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The United States more specifically the Bush Administration has perpetuated the myth of human rights while the real deciding factor in diplomatic and trade relationships is money. China is a perfect example of how a nation with a deplorable human rights and environmental record is given privileged status because it generates billions for corporations who in turn pay campaign contributions.

Money is the common denominator. China's leadership knows by lining Bush's pockets they likewise grow richer without nagging political pressures to end slave labor, improve environmental regulation, and export of dangerous products. Enron paid millions in campaign contribution to buy immunity or reduce legal consequences. To date it worked for 98% of the officials of that corporation who cheated. Halliburton is making billions right now and is cheating and overcharging you the taxpayer all the way. Again, millions in campaign contributions to secure such preferential treatment and future protection from legal difficulties. China likewise has contributed millions through firms based in the United States but answering to 'Asian investors.' Why do you think Al Gore went to a Buddhist temple? Why was Deng swimming and sunning himself with Junior in Hawaii soon after the election? Money.

Some do not realize that when a young man joins China's army (which is compulsory) he will most likely end up working in a factory. Most seldom see or experience military training while work in an industrial setting is the norm. Imagine if American firms could force young men into the military and farm them out to work in factories for pennies a day? The profit margin would be incredible! This is one factor behind the 'Chinese Economic Miracle.' While in 1865 slavery ended in the United States its government and corporations promote it elsewhere all in the name of profit.

Whether you buy the Global Warming debate its a fact that pollution has an impact on our environment. In the United States firms were pushed to clean up their act. They were faced with two choices pay more in labor and capital to reduce emissions or move overseas. Guess what they chose? China and Asia are an exploding labor market where capital is cheap and environmental regulation is unheard of. Bhopal ring a bell? How about air quality in Beijing and Hong Kong? Follow the trail and you find firms headquartered in the United States with manufacturing in nations like China that ignore environmental concerns for profit.

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