What do you think is the most effective way to turn this idea into real policy? Add your suggestions here for how you think we should run an advocacy campaign to advance the idea – including the overall strategy, messaging, targets, and tactics.

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1. 

   I second the "made in America" push.
   
   I also second supply testing since we usually purchase all our goods as "End Users"  they should already be in compliance with the standards therefore not requiring redundant testing.  For example one lead free item + another lead free item do not = lead filled item.  Please even our kids can see how silly this is. 
   
   I also want to note that the people that will be hurt the most are the innovative ones who wanted to provide safe products for their own children let alone other children.  How can we be allowed to crash due to poorly written or unclear policy?
   
   Thank You
   Bobbi

   Suggested by Bobbi Padgett on 01/16/2009 @ 08:14PM PT

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2. 

   CPSIA is going to put many home based businesses out of business.  There is no way that a children's jewelry designer can test handmade chidlren's jewelry.  First of all, children's beaded jewelry is custom designed, usually one of a kind creations, which if sent to a lab for testing would be destroyed in the testing process.  Swarovski crystals are used in children's jewelry, swarovski crystals are not harmful to children, the lead is bound within the crystals and the matrix is such that the lead does not leach out to cause harm to a child.  No child has been harmed from swarovski crystals on jewelry or apparel, so they should be exempt form the law, even though they contain lead.  It should be up to a parent to decide what product is safe for their child, not a government official to decide for them.  This is America, the land of the free, not a communist country.
   
   Also, certificates from suppliers is all that should be required. And where is the RFA impact study that was done on this law to see what the impact would be on the economy to small businesses should this law come about?  What are the rights of small businesses under the CPSIA?
   
   This law needs to be outlawed and repealed, President Oboma!  WE NEED CHANGE!  WE NEED OUR BUSINESSES SAVED!  OUR LIVELIHOODS ARE IN JEOPARDY!

   Suggested by Dara Krovetz on 01/16/2009 @ 06:44PM PT

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3. 

   The problem in a nutshell, and the reason for all this fuss . . . it's not what the document SAYS, it's more what it doesn't say, and even moreso what it implies, and what those who are put in the position of enforcing this mess are going to read into it.  It's going to be a mess.
   
   -- We need you to clarify . . . clarify . . . clarify
   
   -- We need you to exempt "Made in America" handcrafted and one-of-a-kind products constructed from components purchased here in America (which should already have been tested for lead content)
   
   -- We need you to exempt fabrics, wood, books, children's room decor, and other illogical items that were never intended to be put in a child's mouth to begin with. 
   
   -- We need you to exempt small or home-based retail businesses who purchase from companies here in America . . . companies who should already be complying with all laws concerning lead and phlathalates.  
   
   -- AND, you might also consider the possibility of extending the start date on this law.  The panic among small business owners, handcrafters and cottage industries that has been witnessed here is as much because of the immediate urgency you've created.   There should have been at least a 6 month to 1 year date before the law would take effect, and NO date for selling children's products already purchased.   Big companies will write off their losses, but home-based and small companies will simply just have to close, and possibly file bankruptcy.  Businesses operating as sole proprietorships are basically operating on family income . . . more families who will face financial ruin as a result of poor economic decisions in 2008.
   
   We all want children protected, and we all know that the passage of this legislation was well-intended . . . it was just very short-sighted.  Short-sighted government is what has gotten us where we are today in many areas of our economy . . . please . . . let's start here and correct what we can, while we can. 

   Suggested by Carol Daly on 01/16/2009 @ 05:37PM PT

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4. 

   From the Hawaii Reporter today:"Based on the guidance document, CPSC exempted sellers of used children's products, such as thrift and consignment stores, from the certification and testing requirements as long as they do not knowingly sell products that are likely to exceed the 600 part per million lead limit. Interested parties can check the CPSC's website for updates and other documents that clarify CPSC's policies on the law at: www.cpsc.gov. Also, please contact the CPSC's Small Businesses Ombudsman (1-888-504-7912) and the Office of Compliance (301-504-7912) with any questions about the law and its impact on small businesses."

   Suggested by Kathryn Au on 01/16/2009 @ 01:27PM PT

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5. 

   Many Americans do not even know about this bill!  If they do, they support it.  The problem is that they do not understand the impact it will have on our economy.  A previous comment stated that the "Made in America" issue should be pushed.  I agree, but our economy is another area that should be pushed.  We realized in the last election that the economy is on everyone's mind.  This law does not help our economy, but hurt it it in a big way.  Prices for children's items will go up and crafters/handmade/small business will be gone. 
   
   Pressure needs to be put on our imported goods, not our American made products.  The law should be changed to protect our economy and small businesses.  That is a huge issue to push in all of this.

   Suggested by deidre Z on 01/16/2009 @ 11:49AM PT

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6. 

   i agree, some commentors are not reading the NOTE.
   
   i also think the media needs to pick this topic up more.  i feel it has a huge impact on the economy, and the general public, as well as officials need to see the numbers of annual handmade products, number of people who depend on this income, and the annual dollar amount that ends up going into our economy from the little guys-who will simply not be able to afford the testing as it is currently written.  also focus on the number of people who will pool into the workforce searching for jobs, only to compete with those already unemployed.  come up with the numbers showing possible numbers of unemployed persons(actual number of those without a job, not just those who are able to collect as these people wont).  i think the best approach at this moment is to have the economic impact as the main platform.  people are simply not aware of how many people this will affect in this already horrible economic time.
   
   as secondary, we need to focus on MADE IN AMERICA.  there are so few options for us now already, we need to reinterate that this law will crush our already few options for products made in our country.  focus on the problems with outsourcing and our economy, and how these are the last american makers as it is.  reinforce how CHINA is solely responsible for this problem in the first place, and how they are the only ones who will be able to survive.  america is being punished for chinas actions.  again, this all goes back to the economy, and at this time, thats the number one topic on peoples minds.  take advantage of this.
   
   as for the "handmade" or natural availability of these products, although i personally find that a major element, i dont think this issue should be pushed, except for in those communities(natural products, living green, cloth diaper, crafters).  although its extremely important, i dont feel the majority of people think this way, and the majority still care about prices and love walmart.  if you push the impact on natural living, i think it will not draw attention or support needed as many people simply dont care.  instead focus on overall economic impact and the welfare of america and made in america as the majority of the public can relate to these topics. 

   Suggested by amie thomas on 01/16/2009 @ 10:22AM PT

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7. 

   I don't think the above commenters actually read the whole note.
   
   I think we need to get the media involved as much as possible - we should go from a "how this law affects the small businesses in your area" point of view and add in some "unexpected stores that will be affected you may like to shop at" and "this law was passed rather than dealing with big toy company's illegal importing of paint containing lead."
   
   I think if we can get the media to see the perspective that a lot of their viewers are going to be negatively affected by this law (higher children's item prices especially in smaller lines, small business going out of business, higher unemployment, fewer product choices, etc.) then we might have some leverage.  I don't think a lot of non-business owners know about this law, and the few that do think it's not as far-reaching as it really is.  We really need to show how different buying a child's item will be after this law.  Unless, of course, you shop at Walmart, I guess.
   
   Honestly, I would love to hear Obama's take on this law and what his plans are. 
   

   Suggested by Candice Mangum on 01/16/2009 @ 08:54AM PT

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8. 

   If their so against us selling products because they are afraid of it containing lead etc. have the seller get the buyer to sign a waiver when purchasing items, this way it is their responsibility when they purchase  something for their child. they can use their own discretion whether it is appropriate for a child under 12 years of age.
   
   Roseann

   Suggested by roseann smiley on 01/16/2009 @ 08:42AM PT

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