Euphemisms on Parade

China uses forced labor. No shocker there. Many Americans were, however, stunned to hear that some of their goods they enjoy were made under such conditions. As the friend of the blog who submitted this link noted, the use of euphemisms by a supposed human rights organization was most troubling.

"Sir: If you occasionally buy this product, please kindly resend this letter to the World Human Right Organization. Thousands people here who are under the persicution of the Chinese Communist Party Government will thank and remember you forever."

The letter went on to describe 15 hour work days, no days off, and pay at 10 yuan per month ($1.61 US Dollar) if any. It also described the 1-3 year average forced labor terms without trial, and the large amount of Falun Gong practitioners in forced labor, a banned spiritual group.

Although the authenticity can't be totally proven, Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch stated, "I think it is fair to say the conditions described in the letter certainly conform to what we know about conditions in re-education through labor camps."