I say the same. No more Mattel toys for Christmas or birthdays or whatever, and that includes Barbie. What a bunch of cowards.
Here’s a qualifying statement from Mattel:
[Begin excerpt]
Some reports of Mattel’s meeting today with Chinese officials have been mischaracterized.
Since Mattel toys are sold the world over, Mattel apologized to the Chinese today just as it has wherever its toys are sold.
The U.S. Congress has focused its inquiry on lead paint, given its long history of interest in that issue. Mattel has told the Chinese, as we did the U.S. Congress, the lead-related recalls arose because a minority of manufacturers did not follow the company’s rules. In fact, Chinese officials have informed Mattel they are pursuing criminal charges against several individuals connected with at least one of those manufacturers.
Mattel informed the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee in a letter dated September 5th (available on the Committee’s website), “The magnet-related recalls account for roughly 11.7 million of the recalled toys shipped to retailers in the U.S. The magnet-related recalls do not involve lead paint or manufacturing failures by Mattel or its vendors, including vendors in China.” The magnet recall was a result of Mattel having adopted a new design standard for securing magnets in toys and retroactively applying that higher standard. To the extent that the Chinese were criticized for magnet-related recalls, Mattel apologized.
Mattel has always believed and publicly stated that our toys must be safe regardless of where they are produced or by whom.
[End excerpt]
I suspect Debrowski will soon be looking for a new job, thanks to his skilful handling of this matter. And Li will get a promotion for his skill at sticking it to whitey.