[turbo6bar]

No one ever said, "Damn, I should have never bought that tool. I regret buying good quality."

The past 2 years, A/C units at rental properties are blowing start/run capacitors. The shop I used to buy my parts from went out of business, so I called the repair guy to beg a freebie. I asked him why I was having this problem. Was the equipment faulty? He said the quality of components has just plain gone downhill. This blown cap was from GE, so it's not supposed to be junk (but it is). When you figure in my time, my tools, and the inconvenience for my tenants, is it worth saving a few dollars, perhaps even cents for good quality?

I don't blame the disposable economy or its consumers. It is the trend. I'm just a whiner, and I do what I can.

Porsche-O-Phile, Wal-Mart is the largest importer of manufactured goods. Most of that junk is junk regardless of the country of manufacture. However, you do have to realize there exists no "Snap-On tools" equivalent in China.

RickM, I do agree we should ship out menial jobs overseas, but success depends on the improvement in our workforce. If Johnny can't work on the assembly line, he needs an education, skills, and/or the motivation to achieve success.

China may very well become a superpower. They know how to harness the workforce and meet the needs of consumers. Can't fault them for that one.
regards, jürgen