This is so sad and makes me upset. Why would Congress pass a law that would make handmade toys and other handmade items in the USA illegal? I understand that if a small business could afford the testing and regulations on their products, they could continue to sell items. That's the kicker though. So many of them can't afford it. It costs too much! If my business was making dolls or other handmade items, I wouldn't be able to pay for the testing either. That's unfortunate because while we want to protect our children, and everyone else using these products, we also want these small businesses making organic, handmade, wholesome products to stay in business so we can continue to provide our loved ones with quality items.
What about that hand knit sweater you wanted to buy for a child? The wooden train set that someone so lovingly carved with their own hands? The little cloth doll that your child loves so much? What will happen if these people can no longer make these items? Will we end up bringing in more lead laden things from another country or even from our own? Like we need more of that.
I say, if we're going to be so strict in our own country causing law abiding companies to go under, we should tighten the guidelines and restrictions on imports as well. More so than we already are. Let's see what happens when we can't import anything from Mexico, China, India, Taiwan, Cuba, Brazil, Italy, heck even Canada if we're going to be so brazen. What will thesmart individuals in Congress do then? Hmm? Where will they get their handmade cashmere sweaters, cigars, and fine silk scarves? I'm not saying this is a viable suggestion or even a good "answer" to a problem. No, I'm venting a little. This is my opinion and it's not up for debate. We do however need to find a better solution to this predicament we're in.
We need to amend this law, this "act" that was so hastily put into place. Something needs to be done to protect children and others using these products, but also the business men and women who make them. Not to protect them just so they can make a profit, oh no. So we can keep safe products in stores. I agree that we need to regulate what goes in and out of this country. I'm all for keeping everyone safe from harmful plastics and chemicals, lead based paint, and shoddy products no matter where they are from.
The question I have is, how can we regulate these products in the U.S. and abroad while still allowing the quality from handmade things to remain in stores? I'd like to know how it can be done.
Take a look for yourself and "Help Save Handmade".
Mom O Matic also has a nice post about this.
What about that hand knit sweater you wanted to buy for a child? The wooden train set that someone so lovingly carved with their own hands? The little cloth doll that your child loves so much? What will happen if these people can no longer make these items? Will we end up bringing in more lead laden things from another country or even from our own? Like we need more of that.
I say, if we're going to be so strict in our own country causing law abiding companies to go under, we should tighten the guidelines and restrictions on imports as well. More so than we already are. Let's see what happens when we can't import anything from Mexico, China, India, Taiwan, Cuba, Brazil, Italy, heck even Canada if we're going to be so brazen. What will the
We need to amend this law, this "act" that was so hastily put into place. Something needs to be done to protect children and others using these products, but also the business men and women who make them. Not to protect them just so they can make a profit, oh no. So we can keep safe products in stores. I agree that we need to regulate what goes in and out of this country. I'm all for keeping everyone safe from harmful plastics and chemicals, lead based paint, and shoddy products no matter where they are from.
The question I have is, how can we regulate these products in the U.S. and abroad while still allowing the quality from handmade things to remain in stores? I'd like to know how it can be done.
Take a look for yourself and "Help Save Handmade".
Mom O Matic also has a nice post about this.
2 thoughtful comments:
I'm pretty sure that most parents are more concerned with the safety of their children than they are with the financial well being of a few small toy manufacturers. The manufacturers that want to stay in business will find a way to comply with the new regulations, and us parents can rest assured that the toys will be safe for our children to play with. To assume that because the toys are made in the USA means that they are automatically safe is somewhat foolish.
I agree. Human lives, whether child or adult are more important than a company making profit. I wasn't trying to make light of that. I have since rephrased some of what I wrote to reflect that.
I was simply stating an opinion on my blog and getting some frustration out. Sometimes it doesn't get put into writing as well as I'd like but that's okay. I'm human and still make mistakes.
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