Feds Busting Garage Sales and Resell Shops

Let's review the Constitution for a moment. The federal government has limits on the regulation of commerce. In the most simple terms, the federal government's job is the regulate commerce among states--you know interstate commerce. Commerce within a state's borders is covered by the Tenth Amendment.

So, when I opened up a story raising awareness of how the federal government is cracking down on garage sales, second hand resellers, and charity stores like the Goodwill, my blood began to boil. Yes, you heard me right. Your next garage sale conducted in your little community may be subject to a federal investigation.

Why you ask, because the federal government is making the case you need to be knowledgeable of what you sell. If your kid's bicycle has a recall that you weren't aware of, you are violating the law and the feds want to crack down.

"Those who resell recalled children's products are not only breaking the law, they are putting children's lives at risk," said Inez Tenenbaum, the recently confirmed chairwoman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Obviously years could go by, and you may be sick of it sitting in your garage. The federal government expects you to go through your garage sale inventory and assure nothing is subject to recall. The federal government is growing its bureaucracy by working with E-Bay and stores like Goodwill to ensure there aren't recalled goods in their stores. E-Bay is having to purchase a database that will deny listings.

As for the average Joe opening his garage to a bunch of strangers to negotiate down to the lowest price, this law might be hard to enforce, with the exception Obama is increasing the size of the agency that will search for violators by 11.4%, so I guess part of Obama's job creation is the new position of Garage Sale Inspector General. The possibility still may exist that if you part with it for a dime, it may end up costing you a small fortune with whatever fees the government decides to penalize you. Here's a better idea, save the products, and heat your house with them when cap and trade finally kicks in and you can't afford your electricity bill come winter.