FBT X-PRO 112A

[Dan Dare]

23 hours ago, Al Krow said:

I'm sure none of us are keen on encouraging child labour exploitation. But you disrespect so many nations and their hard working citizens by making such generalisations.

 

Where exactly are "these places" in the "Far East" you refer to where children are working 7 days a week for 12 hours a day, making high tech bass PA equipment that we consume here in the West?

 

Which Western bass equipment manufacturers are you aware of who are importing such kit without looking at the working conditions of the factories making the products they import? It would be good to know - I'm sure we would all benefit from the research you have done on this.

 

Ah, yes. The usual platitudes - I'm "disrespecting hard working citizens", etc, etc - trotted out by those who like the fact that they can buy things cheap and who wish to turn a blind eye to the reasons why it costs so little.

 

I'm not "disrespecting hard working citizens". They have no choice but to work hard for little reward. I admire them for it. I'm criticising the system that forces them to do so. Next, you'll be telling me that they aren't used to Western pay rates and conditions of employment and therefore it wouldn't be good for them.

 

I'll turn your question on its head. My PA and bass gear was made in Germany, the US and the UK, where I can be pretty certain that people are paid decently and don't have to work in a poor environment (relatively speaking, of course. Things can always be better). Have you ensured that the factories where your stuff was made are up to snuff, or are you happy to assume it was because it makes you feel better?

 

The issue goes much wider than just musical equipment. It extends to every aspect of our lives - clothing, consumer goods, food, etc, etc. I know it's unfashionable, "bigoted" even, but I look at country of origin for everything I buy. If I can, I buy home produced goods.

 

This is a matter of pragmatism, as well as principle. I live in the UK and therefore, I want the UK economy to be healthy, because that will benefit my quality of life and that of those I care about. it's in my interest to ensure that, if I can, I buy in a manner that does not see the money I spend lost for good to our economy.

 

Thou doth protest too much. I made a sardonic comment and you took umbrage and attempted to accuse me of bigotry. I suggest your over-reaction betrays your sensitivity about your own conduct, rather than anything I say or do.