My Response to Consumer Reports

My husband and I attended the Amend the CPSIA rally in Washington, DC on April 1st. It was a great experience as it was my first time actually going to Capital Hill and hearing some of our congressmen and congresswomen speak directly to us. In addition to the Senators and Representatives who spoke at the gathering, there was an extensive array of speakers representing many different industries and small businesses who are impacted by the law, as well as some consumers and scientists. When the video (or hopefully multiple videos of the different speakers) becomes available, I will post links to some of the highlights from my personal view.

In the meantime, I would like to address the recent post on the Consumer Reports blog which "covered" the rally. The Consumer Reports blog entry exhibits their lack of understanding about the issues caused by the CPSIA, and their misunderstanding of the intent of the rally. I was gratified to see that they allowed comments which challenged their view of the rally (including an excellent comment by Rick Woldenberg). I commented myself earlier today, however my comment has not been posted yet. In case they don't post it, I'm reproducing my comment here:

I am not an industry lobbyist, representatives of a large company, or member of a trade organization. My husband and I attended the Amend the CPSIA rally last Wednesday as consumers. We have concerns about this law as much as the folks whose businesses are impacted by the law. When they can no longer sell perfectly safe children's products because of the overreaching burdens of this law, we (as expectant parents) will not have these wonderful products available to us as consumers.

Therefore I don't believe Consumer Reports actually represents the best interests of most consumers. I also don't believe Consumer Reports actually listened to the dozens of speakers at this rally. You failed to point out that several SMALL business owners and crafters also spoke at the rally. There was also an excellent discussion of actual RISK ASSESSMENT involving lead and phthalates in products, which Consumer Reports and the CPSIA law itself apparently has no interest in persuing.

As Dan Garrick pointed out, so many unrelated industries and products are affected negatively by this law... doesn't that indicate a real problem?

I also don't agree with your assessment that the leadership of CPSA is responsible for this mess...Congress is responsible and I hope they will listen to or view the speeches from the rally to better understand the incredibly wide, negative impact of this law (on both businesses AND consumers). Some simple amendments could be made to the law to relieve the burdens it has created, WITHOUT compromising children's safety. I have read Nancy Nord's letter of response to Rep. Dingell's questions about the law, and I would urge everyone to read it because it explains why the CPSA has had difficulties under the burden of the CPSIA (and the CPSIA is not the only Act from Congress that they have been required to implement recently, by the way).