Heads in the Sand?

[SimmonsCreek]

I'm not sure what's with some people, but it is really starting to tick me off! LOL I've tried to contact people that I know via email that are involved in the non profit/charity community to find out what they are going to do about the labeling, and the CPSIA in general. I am finding that they are telling me "OH, that doesn't pertain to me" Or "I don't know much about it, but it has nothing to do with our group" DUH people, if what you make is for children under 12 it PERTAINS to you. Then I'll hear "Well, we don't sell our items and it is only for those that sell them" What the heck? Guess I'm just needing to vent here. I was hoping someone might have an answer for me so I would know what direction to go. Guess I'll just have to shut my charity down. What a pity.

Lora

[Former_Member]

Hi there Simmonscreek! I am sorry I cannot help but I will tell you that your shop is awesome and I hearted your shop for future shopping...those rubs sound amazing!

[SimmonsCreek]

Thanks so much! They really ARE amazing!

Lora

[Former_Member]

Simmons...I don't have an answer for you but I can tell you I run into the same problems. If I tell anyone about this crazy law they think I'm insane and don't believe me. This law has been kept such a secret that I don't see how it can ever be enforced. Are they going to prosecute people for doing some thing that they don't know is wrong? It's very frustrating.

Maybe we just take it too seriously but I'm not about to put myself in danger and continue to make baby clothes. At this point it was just a hobby so it's not like I'm losing money except for the supplies I had already bought. That loss is more than a thousand dollars. I closed my store a couple of months ago.

I was in Target a few nights ago buying for my about to be born grandaughter. The baby department looks like it's been looted. Tons of empty shelving and hangers...that has to be caused by CPSIA. Next time I'm in there I'm going to ask to speak with the manager and find out why that department is so sparse.

[SimmonsCreek]

I'm with you southernbeauty. I am not about to put myself at risk because of this stupid law. I think alot of the people I know think I'm being an alarmist or something, but to me, it is a VERY real threat. I would love to just feign ignorance and say I didn't know about it, but I do and I have always heard that "ignorance is no excuse". I used to be in real estate and there was the deal that "a broker is responsible for what they KNOW or SHOULD HAVE known" And I think that it is just responsible business to know these things. I'd be interested in hearing what you find out at Target.

Lora

[Former_Member]

Simmons...I'll let you know when I talk with the manager. I'll probably be back in there sometime this week.

[Former_Member]

I wish I was as oblivious as some of those people. Unfortunately, ignorance isn't bliss when the government shuts your business down! lol

[SimmonsCreek]

That would be great southernbeauty. Unfortunately, monkeysprout, you are absolutely right. The government will just shake it's mighty finger as you put the 'closed' sign up on your business. Makes me sick.

Lora

[NossubGallery]

Unfortunately, ignorance of the law is no excuse. One is supposed to be knowledgeable about things that affect ones business, of daily living, for that matter.

[SimmonsCreek]

That's exactly right nossubgallery. That's why I couldn't just say, Oh I didn't know. The people that I talk to are people who SHOULD know and care about their groups. Yet, I get no response or I get the ones I stated in the beginning. I just don't get it. But then it's not for me to 'get' I suppose. I can only worry about me and what is happening to MY charity. I just feel badly that people aren't taking it seriously. This thing isn't going away. It's out there hanging like a big ol elephant in the room.

[Former_Member]

Even people on Etsy who are aware of this law believe it is a much needed law because of the fear instilled in us by our media and Govt.
They really believe we NEED the Govt. to control everything or we won't be safe...or able to take care of our families....or "save" our earth for future generations....or have medical care....or....the list goes on and on....
They never bother to actually pay attention to what the reality is...

[Former_Member]

I don't think Congress even took the recent rally seriously. They seem to be making it loud and clear to us that they don't care about us. All this talk about small businesses being the back bone of America is just a joke. I really hope that our 2 fellow Etisians that have been invited to speak, will have some impact in a positive way. Congress drags it's feet though and August is just around the corner.

[Former_Member]

I read Rick Waldenborg's blog almost daily. I recommend that others do too. Lots of good information comes from Rick.

[Former_Member]

Correction....I spelled Rick's last name wrong it's Woldenberg. Here is a link to his blog if you would like to read it.

http://www.learningresources.com/category/id/104652.do

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the link southernbeauty,

I think he "gets" it!

[SimmonsCreek]

Great blog, I have added it to my favorites so that I can read it often as well. I, too, hope those Etsians that have been invited to testify have some kind of impact as well. This is just beyond stupid!

Lora

[Former_Member]

I was out stumping at JoAnn's yesterday. The people working at the store had not heard of the lay, but some of the customers in line had. They were upset because they support Project Linus, and now they won't be able to. I've tried writing to some large charities and companies like Project Linus and Play It Again Sports to see what they are doing and is there any way for us little people to help. If these groups could use our help, they sure are keeping quiet about it.

Another interesting point came up in the line at the store that I haven't had a chance to check up on. A lady said that now it will be illegal for churches to cook food for fundraisers (like Lenten fish fries) because of food inspection concerns. I wonder how charities and churches will survive?

Thanks for letting me vent for a sec.

[SimmonsCreek]

That is exactly what I'm running into. I start asking questions and then the communication stops. They don't think that it pertains to them.

I think the law you are talking about regarding the food is HR875. I haven't done a whole lot of research on that one, but it will be my next research project. Good Grief, like I don't have enough to do already!

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

SimmonsCreek, HR875 will curl your hair. It's CPSIA on food. And next on the agenda for Waxman and his thugs is Cap and Trade.

[Former_Member]

As long as Waxman has so much power, California does not stand a chance at an economic recovery, and unfortunately neither do any of the other states!
Once cap and trade goes into effect jobs will be gone forever...

[SimmonsCreek]

The very brief reading that I did do on HR875 was very disturbing. The government is going NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I haven't even heard of Cap and Trade. Do I really want to know what that's about?

[Former_Member]

simmons...
I agree...NUTS. They're ruining our country. No you don't want to know about Cap and Trade. From what I understand the cost of our power, oil and a ton of other things will sky rocket. When you think about it, energy is what controls/effects every thing in our lives. A man I used to work with (which I swear is the smartest person I've ever met) always says that whoever controls our power sources, controls the country. I haven't read the bill yet. Just been hearing it on the news. I'm sure Faye can give you information regarding it. She is always up on things. I always enjoy reading her posts. Hope this is not calling out Faye. Don't mean too.

[NossubGallery]

Cap and Trade? What is this about? 'Cap' a well, if I understand it correctly, means shutting down an oil well.

My imagination is running wild - are they saying that wells should be capped and we should trade something for oil? Shudder!

[Former_Member]

nossub...I'm off to read the bill. Guess I can just google it. Back later.

[Former_Member]

this is the defination I found on Cap and Trade

A cap and trade system is a market-based approach to controlling pollution that allows corporations or national governments to trade emissions allowances under an overall cap, or limit, on those emissions.

I can't find a bill...maybe not written yet?? Any one know and can send us a link if bill is written??