Don't drink from *this* hose...
I just got back from the hardware store. I'd intended to buy an inexpensive garden hose. I purchased a 15' model that was less than $10, because our yard is small and I don't intend to use it hard. I thought that'd be ok. On my way back, I looked at the fine print on the tag, which I'll accurately paraphrase here:
"Do not drink from this hose. Wash hands after use. This product contains lead, and other hazards known to the State of California, to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Manufacturer's sole liability is to replace any product with a manufacturing defect, no other liability of any kind will be assumed by manufacturer. Colorite Plastics, Garfield, NJ. Made in China"
I immediately took it back.
Why? Well, A) I don't want to support a company that would sell such a product. B) I don't want to water my garden or veggies with anything like that, and C....
Ah, C.
C) How long before safe products are out of the price range of the poor? This was the only hose less than $10. All the others for sale had no such warning, but were over $20. I can go back when I have more $ on me and buy a "safe" hose. How many would have to choose between spending more on a safe product and buying shoes for their kids? How many folks won't read that tiny, tiny print, thinking, "Why would anyone sell a hose that's a health hazard?" Would it have occurred to you? I was surprised as hell, I'll tell you.
And then I realized there's D. C, you were one thing. D, you're on your own.
D) I can just imagine the lawyers for the company discussing a lawsuit because someone's child was born without arms or they lay dying of liver cancer. And them saying "Well, we warned ya. You shoulda read the warning. Hey, guys, let's go eat a $500 lunch, this case is a sure win for us."
Ah, the joys of capitalism. And we wonder why our world is slipping into fear and disarray. It's not about humanity any longer, it's all profit and what can be proved or disproved in a court of law. And after all, the Golden Rule is in full effect. Those with the gold make the rules, I mean. Hooray for our brave, brave experiment in disavowing common decency so we can get big, fat bonuses and look down our nose at those who have less!
BTW:
http://www.coloriteplastics.com/
They are the world's largest manufacturer of garden hoses, BTW. They boast of it on their website.
"Do not drink from this hose. Wash hands after use. This product contains lead, and other hazards known to the State of California, to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Manufacturer's sole liability is to replace any product with a manufacturing defect, no other liability of any kind will be assumed by manufacturer. Colorite Plastics, Garfield, NJ. Made in China"
I immediately took it back.
Why? Well, A) I don't want to support a company that would sell such a product. B) I don't want to water my garden or veggies with anything like that, and C....
Ah, C.
C) How long before safe products are out of the price range of the poor? This was the only hose less than $10. All the others for sale had no such warning, but were over $20. I can go back when I have more $ on me and buy a "safe" hose. How many would have to choose between spending more on a safe product and buying shoes for their kids? How many folks won't read that tiny, tiny print, thinking, "Why would anyone sell a hose that's a health hazard?" Would it have occurred to you? I was surprised as hell, I'll tell you.
And then I realized there's D. C, you were one thing. D, you're on your own.
D) I can just imagine the lawyers for the company discussing a lawsuit because someone's child was born without arms or they lay dying of liver cancer. And them saying "Well, we warned ya. You shoulda read the warning. Hey, guys, let's go eat a $500 lunch, this case is a sure win for us."
Ah, the joys of capitalism. And we wonder why our world is slipping into fear and disarray. It's not about humanity any longer, it's all profit and what can be proved or disproved in a court of law. And after all, the Golden Rule is in full effect. Those with the gold make the rules, I mean. Hooray for our brave, brave experiment in disavowing common decency so we can get big, fat bonuses and look down our nose at those who have less!
BTW:
http://www.coloriteplastics.com/
They are the world's largest manufacturer of garden hoses, BTW. They boast of it on their website.