Thinking of having a yard sale this weekend? Before you do, be sure to consult CSPC Publication #254 [PDF]. This handy 28-pager from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds the American people that, thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (which I have blogged about here and here), the government is totally in charge of your yard sale:
This handbook will help sellers of used products identify types of potentially hazardous products that could harm children or others. CPSC’s laws and regulations apply to anyone who sells or distributes consumer products. This includes thrift stores, consignment stores, charities, and individuals holding yard sales and flea markets.
Selling old kids books, anything with metal, paint, or plastic that a kid might use, old clothes or shoes with metal components that a kid might wear? You know, any of the stuff people routinely sell at yard sales? Technically, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars worth of fines. Obviously, it's unlikely the CPSA goons are going to bust up your yard sale. But putting out a detailed booklet that reserves the right to do so is hardly encouraging about where the implementation of this legislation is heading.
(Also, am I reading too much into the stock photos art here, or does it look like that baby already has a pretty serious case of whatever the folks at the CPSC are trying to prevent? Creepy.)
And read a big fat article on this by yours truly in the print issue of Reason that will be hitting newstands any minute now.
Via Walter Olson, who has been a rock star on this issue. Follow him on Twitter @walterolson for all the news.
We're at the point where there are so many 'laws' we never know when or where we're 'breaking' one. that's tyranny.
So.......... are we ready to return to the constitution? how much more of this will be we allow ourselves to live under?
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My savior is a carpenter, not a president.
Unless you are having the world's biggest flea market/yard sale that crosses state lines, I don't see how they can be involved at all.
__________________ 'You can all go to hell. I'm going to Texas'-Davy Crockett
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." Benjamin Franklin They're up and ready for content! For Political Dicussion and more... http://www.empirepaladin.com/NewForums/
Unless you are having the world's biggest flea market/yard sale that crosses state lines, I don't see how they can be involved at all.
Commerce doesn't have to cross state lines for them to be involved. They've already told farmers who get all their stuff inside the state and only sell their product inside the state that since they are NOT selling across state lines it is affecting interstate trade and therefor they can monitor it.
That would seem to me to be an infringment on state and personal liberties.
__________________ 'You can all go to hell. I'm going to Texas'-Davy Crockett
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." Benjamin Franklin They're up and ready for content! For Political Dicussion and more... http://www.empirepaladin.com/NewForums/
Location: Near the confluence of the Missouri and Osage
Posts: 21,657
Communities here have statutes that govern yard and garage sales...No other government is involved.
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~SC Harvey~
"The Republicans know we have a constitution, and they dismiss it with contempt and arrogance ... The Democrats simply have never heard of it ..."--Livyjr-2008
"Patriots don't let patriots vote stupid..."--Frenchy-2009
"This handbook will help sellers of used products identify types of potentially hazardous products that could harm children or others. CPSC’s laws and regulations apply to anyone who sells or distributes consumer products. This includes thrift stores, consignment stores, charities, and individuals holding yard sales and flea markets. "
Location: Near the confluence of the Missouri and Osage
Posts: 21,657
Let me know the next time you see a black SUV pull up to buy some used 8-tracks!
__________________
~SC Harvey~
"The Republicans know we have a constitution, and they dismiss it with contempt and arrogance ... The Democrats simply have never heard of it ..."--Livyjr-2008
"Patriots don't let patriots vote stupid..."--Frenchy-2009
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