"So the only reason why you can buy that stuff manufactured in China cheaper is because of a combination of lack of respect for human beings, sloppy environmental controls and unsafe work place practices."<p>I wonder if it is so easy, though. I don't like the bad conditions in factories and exploitation of labor. On the other hand, if the alternative is no factories and no work, perhaps the awful factory is the better option? It's not as if those workers would go home to their luxury weekend lofts if the factories would be shut down.<p>Just a thought to throw into the ring - I am not sure what is wrong or right in this case (unless you look at the bigger picture, political system or whatever is causing poverty).