Washington Post,March 4, 2008 page D1

The interplay of the slumping dollar and rising oil price has turned one economic dynamic upside down. Just when a weak economy might cause oil prices to slump, they're rising instead,sapping more money from the pockets of already strapped consumers. My comment: That may be one of the reasons that American consumers prefer to buy Chinese products for less cost. Freedom of American consumers to save money leads to trade deficits. But consumer sovereignty must be protected. "China's trade surplus with the E.U. surged by 42% and E.U. leaders are facing increased pressure over rising imports of low-cost Chinese textiles, shoes and other goods that European producers say are detrimental to their businesses." Well,consumers in E.U. should have the same freedom to save money by buying Chinese products with less cost. Any other scenarios? Thanks to you in advance for your views. Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao. March 4, 2008