Like many, I was (and still am) a fan of Schoolhouse Rock. I am deeply disappointed, however, that I was misinformed by the “I’m Just a Bill” vignette. It may have a catchy tune and (seemingly) erudite statements, but when it comes to CPSIA, this singing piece of paper makes me think, “yeah, right.”
Here are just a few of the lines from his song that just don’t apply to CPSIA:
- “…it’s a long, long wait while I’m sitting in committee” – If it really were a long time, wouldn’t that give those involved time to research the implications of the bill that’s been submitted? If anyone had actually done their due diligence with the CPSIA then the bill wouldn’t have made it past step 1.
- “Now I’m stuck in committee while a few key congressman discuss & debate” CPSIA discussion and debate? Nope, I don’t believe it. This law passed almost unanimously which says to me that many voted more emotionally (”let’s keep our kids safe!”) than they did by actually reading the fine print and thinking about it rationally. While I know there are some bills that both sides agree on, I find it a little strange that Republicans & Democrats both thought this to be a good thing. Even after my first time reading this law, I knew something was foul. How didn’t they?
- And the final statement that put me over the edge: “…most don’t even get this far and they die in committee.” Why, oh why couldn’t CPSIA have found this fate?
This poor little piece of animated paper could not have known that he would one day lead me astray so I don’t know that I will hold him too accountable. If only what he taught me were true, however, we wouldn’t be in the mess we’re in.
