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Friday, January 9, 2009

Update on book banning

(edited to add this link - Wall Street Journal article from 1/14/2009)


If you haven't read my post from yesterday you can read that below.

I just wanted to add this link, as well as a few of my own thoughts.

My understanding of this law is that these books may still be sold as long as they have less then 600 ppm (parts per million) total lead. This means companies, small businesses, thrift stores, Goodwill, churches etc etc...the list goes on...would need to test each item before giving it away or selling it. The cost of testing each of these items is in the thousands. Think of how that will damage these institutions financially.

Churches that collect coats, clothes and other items for needy families won't be able to do that anymore. I won't be able to buys second hand, gently used clothing for my children anymore. Used book stores will likely have to close. Curriculum fairs will cease. You won't be able to sell these books on craigslist or give them away on Freecycle either. The penalty for selling these books could be fines or imprisonment.

Anyway, those are just a few more thoughts on the new law. Again, this isn't really a surprise. It's just one more thing we need to work around in our quest to be wise with the money God has given us. To spend wisely, save and be frugal.

Happy Friday!


2 comments:

Unknown said...

Gee. You could research forever when you buy things from Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. Good information, but a lengthy process especially if you have already purchased the product.*

Steph said...

The research I was suggesting was on the new law. All books are subject to this law, new or used. The biggest impact will be on the people who buy used books in an attempt to keep their spending down. Like going to the library. They may be forced to toss all the books.

If you've already purchased a book you won't be able to sell it on Craigslist. If you do you could be fined.