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Monday, January 12, 2009

More on the CPSIA

When I started seeing the "Save the Handmade" signs pop up on the internet, I thought, "how cute" - let's all save handmade. I had no idea that there was an actual law that had passed placing a ban on items created for children under the age of twelve. I am not sure exactly when I became aware of the law, but I do wish that I had known sooner.

If you stuck me in a court of law, I don't think enough evidence could be found to ever convict me of being any kind of activist - not because I don't care, but I'm usually silent on controversial matters. However, I feel so passionately about this because the law is so far reaching and affect so many different aspects of how we will be allowed to raise our children.

As I've researched this new law out, I have grown increasingly concerned about a number of things. Shannon from Rocks in My Dryer has posted an informative interview with Heather from Blessed Nest as to how the laws will affect the cottage industry - head over and read that.

Dana, from Principled Discovery has discussed how it will affect homeschoolers as well.

I also discovered a blog written by an environmental attorney, called The Smart Mama and she has been deluged with questions regarding the CPSIA. She interprets the laws in a clear, precise way , and she's keeping an eye on the everyday happenings - so be sure to bookmark her and check back with her.

Does anyone else besides me view this as a direct attack on our children and family unit?

Let me explain, lest you think I've gone off the deep end. For instance, we purchase almost all of our homeschool supplies and clothing second hand. If this law passes, it means that we will be forced to either purchase brand new curriculum every year for each child to the tune of about $1000, or send them to public school. We will also be required to purchase every piece of their clothing from retail stores, instead of buying from ebay, goodwill, or children's thrift shops. Our friends couldn't pass down their children's clothing to my children to wear anymore. Even the ability to sew our kids clothes will be hindered as fabric retailers will be struggling to comply with the new laws - yes, even fabric the retailers purchase after the new law is passed is included, not existing inventory. (Guess I should go buy up some fabric, huh?)

I don't know about you, but we have been frugally minded for so long that I wouldn't even know how to shop retail exclusively. It's not as much fun, honestly. But even more so, it's not really cost-effective when you have three kids that are constantly growing and changing tastes in clothes.

While some of you might consider me a conspiracy theorist, I really see this as a good law intended to protect our children gone bad in the hands of people who want more control.

Please help get the word out - let's bring some attention to this law - post about it - tweet it using the hashtag #CSPIA every time you talk about it - link to others who are writing about it. Call your local representatives.

Do something.





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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

WHAT??? Are you sure what you're saying is RIGHT?? If so, it's pure insanity.

I became aware of this law a few weeks ago when someone asked me to stumble a post for them; thing is, I thought it dealt only with toys--NOT USED CLOTHING! That doesn't make one bit of sense :(.

(And I'm sure you wouldn't have written this information if you didn't know it to be true, I'm just saying in no way does it compute in my brain :) ).

I can't help but believe the people who passed the law didn't understand all the implications of how it was written; to think it was intentional doesn't computer in my brain, either :/....

Audra said...

It really will be interesting to see how this plays out- Thanks for the links I'm off to read them now!

Anonymous said...

On January 8th they "revised" the law so it does not include used items now. It will still hurt all of us in the cottage industry big time, but for now thrift stores, yard sales and used books are somewhat safe. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html

I have been following this as it is another act of control by the government and hurting free enterprise and things our nation stands for. Started because someone imported stuff from China that was cheap and made without the testing already in place here in the states.

Our congressman do not even know what they signed, and this is obvious from all the "pat" answers all of us small businesses are getting. I hope they remember, small business owners and homeschoolers and thrift shop users etc all vote too.

jenny said...

ok whats next for them to tell us that we cant take air in to are own bodys? after all led is in the air and yes its just away thay can try and tell some one how thay got to live for where thay will be spending there money at and so on and well think abt the familys that well just cant go to a walmart to bye some thing and well have to go to 2nd hand stores and think abt toy for tots and the places that well help familys get things for there children that cant even go to a 2nd hand store what are thay too do ?

Mark said...

I would imagine with any new and extreme law it will be refined when they see the fallout from such a tight restriction that will effect so so many. Here is the latest, which to me sounds a little brighter.
http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html
Sue