Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
My New Apron!
As my needs and body shape changed this year, my old apron just wasn't cutting it anymore. I passed it on to another good home, and asked my amazingly talented friend, Amanda of AmandaSews, to design me a custom apron. Check this out. This is THE COOLEST apron you will ever see!
Here is the apron base- just your average funky-fabric'ed apron.
Here is the apron base WITH the removable belt/pockets. Note the super-cute buttons.
I wanted this feature for when I was cleaning, and didn't want the weight of the apron or the heat of it. This way, I have all the conveniences of super-deep apron pockets without having the whole getup on.
And for those days when I will be out and about, with Logan on my back, no more balancing my purse on my shoulder over the carrier! Here is the one-pocket option to hold the wallet, cellphone and keys!
If you are in love, and YOU MUST have one of your own, contact Amanda about your fabric options (she has TONS and is VERY flexible!) and she will make you one of your very own!! <3
Worthless Women
Last night, I was working on our 2010 family photo album (caught up through October! Yeah!) and I was reviewing some of the amazing things I got to do this year- modeling, my first, 2nd and 3rd triathlon, non-profit work, going back for my 2nd master's, getting offered my own art show, bellydancing, hiking, playing, laughing, loving.
I found myself reviewing pictures I had dismissed earlier because of some imperfection in them- a belly roll there, too much cleavage here- and realized that by dismissing these pictures I was both losing that personal history AND missing the point.
What is the point?
I looked really, really happy in those photos. I was confident. I was secure. And despite not being a size 2, I was beautiful.
So, why had I dismissed the photos?
I read a VERY interesting blog post today, which was the culmination of many things I have been exploring lately.
http://www.danoah.com/2010/10/worthless-women-and-men-who-make-them.html
It is about how women feel worthless (and NOT just based on physical ideals), and some of the social constructions around that.
I am tired of it.
I am no longer going to participate!
Ok, maybe I will participate, but I am going to try not to. It takes a while to purge thoughts and habits like that from one's inner psyche.
I will no longer judge my value by the size of my waist.
I will no longer think that I am worth only as much as I have in the bank.
I will no longer feel like I can validate my existence through things, fashions or status symbols.
And, most importantly, I will actively work to call out these messages and their senders when I recognize them.
That may mean I can't "take a joke" or that I "have no sense of humor," but what it really means is that I understand that the messages to women are destructive, both to us and to our sons, brothers and husbands.
It also means that I am released from the responsibility of being perfect, of being everything to everyone (This one is taking a lot of effort. Joe always tells me, "You are trying to save the world again!") I can volunteer without it becoming a part-time job, I can be a student without carrying a 4.0, and I can be a mother without being Betty Crocker.
I encourage you, too, to take a critical look at your life. Have you bought something that hasn't brought you joy just because it was fashionable? Have you ever declined to swim because you don't like how you look in a bathing suit? To sing because you didn't like your voice? Stop. Stop letting society tell you you have to be perfect to be valuable.
Our imperfection is our value, our beauty.
Ok, enough to chew on for right now.
I found myself reviewing pictures I had dismissed earlier because of some imperfection in them- a belly roll there, too much cleavage here- and realized that by dismissing these pictures I was both losing that personal history AND missing the point.
What is the point?
I looked really, really happy in those photos. I was confident. I was secure. And despite not being a size 2, I was beautiful.
So, why had I dismissed the photos?
I read a VERY interesting blog post today, which was the culmination of many things I have been exploring lately.
http://www.danoah.com/2010/10/worthless-women-and-men-who-make-them.html
It is about how women feel worthless (and NOT just based on physical ideals), and some of the social constructions around that.
I am tired of it.
I am no longer going to participate!
Ok, maybe I will participate, but I am going to try not to. It takes a while to purge thoughts and habits like that from one's inner psyche.
I will no longer judge my value by the size of my waist.
I will no longer think that I am worth only as much as I have in the bank.
I will no longer feel like I can validate my existence through things, fashions or status symbols.
And, most importantly, I will actively work to call out these messages and their senders when I recognize them.
That may mean I can't "take a joke" or that I "have no sense of humor," but what it really means is that I understand that the messages to women are destructive, both to us and to our sons, brothers and husbands.
It also means that I am released from the responsibility of being perfect, of being everything to everyone (This one is taking a lot of effort. Joe always tells me, "You are trying to save the world again!") I can volunteer without it becoming a part-time job, I can be a student without carrying a 4.0, and I can be a mother without being Betty Crocker.
I encourage you, too, to take a critical look at your life. Have you bought something that hasn't brought you joy just because it was fashionable? Have you ever declined to swim because you don't like how you look in a bathing suit? To sing because you didn't like your voice? Stop. Stop letting society tell you you have to be perfect to be valuable.
Our imperfection is our value, our beauty.
Ok, enough to chew on for right now.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
RIP, Junie
Last night
our puppy's body
began to give
and couldn't contain
her
so this morning
we put her on her bed
and covered her with a blanket
and sat around her
as a family
petting her
and loving her
and watching the light fade
from her eyes
and all the gross things
that happen with death
happened in front
of the boys
and Daegan had questions
I mean, of course,
he would have questions,
right?
he wanted to know
why Junie had died
what did it mean?
why did she die
after being in the dark?
were there monsters
in the dark?
does sick mean death?
is she playing with Jesus?
didn't she want to play
with him anymore?
watching him
trying to understand
death
and trying to see it
through his eyes
makes my heart break
but also I know
that this is what
parenting is all about
sometimes
being a mom
isn't about watching pirates
or playing make believe
or listening to chatter
about imaginary aliens
or free association thinking
sometimes being a mom
means allowing that veil
the veil that protects
children from the harsher
realities of life
to be lifted
and to let them deal
with the harder issues
a little at a time
to teach them how
to function as adults
and to cope with
heartache
sadness
death
mourning
I don't want to protect him
which surprises me
I would think that
my instinct should be
to lie, to keep
the decay
and frothing morbidity
from his fragile eyes
but I didn't
I wanted him to see,
to understand
or at least begin to
understand
that our bodies and
our souls are not
eternally bound
Academically, I know
that the death of
a childhood pet
is an important
opportunity to practice
faith, belief, mourning
so many things we use as adults
I didn't let him watch Daddy
put Junie's body in the trash
THAT
I shielded him from.
It was too crass,
too real,
too soon.
Poor Junie,
Poor Daegan
A boy loses his puppy
without prior preparation
and with Daegan
being Daegan
I am a little anxious
about what this means
and how to help him
deal and understand
I don't know
I am making it up
as I go along,
blending what I have learned
in books
with what I have learned
in life
and hoping that
I can help him
navigate this loss
our puppy's body
began to give
and couldn't contain
her
so this morning
we put her on her bed
and covered her with a blanket
and sat around her
as a family
petting her
and loving her
and watching the light fade
from her eyes
and all the gross things
that happen with death
happened in front
of the boys
and Daegan had questions
I mean, of course,
he would have questions,
right?
he wanted to know
why Junie had died
what did it mean?
why did she die
after being in the dark?
were there monsters
in the dark?
does sick mean death?
is she playing with Jesus?
didn't she want to play
with him anymore?
watching him
trying to understand
death
and trying to see it
through his eyes
makes my heart break
but also I know
that this is what
parenting is all about
sometimes
being a mom
isn't about watching pirates
or playing make believe
or listening to chatter
about imaginary aliens
or free association thinking
sometimes being a mom
means allowing that veil
the veil that protects
children from the harsher
realities of life
to be lifted
and to let them deal
with the harder issues
a little at a time
to teach them how
to function as adults
and to cope with
heartache
sadness
death
mourning
I don't want to protect him
which surprises me
I would think that
my instinct should be
to lie, to keep
the decay
and frothing morbidity
from his fragile eyes
but I didn't
I wanted him to see,
to understand
or at least begin to
understand
that our bodies and
our souls are not
eternally bound
Academically, I know
that the death of
a childhood pet
is an important
opportunity to practice
faith, belief, mourning
so many things we use as adults
I didn't let him watch Daddy
put Junie's body in the trash
THAT
I shielded him from.
It was too crass,
too real,
too soon.
Poor Junie,
Poor Daegan
A boy loses his puppy
without prior preparation
and with Daegan
being Daegan
I am a little anxious
about what this means
and how to help him
deal and understand
I don't know
I am making it up
as I go along,
blending what I have learned
in books
with what I have learned
in life
and hoping that
I can help him
navigate this loss
Monday, October 25, 2010
Logan's FAVORITE toy
He wears it for hours at a time, then takes it off, nurses it and puts it to sleep. "Ni-Ni" he says!
siblings
It is so interesting to watch my boys interact and bond with each other. Within a few minutes, they could cuddle, kiss, hug, fight and wrestle. You would think they were at each other's throats, but try to separate them, and you will get adamant screams, "No! I want to stay with my brother!" or, in Logan's language, "Nooooo, noo, broooo!" Even when they cannot seem to share or sort it out, if I were to make Logan cry (for whatever reason), be sure that you would hear Daegan say, "Don't make my brother cry! He is just a baby! I am his BROTHER and I WILL PROTECT him. Come here, Logan, I will take care of you." It is fun watching their bond develop.
Today, I caught this cycle in film. These pictures were taken over the course of about 6 or 7 minutes.
It all started off peacefully.
Today, I caught this cycle in film. These pictures were taken over the course of about 6 or 7 minutes.
It all started off peacefully.
Hug time!
Too much love. Time to fight.
Eh. Fighting is boring. Let's do something... dangerous.
Ok, brother. Teach me how.
Now.. I know Mom had ONE rule... but I forgot it.
Time for more hugs.
And more fighting.
LOL. Wash, rinse, repeat until they were too tired to safely jump, at which time we removed them from their "bath."
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
falling off the horse
When I was a little girl, I had a horse. She was a beautiful, golden palomino named Star because of some distinctive marking on her forehead (I am guessing you can deduce the nature of these markings?)
My mother's other daughter had a horse, a quarter horse, which was younger than Star and much faster. She was also much less predictable and was a bit of a princess. Wait, yes... we are still talking about the horse.
When I would get on Star, I would walk her calmly out of the residential area, lean over and pet her mane and then let her run. She would race through the fields, jumping over divots, pivoting around boulders. That old girl could really get some speed under her... and the joy would just explode out of her when she was allowed to run. She would run until she couldn't, and we would walk down by the river and let her get a drink before heading back. Those days it was just me and Star, some sunlight, some dust, some soft bird calls from the distance. It was quiet. It was unbridled. It was unstructured. It was wild. And it was freeing.
In contrast, the other daughter would get her horse all dolled up and do these tricks with it- like running that poor horse around barrels in a figure 8, or making her prance for a crowd. It was never joyful, always work- always following a set of rules, a set of constraints, a set of expectations about what a horse is, what a horse does, and how to do it "properly." It was all about the show, about looks, about showing off- but never about joy or freedom.
This is a true story.
And it is a metaphor.
I didn't realize it at that time, but Star really unveiled a huge part of my personality with which I still struggle today. I love to just go and do. I want to get right in the middle, forget the rules! Forget convention! Convention is just for crowds of people who are more invested in their entertainment than in me.
I struggle with this in triathlon- I have to do the specific workouts- 400 meters of this, 600 of that... but all I want to do is just swim! just run! just bike! I like to go out, feel the wind in my hair, the pressure on my feet, my lungs out of breath and exhilaration running through all my veins. It is so hard to find specific workouts and do them knowing that in the end, I will be able to just race better for having put in the hours.
I struggle with this in photography. I just want to shoot, to edit, to see, to capture. However, there are rules- exposure, composition, smile! I feel constrained by the rules and would rather not run those barrels if I could choose to, but like triathlon I know those skills will allow me to just shoot better.
Oy. What a theme in my life. Stupid barrels. The only time I have seen them as actually serving no purpose was when those pretentious princess-wannabes were literally running them. The rest of life, however, it is important to run them and to learn.
But I don't wanna. I just want the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, and a giant flip-off aimed back at the rodeo.
My mother's other daughter had a horse, a quarter horse, which was younger than Star and much faster. She was also much less predictable and was a bit of a princess. Wait, yes... we are still talking about the horse.
When I would get on Star, I would walk her calmly out of the residential area, lean over and pet her mane and then let her run. She would race through the fields, jumping over divots, pivoting around boulders. That old girl could really get some speed under her... and the joy would just explode out of her when she was allowed to run. She would run until she couldn't, and we would walk down by the river and let her get a drink before heading back. Those days it was just me and Star, some sunlight, some dust, some soft bird calls from the distance. It was quiet. It was unbridled. It was unstructured. It was wild. And it was freeing.
In contrast, the other daughter would get her horse all dolled up and do these tricks with it- like running that poor horse around barrels in a figure 8, or making her prance for a crowd. It was never joyful, always work- always following a set of rules, a set of constraints, a set of expectations about what a horse is, what a horse does, and how to do it "properly." It was all about the show, about looks, about showing off- but never about joy or freedom.
This is a true story.
And it is a metaphor.
I didn't realize it at that time, but Star really unveiled a huge part of my personality with which I still struggle today. I love to just go and do. I want to get right in the middle, forget the rules! Forget convention! Convention is just for crowds of people who are more invested in their entertainment than in me.
I struggle with this in triathlon- I have to do the specific workouts- 400 meters of this, 600 of that... but all I want to do is just swim! just run! just bike! I like to go out, feel the wind in my hair, the pressure on my feet, my lungs out of breath and exhilaration running through all my veins. It is so hard to find specific workouts and do them knowing that in the end, I will be able to just race better for having put in the hours.
I struggle with this in photography. I just want to shoot, to edit, to see, to capture. However, there are rules- exposure, composition, smile! I feel constrained by the rules and would rather not run those barrels if I could choose to, but like triathlon I know those skills will allow me to just shoot better.
Oy. What a theme in my life. Stupid barrels. The only time I have seen them as actually serving no purpose was when those pretentious princess-wannabes were literally running them. The rest of life, however, it is important to run them and to learn.
But I don't wanna. I just want the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, and a giant flip-off aimed back at the rodeo.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
what is and isn't
Inspired by this article and several conversations going on in the last few days, I have to assert some logical deductions and conclusions I have made regarding faith.
People seem to really enjoy placing boundaries and labels on the faith or experience of others, particularly considering what "Christians" do or don't do, believe or don't believe, and should think or don't think. Maybe this rigidity is necessary as part of their psycho-social construction of faith. I don't know. Maybe "enjoy" is the wrong word to use- it sounds judgemental. I am not going for judgemental here, just observational.
However, I have come to several conclusions regarding matters of faith.
1. God is omnipresent- he is everywhere and anywhere.
2. God is omnipotent- he can do anything he damn well wants to do.
3. God is omniscient- he knows everything there is to know, including what your choices are and what you will choose to do.
4. His thoughts are not our thoughts, his ways are not our ways. This means that we cannot place values or suppositions on predicting his behavior and preferences- we cannot assume He will not or will do something just because that fits our concept of a "good" or "decent" person, because it fits our culture or because it fits our needs.
Ok, so these basic four beliefs are pretty much the FOUNDATION of Christian theology, right?
Well, then, let's expand the conversation beyond what is or isn't Christian. Let's expand the conversation to ask, "What is possible?"
If you have read and agree with the four beliefs listed above, then it seems like the ONLY logical deduction is that ANYTHING is possible (not to say that everything has an equal chance of being true, but that we cannot dismiss a possibility).
So, is it possible that God really cares that we do yoga? Sure. But it is also possible He doesn't.
Is it possible that God chooses to communicate through prayer AND the Bible, without hierarchy? Yes.
Is it possible that evolution does/doesn't exist?
Is it possible that the Bible is NOT the real word of God?
Is it possible that it is true, every word, and literal?
Is it possible that existence is all a big joke, pastime or experiment?
Is it possible?
Any question fits. My point is, we really don't know anything about anything, and to suggest otherwise is complete hooey. Because to say we "know" is to dismiss the possible. By dismissing the possible, we are saying that God is either NOT omniscient, omnipresent or omnipotent (blasphemy!) or suggest that his thoughts ARE our thoughts, his ways ARE our ways, which we know isn't true. We simply cannot dismiss the possible, and therefore cannot say we "know" anything to be true, and since we cannot "know" anything to be true for certain, than how presumptuous is it to say what a "Christian" is or isn't?
I guess that is why I find it so disturbing when people make declarative statements about appropriate or inappropriate faith, behavior or attitudes. All of that is worldly- the only things we know for absolute certain are the four statements I wrote above. If the declaration opposes any of those four statements, it makes me feel like there is an agenda.
Personally, I think he may just have an issue with lycra pants.
People seem to really enjoy placing boundaries and labels on the faith or experience of others, particularly considering what "Christians" do or don't do, believe or don't believe, and should think or don't think. Maybe this rigidity is necessary as part of their psycho-social construction of faith. I don't know. Maybe "enjoy" is the wrong word to use- it sounds judgemental. I am not going for judgemental here, just observational.
However, I have come to several conclusions regarding matters of faith.
1. God is omnipresent- he is everywhere and anywhere.
2. God is omnipotent- he can do anything he damn well wants to do.
3. God is omniscient- he knows everything there is to know, including what your choices are and what you will choose to do.
4. His thoughts are not our thoughts, his ways are not our ways. This means that we cannot place values or suppositions on predicting his behavior and preferences- we cannot assume He will not or will do something just because that fits our concept of a "good" or "decent" person, because it fits our culture or because it fits our needs.
Ok, so these basic four beliefs are pretty much the FOUNDATION of Christian theology, right?
Well, then, let's expand the conversation beyond what is or isn't Christian. Let's expand the conversation to ask, "What is possible?"
If you have read and agree with the four beliefs listed above, then it seems like the ONLY logical deduction is that ANYTHING is possible (not to say that everything has an equal chance of being true, but that we cannot dismiss a possibility).
So, is it possible that God really cares that we do yoga? Sure. But it is also possible He doesn't.
Is it possible that God chooses to communicate through prayer AND the Bible, without hierarchy? Yes.
Is it possible that evolution does/doesn't exist?
Is it possible that the Bible is NOT the real word of God?
Is it possible that it is true, every word, and literal?
Is it possible that existence is all a big joke, pastime or experiment?
Is it possible?
Any question fits. My point is, we really don't know anything about anything, and to suggest otherwise is complete hooey. Because to say we "know" is to dismiss the possible. By dismissing the possible, we are saying that God is either NOT omniscient, omnipresent or omnipotent (blasphemy!) or suggest that his thoughts ARE our thoughts, his ways ARE our ways, which we know isn't true. We simply cannot dismiss the possible, and therefore cannot say we "know" anything to be true, and since we cannot "know" anything to be true for certain, than how presumptuous is it to say what a "Christian" is or isn't?
I guess that is why I find it so disturbing when people make declarative statements about appropriate or inappropriate faith, behavior or attitudes. All of that is worldly- the only things we know for absolute certain are the four statements I wrote above. If the declaration opposes any of those four statements, it makes me feel like there is an agenda.
Personally, I think he may just have an issue with lycra pants.
Monday, October 4, 2010
brace yourself!
Dear Babywearing Enthusiast:
It is time to BRACE YOURSELF!
A recall of a major baby carrier is being forced through this week. We want you to understand how this has been handled and to appreciate the immediacy of the problem!
Company was informed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that, after several years, a closed investigation of their product was being reopened.
Company was told by the CPSC to issue a recall of every product back more than ten years, and to discontinue sales, while admitting that there is no product flaw.
Company stopped all sales, with the intention of clearing up the matter and reopening shortly.
Company asked for the Health and Science report that the CPSC later claimed to have, indicating the need for a recall.
CPSC has NEVER complied; inside word is that there is NOT a Health and Science report.
Company was sent two draft press releases and asked to voluntarily recall their product or the CPSC would issue a unilateral recall (a forced recall) which included inflammatory language as well as a threat to pursue action against entire class of baby sling products.
Company held fast, knowing that the product is safe and a benefit to babies and stated they would be willing to work with the CPSC on a public education campaign about sling safety.
CPSC asked for Company’s financials.
Company complied.
CPSC said to company “You are no longer in business, we don’t need your cooperation in order to recall! Prepare to DESTROY all product next week!” Next week is International Babywearing week!
PLEASE NOTE: *THIS IS AFTER THE CPSC FORCED COMPANY TO STOP SELLING!
The CPSC has overstepped their bounds, and are bullying small, family businesses who make safe products!
This is only the beginning, according to the CPSC’s own words they want to eradicate the whole class of product!
A line has been drawn in the sand! Will you help fight the good fight with us? If you care that these products are available to you, to babies, to families across our country, ACT NOW!
If you are represented by any one of these legislators, please call and write to them NOW, before this recall happens. We are asking just a few simple things:
1. Stop all recall actions against baby sling companies until
2. We can finalize the ASTM voluntary sling standards (scheduled for November) and
3. Force the CPSC to follow their own internal procedures, stop using bullying tactics, and use sound science.
SENATE: Mark Pryor – Chairman, AR (202) 224-2353
Byron L. Dorgan, ND (202) 224-2551
Barbara Boxer, CA (202) 224-3553
Bill Nelson, FL (202) 224-5274
Claire McCaskill, MO (202) 224-6154
Amy Klobuchar, MN (202) 224-3244
Tom Udall, NM (202) 224-5941
Roger Wicker – Ranking Member, MS (202) 224-6253
Olympia J. Snowe, ME (202) 224-5344
Jim DeMint, SC (202) 224-6121
John Thune, SD (202) 224-2321
Johnny Isakson, GA (202) 224-3643
David Vitter, LA (202) 224-4623
HOUSE: Bobby L. Rush, IL, Chairman 202-225-4372; 773-224-6500
Jan Schakowsky, IL, Vice Chair 202-225-2111; 773-506-7100
Ed Whitfield, KY, Ranking Member 202-225-3115; 270-885-8079
John P. Sarbanes, MD 202-225-4016; 410-832-8890
George Radanovich, CA 202-225-4540; 559-449-2490
Betty Sutton, OH 202-225-2266; 330-865-8450
Cliff Stearns, FL 202-225-5744; 352-351-8777
Frank Pallone, Jr., NJ 202-225-4671; 732-571-1140
Joseph R. Pitts, PA 202-225-2411; 717-303-0667
Bart Gordon, TN 202-225-4231; 615-896-1986
Mary Bono Mack, CA 202-225-5330; 760-320-1076
Bart Stupak, MI 202-225-4735; 231-348-0657
Lee Terry, NE 202-225-4155; 402-397-9944
Gene Green, TX 202-225-1688; 281-999-5879
Sue Wilkins Myrick, NC 202-225-1976; 704-362-1060
Charles A. Gonzalez, TX 202-225-3236; 210-472-6195
Tim Murphy, PA 202-225-2301; 412-344-5583
Anthony D. Weiner, NY 202-225-6616; 718-520-9001
Phil Gingrey, GA 202-225-2931; 770-429-1776
Jim Matheson, UT 202-225-3011; 801-486-1236
Steve Scalise, LA 202-225-3015; 504-837-1259
G. K. Butterfield, NC 202-225-3101; 252-237-9816
Robert E. Latta, OH 202-225-6405; 419-668-0206
John Barrow, GA 202-225-2823; 912-354-7282
Joe Barton, TX 202-225-2002; 817-543-1000
Here is a sample letter. Please feel free to edit it and make it more personal to your situation. For example, if you are a business owner in the industry, let them know how a recall will affect you. If you are an educator, let them know how you help. Give them a personal story. Whatever it takes!
Dear _______,
I am writing as a concerned parent about the broad and overzealous scope of many of the recent CPSC recalls. In particular, I’ve learned that the CPSC is threatening a unilateral recall action against a reputable brand of baby sling.
I am appealing to you, as a member of the The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance.
Today, I am asking that:
1) all baby sling recall actions be stopped immediately;
2) the ASTM sling carrier standard should be voted on so that sling carriers may be tested for this safety standard;
3) the CPSC be forced to follow their own internal procedures of due course, rather than using scare tactics and bullying to intimidate reputable, responsible companies.
I am aware that this particular product was in use at the time of death of an infant in one case in 2005. This incident was fully investigated by the CPSC and the company was told, in 2007, that the product was not at fault. In early 2010, this case was reopened despite no new evidence. The company was bullied into closure by the CPSC. No testing or report showing evidence of a defect has been made available to the company. The CPSC is now using the fact that the company is closed to issue the unilateral recall, despite lacking the science and statistics that would be the norm for this agency. At this time, there are indications of many more baby carrier recalls to come, including CPSC language that indicates that they are considering action against this "entire class of product".
Recalling this particular product, and potentially this "entire class of product", will have a decidedly negative impact on parents all over the United States. Babywearing is a practice that has proven health benefits for both babies and their caregivers, and is an essential part of parenting for millions of people across the country and worldwide. The CPSC is attempting to drastically limit a personal parenting choice through this unnecessary recall. Please consider the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance’s Position Paper (http://babycarrierindustryalliance.m...hite_paper.pdf) as scientific evidence of both the necessity and the safety of baby carriers.
There is a strong network of babywearing safety advocates and volunteer groups throughout the nation whose mission is to teach caregivers how to use their baby carriers safely and effectively. Baby carriers are absolutely safe; perhaps even safer than many other baby care devices such as swings and car seats. Additionally, ASTM International is set to vote on a voluntary standard for sling carriers this very week. This standard is the result of 3 years of hard work by consumer advocates, manufacturers, and members of the CPSC's own staff.
The recent light shown on the tactics taken by the CPSC is shocking. Bullying small family-owned business to get the outcome they desire should not be how the US Government does business. I ask you to stop this recall, look into the actions of the CPSC, and consider allowing the voluntary standards process to be completed. I hope we can count on you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
(All of this text has been borrowed from a thread at TheBabyWearer.com and was NOT written or compiled by me. I am only trying to get the word out.)
It is time to BRACE YOURSELF!
A recall of a major baby carrier is being forced through this week. We want you to understand how this has been handled and to appreciate the immediacy of the problem!
Company was informed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that, after several years, a closed investigation of their product was being reopened.
Company was told by the CPSC to issue a recall of every product back more than ten years, and to discontinue sales, while admitting that there is no product flaw.
Company stopped all sales, with the intention of clearing up the matter and reopening shortly.
Company asked for the Health and Science report that the CPSC later claimed to have, indicating the need for a recall.
CPSC has NEVER complied; inside word is that there is NOT a Health and Science report.
Company was sent two draft press releases and asked to voluntarily recall their product or the CPSC would issue a unilateral recall (a forced recall) which included inflammatory language as well as a threat to pursue action against entire class of baby sling products.
Company held fast, knowing that the product is safe and a benefit to babies and stated they would be willing to work with the CPSC on a public education campaign about sling safety.
CPSC asked for Company’s financials.
Company complied.
CPSC said to company “You are no longer in business, we don’t need your cooperation in order to recall! Prepare to DESTROY all product next week!” Next week is International Babywearing week!
PLEASE NOTE: *THIS IS AFTER THE CPSC FORCED COMPANY TO STOP SELLING!
The CPSC has overstepped their bounds, and are bullying small, family businesses who make safe products!
This is only the beginning, according to the CPSC’s own words they want to eradicate the whole class of product!
A line has been drawn in the sand! Will you help fight the good fight with us? If you care that these products are available to you, to babies, to families across our country, ACT NOW!
If you are represented by any one of these legislators, please call and write to them NOW, before this recall happens. We are asking just a few simple things:
1. Stop all recall actions against baby sling companies until
2. We can finalize the ASTM voluntary sling standards (scheduled for November) and
3. Force the CPSC to follow their own internal procedures, stop using bullying tactics, and use sound science.
SENATE: Mark Pryor – Chairman, AR (202) 224-2353
Byron L. Dorgan, ND (202) 224-2551
Barbara Boxer, CA (202) 224-3553
Bill Nelson, FL (202) 224-5274
Claire McCaskill, MO (202) 224-6154
Amy Klobuchar, MN (202) 224-3244
Tom Udall, NM (202) 224-5941
Roger Wicker – Ranking Member, MS (202) 224-6253
Olympia J. Snowe, ME (202) 224-5344
Jim DeMint, SC (202) 224-6121
John Thune, SD (202) 224-2321
Johnny Isakson, GA (202) 224-3643
David Vitter, LA (202) 224-4623
HOUSE: Bobby L. Rush, IL, Chairman 202-225-4372; 773-224-6500
Jan Schakowsky, IL, Vice Chair 202-225-2111; 773-506-7100
Ed Whitfield, KY, Ranking Member 202-225-3115; 270-885-8079
John P. Sarbanes, MD 202-225-4016; 410-832-8890
George Radanovich, CA 202-225-4540; 559-449-2490
Betty Sutton, OH 202-225-2266; 330-865-8450
Cliff Stearns, FL 202-225-5744; 352-351-8777
Frank Pallone, Jr., NJ 202-225-4671; 732-571-1140
Joseph R. Pitts, PA 202-225-2411; 717-303-0667
Bart Gordon, TN 202-225-4231; 615-896-1986
Mary Bono Mack, CA 202-225-5330; 760-320-1076
Bart Stupak, MI 202-225-4735; 231-348-0657
Lee Terry, NE 202-225-4155; 402-397-9944
Gene Green, TX 202-225-1688; 281-999-5879
Sue Wilkins Myrick, NC 202-225-1976; 704-362-1060
Charles A. Gonzalez, TX 202-225-3236; 210-472-6195
Tim Murphy, PA 202-225-2301; 412-344-5583
Anthony D. Weiner, NY 202-225-6616; 718-520-9001
Phil Gingrey, GA 202-225-2931; 770-429-1776
Jim Matheson, UT 202-225-3011; 801-486-1236
Steve Scalise, LA 202-225-3015; 504-837-1259
G. K. Butterfield, NC 202-225-3101; 252-237-9816
Robert E. Latta, OH 202-225-6405; 419-668-0206
John Barrow, GA 202-225-2823; 912-354-7282
Joe Barton, TX 202-225-2002; 817-543-1000
Here is a sample letter. Please feel free to edit it and make it more personal to your situation. For example, if you are a business owner in the industry, let them know how a recall will affect you. If you are an educator, let them know how you help. Give them a personal story. Whatever it takes!
Dear _______,
I am writing as a concerned parent about the broad and overzealous scope of many of the recent CPSC recalls. In particular, I’ve learned that the CPSC is threatening a unilateral recall action against a reputable brand of baby sling.
I am appealing to you, as a member of the The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance.
Today, I am asking that:
1) all baby sling recall actions be stopped immediately;
2) the ASTM sling carrier standard should be voted on so that sling carriers may be tested for this safety standard;
3) the CPSC be forced to follow their own internal procedures of due course, rather than using scare tactics and bullying to intimidate reputable, responsible companies.
I am aware that this particular product was in use at the time of death of an infant in one case in 2005. This incident was fully investigated by the CPSC and the company was told, in 2007, that the product was not at fault. In early 2010, this case was reopened despite no new evidence. The company was bullied into closure by the CPSC. No testing or report showing evidence of a defect has been made available to the company. The CPSC is now using the fact that the company is closed to issue the unilateral recall, despite lacking the science and statistics that would be the norm for this agency. At this time, there are indications of many more baby carrier recalls to come, including CPSC language that indicates that they are considering action against this "entire class of product".
Recalling this particular product, and potentially this "entire class of product", will have a decidedly negative impact on parents all over the United States. Babywearing is a practice that has proven health benefits for both babies and their caregivers, and is an essential part of parenting for millions of people across the country and worldwide. The CPSC is attempting to drastically limit a personal parenting choice through this unnecessary recall. Please consider the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance’s Position Paper (http://babycarrierindustryalliance.m...hite_paper.pdf) as scientific evidence of both the necessity and the safety of baby carriers.
There is a strong network of babywearing safety advocates and volunteer groups throughout the nation whose mission is to teach caregivers how to use their baby carriers safely and effectively. Baby carriers are absolutely safe; perhaps even safer than many other baby care devices such as swings and car seats. Additionally, ASTM International is set to vote on a voluntary standard for sling carriers this very week. This standard is the result of 3 years of hard work by consumer advocates, manufacturers, and members of the CPSC's own staff.
The recent light shown on the tactics taken by the CPSC is shocking. Bullying small family-owned business to get the outcome they desire should not be how the US Government does business. I ask you to stop this recall, look into the actions of the CPSC, and consider allowing the voluntary standards process to be completed. I hope we can count on you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
(All of this text has been borrowed from a thread at TheBabyWearer.com and was NOT written or compiled by me. I am only trying to get the word out.)
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