Thank you for your comment. CPSIA can give a framework, however implementation has to pass through Consumer Education. Back in the 70s average US High Schools were offering Consumer Ed courses with the goal to build “better” consumers. They (we) became better consumers, in any case, we have done a great job heating up consumption till the spiral broke last year.

Consumer Protection legislation unfortunately is like any legislation: subject to heavy lobbying. Usually what passes, passes for as long as it does not cut consumer spending and keeps people on the psychedelic trip of headless consumerism. Legislation should be accompanied by the political ambition to implement its real sense, which starts with the question: Do I need to consume, do I need this product. Since Reaganomics, this kind of question was politically incorrect.

In fact Consumer Education must build awareness and build more critical Internet users. This means that people must be able to learn about how the Internet works, how marketing online works, how the arms used to catch us are hidden behind the bells and whistles of yet another Great Free Product.

Today’s kids grow up with the virtual environment, which for them often becomes interchangeable with ‘reality’… and a few years down the road, these kids will govern us: better start now with implementing CPSIA and educating them to make a responsible use of the media available.

Do we really need Facebook and such like services? You may feel ‘forced’ to use it just because everyone hangs out there.

Here is my answer: there are two ways to look at it: you either can work for the Social Network or as did Barack Obama, have the Internet work for YOU. The second option means: instead of dragging people INTO Facebook to meet you , go there and drag them out of Facebook to meet you on YOUR site. This is what Obama did and what smart marketers do: or, have you ever seen an Advertiser in Facebook keeping you on Facebook?

At present I am horrified to see how many owners of ’serious’ networks drag their contacts into the dependency of Social networks; the latest I saw was ecademy urging their community to follow into Twitter … Neuron, where have you left the Brain!

Ironically, I joined Facebook as you say – a MEANS to obtain some power in order to get the world out on the Big Brother harm of CPSIA (I actually found your post via another blog that kindly pointed folks to mine – Big Brother) and try to reach as many “everyday citizens” with the message that it is NOT about stores and manufacturers – but about their diminished rights and authority as citizens in America (marks a critical power shift).

So, now it’s a Catch 22 – in for the sake of a cause I believe is bigger than me or my business (or all business, for that matter) but definitely concerned about “having” to be in, in order to reach people. Our media has only just BEGUN to cover the “bigger issue” of CPSIA – the real issue – the internet is a means of reaching people with this kind of information and leveling the playing field. But, as you say…at what price?

I have to wonder – are we all simply barrelling down a path of diminished return. As I have referenced in conjunction with CPSIA, it’s like we’re a nation of people stunned – like cattle, headed for slaughter.

Now is the time for questions – by WHAT authority are WE going to allow for laws and changes like this to progress toward our growing diminishment and perhaps ultimate destruction? Apparently (by opting in) our own.

Ugh.
Thanks for this post – will be giving it consideration.