Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A place to voice our questions about CPSIA

NOTE: Check out District Dispatch, including the comments. The article brings current information, but it also highlights the fact that we're beginning to compartmentalize attacks into our own narrow interests. We need to press for repealing of the law, period.

We have another place to voice our concerns about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

Stephen Macquignon posted on CPSIA-Central a link to “Ask a Question Regarding the New CPSC Reauthorization Legislation." He had submitted the question, "When's the law going to be repealed?"

My question was a bit more detailed, but it essentially asked the same thing. When will the CPSIA be stopped?

I think we should inundate that site with our concerns, questions, desires to see this law nullified, repealed, halted, stopped, and otherwise erased. Another law, one well researched and written, would better protect our children.

We need to stop the tragedy from happening, and we need to keep honest people from being law breakers because, as some folks keep telling me, "the law is unenforceable so don't worry about it." Personally, I try not to disobey the law even if I think no one will catch me. I prefer to be legal, as do most people and businesses.

Another blog that discusses the CPSIA problem in a more humorous manner, but no less true one, is Trockle. Personally, I'm a bit partial to the lovable little monster and his book, published by 4RV Publishing, written by Holly Jahangiri, and illustrated by Jordan M. Vinyard. I'd like to see him, uh, his book continue to be available for children. I'd also like to see the Trockle stuffed toy become a reality and not "thrown away" before produced because of a bad law.

Discussing the CPSIA and its impact with others is a good strategy. I attended a book festival this past Saturday. I was surprised how many authors had no knowledge of the law or its impacts. I spent 80% of my time talking about the CPSIA rather than books.

In fact, The Oklahoman photographer captured me with my mouth open telling someone about the law. However, not one word appears in that same paper about the serious impacts the CPSIA will have on stores, books, libraries, schools, small home businesses, or the price everyone will pay as costs of items increase.
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6 comments:

Holly Jahangiri said...

That's a great picture, though, Vivian - of you and Jacque! You're obviously speaking passionately on the subject!

Vivian Zabel said...

Thanks, Holly.

I do tend to become a bit passionate about this law.

Morgan Mandel said...

I hope the lawmakers listen this time.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Well I said a little more than that I was just gave the sum of it.

Rena Jones said...

Thanks for the updates, Vivian. I hope they can stop patting themselves on the back for taking such bold steps to protect our children and realize just how poorly this really affects them.

Cheryl said...

"I was surprised how many authors had no knowledge of the law or its impacts."

As I mentioned somewhere before, the teachers in our Pre-K and Kindergarten school had never even heard of CPSIA. How can blogs for the American Association of School Librarians be aware of this, but not a school's principal or the Assistant Superintendent? Even the private preschool my daughter attends had heard next to nothing on it.

That's the problem with laws like this: they get passed and no one knows anything about them until someone experiences a hardship over it.

Cheryl