More on Toxis here in the US.

Here is a link to today's episode of Fresh Air on NPR:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story .php?storyId=16616951
Mark Schapiro is the guest, and he has a book out entitled, "Exposing a toxic US policy".
I think every American should read it, or, at least listen to the podcast of this episode of NPR's Fresh Air.
He explains a couple of cases that should get the attention of most women, and anyone else concerned with the long term condition of the environment.

There is something in plastic and rubber that harms our Neurons (Sp?). What ever it is called it has been banned by the EU. And even though the UE thought it might be a problem, something was found to replace it, so in the UE they doesn't have those problems anymore. In our country the plastics and rubber still has it...even though they are producing a replacement for it!

Also they found LEAD in 50% of the lipsticks in the US. The UE has banned it and the companies again found a replacement!

He also followed a case where 6 chemicals used in the manufacture of electronics where banned in the EU - and those companies found a way to comply there too.

The thing I found most interesting was the part when he was asked why the business lobbyists aren't as successful in the EU as they are in the US. He said that he believes that the two top reasons are, in this order, socialized medicine (the government has to pay the medical bills of the people poisoned by these companies, so they are more proactive in regulating them.)., and the fact that it is illegal for businesses to give campaign contributions (regulating lobbyists!).

So, if you want someone to protect you from toxic chemicals used in the manufacture of things you consume - don't look to your government. They are more concerned about Corporate profits. Look to the EU. Because the EU is now a larger part of the global purchasing economy than the US, companies are starting to make changes to protect your health to comply with the EU regulations - but, they can still unload their tainted goods here if they want to.

The major roll of any government is to protect it's citizens. This does not mean bomb the crap out of Iraq, or try to spread "democracy" around the world but, it does include making sure that the products, and goods we consume are not detrimental to our health, and the health of our children. Our country has failed us for far too long, and it is time for a change! Lets not forget what we are fighting for!