There should be a federal law, that could be used to fine corporations, outlawing dumb @$$ery. Imagine the tax revenue we could generate! Maybe we'd be able to put a drop in the bucket that is the federal deficit.

I wish there was a way we could find out about toys from my childhood and older. I bet those toys weren't just coated in lead paint, they were probably made out of lead.

I wish corporations weren't afforded citizen status. They should exist at the pleasure of the state and be afforded no consideration when their welfare is at odds with a true citizens.

If only people could turn lead into gold, these companies would gladly recall.

Maybe it's an age thing? Like infant toys are more likely to be chewed on, older kids toys can have lead because they are less of a risk?

All I know is, I am sick to death of hearing about sub-par quality merchandise coming in from China. I'll pay the extra couple of bucks, okay?

I just threw all my kid's mattel stuff out. Last straw for me. They just lost at least $400 dollars a year (including Xmas) from my wallet. To bad I can't punch him in his face. Maybe they sell lead tainted boxing gloves.

@WhaDa: I'm pretty sure their charters CAN be revoked. I'd like to see that done to companies like this that obviously don't want to spend the money to recall and safely and properly dispose of and recycle the dangerous goods.

Dont forget with that my lil ceo it comes with prepared statements like this gem

"we are taking ________ that matter seriously"

Hmm, I wonder if Congress will demand a recall for my city's water.

Mattel doesn't voluntarily recall across the board, because that would imply that Mattel has done something wrong, and in the modern corporate/legal/political world, admitting that you are wrong is much much worse than actually being wrong.

Congress is a bunch of toothless, spineless fucktards. What does one expect from a group that's blatantly and gleefully trying to bribe their way to reelection?

How bout this: Recall those toys or we'll fine you into oblivion. $10,000,000 PER lead-tainted toy.

I already pitched the one we had.

I'm gonna miss that thing. What do I do with my Mattel lead-encrusted toy Foley catheter, forceps and bed pan?

Congress is a bunch of gutless wimps when it comes to cutting into any corporation's bottom line of $$$$$$$'s.

to the garbage with anything mattel.....that's just wrong to not recall. They will never get any more money from us.

This can all be blamed on the monster that NAFTA created. NAFTA is responsible for most of our employment and trade woes at the expense of the regular Joe. Since NAFTA, most big US corporations went to other countries taking our jobs with them. They make the same product for far cheaper as they can skirt US trade laws, labor laws and use inferior product materials, thus your tainted toys. The products are made for pennies on the dollar and they do not pass the savings onto us at all. They dont care about us, they only want that bottom line no matter if the toy was made of uranium. Thank you Bill Clinton for your fucking NAFTA nightmare!!!

Baahhh! I eat lead for lunch!

Eckert's career was first made at Kraft/Philip Morris-- obfuscation comes naturally to those who peddle toxicity--whether that be chemically-laden packaged foods, tobacco, or toys. By golly, that man has touched just about every life stage--cradle to grave. Congrats, Bob!!