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Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 128, with 200 still missing and 8 more arrested

Residents in Wang Fuk Court have said they repeatedly complained to the city's Labor Department about the flammability of the protective green mesh that was used to cover bamboo scaffolding raised around the buildings, only to be told that the fire risk was relatively low, Reuters reported Friday.

Respect for the law, in this case construction regulations, is a shell game in all but the West. Fake the paperwork, use fake and cheap materials, bribe the inspectors, do what you must to maximize profit, and if a few people die? Oh well!

And the state is no better. Building inspectors actively solicit bribes in most of the world! And the regulations written by the regulatory bodies are laughable in their lack of teeth.

But we are busily bringing that mindset to America! Sure, there is corruption in America, and there has always been, but our minimum standards, even with crooked officials are far higher, and more stringently policed than anywhere else. But the breathtaking thievery of the 3rd World is a level that we have never even approached here.

Soon though!

posted by CBD at 12:04 PM

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