A few days ago the New York Times lost its credibility. Now the Houston Chronicle has proven that it likewise has lost touch with reality. TV stations have also generally ignored the plight of businesses, both large and small. Large companies do not deserve any sympathy---they are large (ie. bad), and small companies can be ignored, they are small (ie. insignificant). They seem to understand the importance of businesses in the context of a stimulus plan, and bailouts, but somehow, if such a business makes anything for a child, they somehow do not deserve any attention, or even basic factual reporting.
I didn't have the opportunity to express my views to the New York Times, but hope to soon. In the meantime, I have submitted my comments to the online Houston Chronicle. I hope you will join me in expressing your distaste for inaccurate, biased, reporting. Here are my comments (they refer to specific points made in the article, so to best understand my comments, you will need to also read their article, as distasteful as that may be:
Perhaps it is also a problem that it is such a confusing (and complex) law that retailers, small businesses, and others cannot understand it. That does nothing to improve safety.
Hysteria, perhaps the hysteria could be caused by perfectly good toys disappearing from thrift shops, not appearing at charities, and small businesses (and large businesses) closing their doors.
Perhaps the confusion stems from the media, not understanding or properly reporting the facts. For instance, not much has been put on ice. Everyone in the supply chain (including Mom & Pop retailers) must comply with the law. Any notion that testing or certification is not necessary is hogwash...how can a retailer know they are compliant without certificates? How can a supplier certify without testing? How can an entire industry adjust and test entire inventories in 2 business days (in the case of phthalates) or a few months (in the case of lead)?
Lead is truly a danger when ingested. However, this law treats all lead risks the same, including those where ingestion would be downright impossible. Have you seen a 10 year old eating a book lately? S
Small business are still distraught. Many are closing their doors. Their organic cotton, knitted sweaters, and wooden toys won't be a risk to your children anymore.
Clearly the Toy Industry Association (TIA) and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) didn't do enough to fight this ludicrous law that is penalizing an entire industry for the failure of a few. The existing law worked to ensure recalls and penalties. This new law does little more, except ensure massive bankruptcies and a dramatic loss of valuable products, which we are already seeing.
The TIA has done precious little to try to reform this law to allow a sensible law that keeps products safe, while preserving businesses of ALL sizes. Small manufacturers & crafters (many of the same companies you turned to in 2007 for natural toys & children's products) have been the most outspoken, and formed the Handmade Toy Alliance.
There is likely to be all kinds of enforcement by vigilante consumer groups, lawyers, and Attorneys General, which will only hasten the demise of this threatened industry.
Perhaps we as a nation have decided our children no longer need quality toys, clothing, shoes, books, sports equipment, furniture, etc, etc. Don't worry the CPSC will be plenty busy educating us on a convoluted law, taking precious time away from ensuring the safety of this nations products. Does that sound like time well spent to you?
Recent Comments