Missing the days of 'made in the U.S.'

It seems that every other week another toy is being recalled because of safety issues. It was hard enough for me to comprehend that sweet, friendly, Thomas the train was being recalled because he could sicken the little boys and girls who love him. Then I read that Barbie is having problems with her accessories!

Poor workmanship and a lack of quality control does not seem to affect just toys. My 7-year-old refrigerator has already had major repair work. The 20-year-old refrigerator it replaced is still working well in my daughter's summer home. My 6-year-old washing machine was replaced recently after a second service call. My 1-year-old microwave sounds like it won't be around for very long; yet, the electric stove beneath it, which is the same brand, is 17 years old and has never been repaired.

Maybe I shouldn't be comparing my appliances to Thomas and Barbie, but somehow I feel there is a connection. After reading about Barbie's problems recently, I went home and looked at some of the toys that my grandsons play with when they come to visit. The toys belonged to their moms when they were children in the 1970s. As I turned over one of the toys, my eyes rested upon a beautiful sight: "Made in USA."

What's going on America?

Terri Arbin Basso

Rolling Meadows