods. China, with its already poor reputation for product safety, has no national program for evaluating or recalling defective products, and only the most rudimentary system to allow consumers to seek compensation for product injuries.
It has been well understood for centuries among civilized societies that the purpose of the law and a properly functioning legal system is to assure that disputes are resolved with reason and not violence. One must ask if China had a reasonable system to hold manufacturers responsible for the damage they do to others whether it would be necessary to execute a bureaucrat to enhance their business reputation.
Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes the injustice inherent in Chinaâs business model. According the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, this sort of "business friendly climate" is just what this country needs. In fact, based on draconian "reforms" they were able to put in place with their friend John Engler, and the absurd expansion of those protections being crafted and installed by our current Supreme Court, Michigan residents no longer have the right to hold drug manufacturerâs responsible for defective medicines and the ability to seek justice in the Courts for injuries caused by unsafe products has been all but eliminated. Not satisfied, the Michigan Chamber is now proposing a second set of legal changes that would all but slam the doors of Michigan Courts to citizens seeking justice.