WTF?

[lil_tater]

From what I have read, the government has mucked things up yet again - new law says that ALL things being sold for children have to undergo testing for lead and whathaveyou, so that means no selling used stuff, unless it is tested first. So, no more yard sales, consignment stores geared towards kids, thrift store bargains, ebay, etsy shops,

Comments

[lauralita44]

ugh, they're extending it to USED stuff too?? I guess it makes sense, but...

I had heard about this, but mostly from WAHMs afraid they won't be able to make any kind of a living anymore.

[lil_tater]

What I don't get is that most (if not all) of those lead-paint recalled items from a few years ago were 1) From major manufacturers and 2) Made in China. So, in that case, it's buyer beware. Not to say we don't buy anything made in China, but now there really is no alternative, is there? Because nobody can sell homemade stuff.

[freakout]

As far as I know, they are looking at relaxing it with clothes, so I'm hoping that part will work itself out. I mean, honestly, as if the economy isn't bad enough as it is, now we can't shop at thrift stores?! I can't even comprehend it. And! If the government wants to fix this problem, why don't they look at making toys in America! There is so much wrong with this, ugh. Also, a lot of this problem would be solved if all those dumbass kids would stop eating their toys! Like the kids who ate Magnetix or Littlest Pet Shop toys...they didn't get sick from putting them in their mouths, they got sick because they swallowed the magnets.

[lil_tater]

Exactly! "The economy sucks, so let's make people pay full price and not be able to recoup any of their expense later!" "Good idea, Bob!"

Hate committees.

I feel bad for all the Etsy shops who sell handmade toys. Seriously. I also heard that they're thinking of relaxing "natural materials," whatever that means. Does that mean you have to buy organic yarn to knit a doll? Whatever.

[freakout]

This is one of those bills that is like "We will do this. Oh, and this, this and this. And this and this and this and this and that and that and this." And then when people vote against it, someone else is saying 'that person hates children and wants them to die' because in there somewhere was a good intention about testing manufactured toys made overseas for lead paint.

It's really irritating, because there are a lot of people who make extra money which they really need right now, on eBay or similar sites. And now those people will be criminals? It's just ridiculous. I think it would be acceptable if places like thrift stores and auction sites can't just go on as long as they post a sign stating that it's buyer beware and that Act exists, etc.

We should probably get a letter writing/email/phone campaign started to get people to contact their representatives about it.

[lil_tater]

A good idea, taken too far.

I do believe there is a petition floating around...I saw it somewhere...*goes searching*