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Pikabubba
Guest
No offense, you are in Australia. Perhaps the Austrailian government truly makes laws because the are looking out for the publics best interest. The US government does not always. If a group has enough money and/or makes enough noise (usually scare tactics), laws will be made to pacify that group. Yes, it is ENTIRELY possible that this has something to do with boosting the economy - or benefitting certain manufacturers/large retailers.
I hate to sound all "conspiracy theory" here, and I don't mean to start any kind of flame war, but I have worked in several industries where the government has over-regulated and gotten involved where they have no real reason to under the guise of what is best for us.
This law was NOT well thought out and affects things too generally. The US has a bad habit of letting the government (local as well as federal) behave as a nanny. The things I could tell you about California legislation that gets seriously considered! It's insanity.
I can definately see your point. As an example..one person buys a bike for their kid, the kid outgrows it so they consign it..who knows how many kids can end up using that same bike? With the new law...all those kids would have to be bought new bikes instead of use an old one..therefore more profit for the company.
The FDA is a TERRIBLE part of the gov. We get FDA inspections every year and get fined for the most stupid things (for those of you who don't know...the FDA sticks their noses in everything...not just food and drug. I deal with manufacturing of x ray film processors..they don't look or inspect the actual machine..they go thru q/a reports and service calls). On top of that, they charge thousands just for showing up (they tell you they're coming and you have to pay for their visit). When I worked in a salon..again they have inspectors for that- they fine the owners for crazy insane things and they make new regulations every year WITHOUT notice (please note every state has different regulations). The salon I worked at got fined for leaving the cabinet door open that towels go in (shampoo area). Supposed to be closed for sanitary reasons. I've heard that the inspector will go somewhere else and not fine the next place for the same thing. Guess it's who you know...
Anyways...like I said..I can agree with one thing..the gov is usually lookin for $$$$$