Newly Promoted 'Head Editor' of CPSC Doesn't Know What Semicolon Is

[#1]

That's an entirely fictional title, but the video I just watched today on the Association of American Publishers presentation to the CPSC on books from 1/22 reminds me SO much of my old boss who liked to "promote" people to different jobs, based on how well their personalities meshed with his, and NOT based on whether or not they were actually qualified for the job. And yes, he did once promote someone to the position of "head editor" who did not know what a semicolon was.

Such seems to be the case with the CPSC in determining whether or not "ordinary children's books" should be deemed safe enough overall to be exempt from the testing requirements under the CPSIA. I just watched the whole video (over an hour) and took notes. They had representatives there from every facet of the publishing industry (paper & ink manufacturers, print houses & publishers), all very well armed with detailed statistical information.

I won't bore you with all the nitty gritty details, but the thing that stood out to me the most was the presentation from RR Donnelley (one of the largest book printers in the world), who had over 300 testing results to show from a wide variety of both finished products and and raw materials (including all types of paper - coated and uncoated, metal & plastic coil binding, and 47 different types of inks). And they all - let me repeat, ALL - came back as either "non-detectable" or at less than 10 ppm for lead.

So tell me, how is it possible that the CPSC could still be "unsure" at the end of that meeting about whether or not they would exempt ordinary books (paper & ink, without any special toys) and say that they were not convinced that those results were representative of all the books produced in America and it would take so much "scientific research" to make a determination that they could not possibly have a resolution before Feb 10?

I mean, unless a small, independent publisher has their own ink and paper factory going in a separate facility, it's pretty safe to say that all American publishers use ink and paper from a general pool of suppliers - just print different things on them.

One of the CPSC council members even asked if there was any possibility of "industrial paint" (which can contain lead) making it into a children's book by way of cross contamination. You could just see the publisher trying to keep a straight face as he calmly explained that since his company specializes in book printing only (and NOT the production of highway signs and paint for ship bottoms) that that type of paint never even enters their facility.

The whole thing really was laughable. Here, the CPSC is presented with more than enough information to make a decision on the spot for the fate of children's books, but it still can't bring itself to do so. It's like that guy who got promoted to head editor who doesn't know a darn thing about the job, but still feels the need to over-analyze and micro-manage everthing just to make sure everyone knows that he's the "boss".

It's not like books have even been an item in "question" recently. They've simply fallen victim to the ridiculousness of this new law. At this point, I think that all the people on the CPSC in charge of making decision for exemptions, are more concerned about keeping their jobs and looking good than in making the right decision in a timely fashion.

At this point, I'm just glad there are people who are smarter and more powerful than me trying to fight this thing. But I could tell by looking at their faces that even they were incredibly frustrated.

*sigh* It has to end soon, doesn't it? The madness of it all?

[MelanderDesigns]

The commission is accustomed to making decisions based on scientific data. The publishing industry has the data but not the kind the commission is used to receiving from other industries. The apparel industries can back up their position with testing from batches and lots over decades and not just representative tests from a few months. It puts the publishing industry in a difficult position because they have never had to do that.

I have recommended that libraries stage a protest on that day, but the ALA is ignoring me.

http://designloft.blogspot.com/2009/01/library-protest-idea-for-cpsia.html

[Former_Member]

Hmm, that does make sense, since books have been "unregulated" (for good reason) until now. I suppose I can sort-of understand the CPSCs hesitation, but I still think it's unecessary.

The ALA is pretty confident that they will receive an exemption before the 10th, but it's getting kind of close.

I can't help but wonder if some people in the CPSC are purposely dragging their feet on this so that the s**t can hit the fan on the 10th and then they can just blame Congress...

[MelanderDesigns]

IF the publishing industry gets an exemption it will probably not be anymore substantive than the Resellers "exemption".

[Former_Member]

Actually, I want the law repealed....

[Former_Member]

Could we get Michelle Obama interested in our case? She has two daughters of the age group targeted. It's fine to say oh, we're going to protect our children, but when the law takes away school books and school supplies that crosses a line.

And besides, her husband right now is trying to get people BACK to work, not OUT of work.