Our local paper finally addressed CPSIA

[Former_Member]

Well, sort of.
Of course, they only mentioned the kids ATV and dirtbikes. No mention of books, handmade goods, or anything else. Just the big toys.

http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090303/NEWS01/903030307

None of the local retail stores I've been in have pulled anything, and the biggest thrift store here - Waterfront Rescue Mission - knows nothing about it. I haven't checked the Goodwill yet.

Very very weird.

[PENultimateLeotards]

I know. My DH and I have been contacting the business section of the large newspaper in our area since December.

At first they politely REFUSED to believe the information we told them, and treated us like we were WACKOS.

So everytime something new happened, we just forwarded the information to them via e-mail

They STILL haven't reported on it.

[Former_Member]

Aztek-
I would call the reporter directly.
Lead in with the ALAs request fr exemption
then share the part about redundant testing for the handmaid industry.
My paper had an article about the CPSIA in relation to dirtbikes and ATVs-- and I called the reporter. He had no idea...I would call him and share with him how far reaching the effects of the CPSIA are...

[Former_Member]

Well, I sent her a polite email this morning:

Hi Jamie

I'm glad to see the PNJ finally reporting on this joke of a law, but I'm surprised there was not a single mention of books or handmade items.

Recently any books printed before 1985 were deemed 'unsafe' for children. Libraries would seem to have two choices - remove books and eventually dispose of them, or ban children. It's already happening in some places.

http://www.ncnewspress.com/archive/x1959823637/Librarian-quarantines-books

Handmade items (knitted hats, blankets, sewed clothing, etc) which are pretty much guaranteed to be lead-free, NATURALLY, would have to be tested (and destroyed in the process) before being sold or even given to charity. The situation is absurd.

Do you think there is any chance of the PNJ running a follow-up article on either of the other "unintended consequences" of this law?

-Karen Gorrell

And heard back from her already:

Karen,

I think you make some excellent points, and it would truly make a good story, but I’m not optimistic about being able to do a follow-up. That was a localization piece on a national topic, and we generally don’t write frequently on national topics. And in these lean economic times, it’s also a staffing issue.

I’m sorry I could not be of more help.

Sincerely,

Jamie Page
Local Government Reporter
The Pensacola News Journal

That may be the problem with a lot of the newspapers...
:(

[Former_Member]

But don't national topics ultimate translate to local?

[Former_Member]

Find some local businesses (maybe you ARE one), or your local library, that will be affected by the law and have THEM call her.

[Former_Member]

The problem is that many smaller newspapers are owned by larger newpapers. They don't have the say of what they can print. If they print something totally off their owner's ideals they would be shut down. In other words, the liberal media will tell the story the way they want to tell it, they will slant it the way they want it slanted. The other side does the same thing, that is why I temper my Fox news with a little CNN now and then. I can read between the lines and get the real story.

[Former_Member]

Yeah, our local paper is owned by Gannett (USA Today) and recently laid off (I think?) 10% of their staff. :(

tinkymcfrog:
I was in the local library a couple days ago, the kids section looked the same as ever - wonder if they're doing the 'wait and see' thing??

minelolly:
You would THINK SO, wouldn't you?????

But this town has a hideous amount of 'head in the sand' stubborness. :(