Waxman Sends Letter to CSPC calling for changes

[#1]

http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1474&Itemid=1

Follow this link and read the letter dated today 1/16.

If that link does not work it is the third item down on the homepage=
http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

[Former_Member]

hooray!!! all of out efforts are working!!! that letter is exactly what we want!!! especiallythe last part when they ask the commision to educate samll businesses on the impact of this law. that was the problem from the beginning, no one was talking to anyone but the big box stores. wow!!! i am so happy!!! i better becareful though, don't want to reinjure my neck!!!

[RocketBug]

To me, "educate small businesses" translates to "get these people off our back". I don't get a sense from this letter they fully grasp the issues, but, rather, think that a fuller explanation will make everything alright. Still, at least *something* is being done and there is hope for more to come.

artistscs28 - I absolutely love your letter and plan on writing a similar one. I guess that I could always cut the bottoms off my onesies, along with the snaps, and go with a Flash Dance look in order to comply.

[Former_Member]

BTW kids, the NY Toy Fair (The biggest trade show around for toys) is coming up, and it's always covered by the major networks. More info on this group set up for the occasion:
http://cpsia-central.ning.com/group/nytoyfair

This is a group on the 'CPSIA-Central' network on Ning; great for networking and getting up the the minute info from folks working against this mess. If anyone's going to be in the area between Feb 15-18, check it out. They're going to be publicizing this as much as possible at the show.

[Former_Member]

I am encouraged by the letter. I think it is a step in the right direction but I will continue to spread the word. I also like the fact that they are pushing for an answer on component testing before Feb 10 rather than August.

I also love the Forbes article. The whole time I was saying YES, YES. I think it is one of the best written media articles that I've read. Sums up this craziness so clearly!

[Former_Member]

I need off this rollercoaster. I was just on another thread about how the CPSIA "isn't so bad," and all I got out of her (knowledgeable yet slightly know-it-allish) discussion was an overwhelming desire to go to bed and cry. Lots.

This gives me a teensy bit of hope. Does anyone have a link to the Levin letter on Fashion Incubator? I can't find it...

[OhFaro]

marking-

I just can't read an comment right now.

Hopefully it's all good, but I really doubt that it is.

[Former_Member]

My take on the letter is here:
http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2009/01/cpsia-updates-they-want-to-be-legal.html

I think books will be exempt. I think dyed fabrics, if shown to be below the lead limits in general, will be exempt, and thus so will clothing that is not made with any "painted, plastic, or metal components"- no snaps, buttons, zippers, etc- in fact, they issue a veiled warning that the Commission had better not exempt any such items.

I think the letter does not correct any misinformation, and it makes it clear that the so called 'clarification' for resellers is not much of one. In fact, they tell the Commission to go back to thrift shops and resellers and talk to them some more,
"as they sell large volumes of apparel, it is critical to increase their understanding of the law in order to ensure compliance with the lead limits and proved them with guidance on appropriate measures of due diligence to avoid liability under the statute."

To avoid liability sounds like they are not board with the commission's promise that nobody is interested in going after them, just the 'Big Guys.'

[Former_Member]

kingofmythrone says:
Good night all, want to get some sleep we are planning a long day at the local library with my 3 kids under 12yrs of age.
Can you immagine them getting labled bad kids for under age reading... LOL ... I'm tired.
-----------------
You could end up in jail for giving your kids alcohol, drugs, or library books. ;^) I can't believe how stupid this is.

[Former_Member]

I read the article before I read all the comments here. And I'm with those who say the letter is an attempt for these Senators to save face. Rush is the sponsor on this bill! The CPSC wasn't in favor of this bill b/c they knew they didn't have the financial or man power resources to enforce it. Now here comes Rush and the others saying "you better fix this!"

Why couldn't they own up to the mistakes the made to begin with when they first wrote the law. Oh I know why, the politicians! They write the overzealous law b/c people are rightfully angry over the lead toys China sends us. Then when they realize they've taken it too far and people are rightfully angry, they try to come out as heroes again by passing the buck on to someone else coming across as if they don't approve of the way the law was written either. Serioulsy, RUSH sponsored the law now he signs his name to a letter telling the CPSC to fix what he wrote!

Such creeps. That being said, I hope those changes get made though.

[Former_Member]

Well I usually don't have faith in Sen Waxman but this looks promising...time will tell! :)