On Thu, 14 Oct 2004 23:05:11 GMT, patrick conroy
wrote:

In August, the trade deficit with China climbed to a record $18.1
billion

I buy from wherever makes it best. If this is China (my titanium bike
frame), then I'll happily buy Chinese.

The solution to an excessive trade in cheap crap is not to buy cheap
crap. We're all too affluent - far too much property around means that
ownership has itself been devalued. How can you take pride in a piece
of furniture when it's just $25 from Ikea ? Have less - but have
better.