Iron Made-in China (the new Junk Kings)

My grandfather had everything in a home by the time the depression era hit. A few more modern appliance additions were made over the decades, but the old household goods lasted the family into the 1960s. Antique everything was eventually retired in beautiful working condition.

In the many years since, none of my new coffee makers or toasters have lasted longer than 5 years. My wife's $100 iron lasted but 18 months before burning up and out. How can you screw up making these common goods?!

Today we live in a disposable goods society - few goods are made with the long term in mind. Cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, and countless other devices are bought by the millions - obsolete on sale day but reaping billions in ongoing profit. Cheap cars won't last much longer than the warranty. Good cars are too complicated and expensive to maintain in old age. If we make a car that lasts forever, who will need to buy more 10 years from now? Quality is bad for the economy, apparently.

Do we blame the consumer, the culture or industry for the proliferation of failing manufactured goods? Who's forcing us to buy inferior imported goods? It used to be the sure sign of junk product was stamped "Made In Japan." Thank goodness the Japanese quickly used their pride and honor to make better. Korea has shown a penchant for rapid improvement as well, but for learning on millions of exported tons of real junk.

Now we're all looking at China - perfecting the business of imperfect copycat products. Everyone makes money selling Chinese goods at American prices - who can argue with them economics? It appears we consumers are no longer given the choice buy Made In America! The $100 iron from Sears (wouldn't return) was made in China - no doubt for about $5. No one in China cares what happens to the junk they make we buy - too busy making more and squirrelling our money.

Some day they shall give us our money back, but in trade for our land, used beads, and any items still in good working order.