Protecting Consumers from Corporate Crapulence

Jan. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- As we enter 2012, as with any New Year, many choose to engage in a reflection of the past as they begin to plan for the future. This year, we’re continuing our protracted national recession, with unemployment still high, a mortgage crisis that continues to plague millions, and a cumulative student debt that exceeded national credit card debt in 2011. It’s hard to believe that after all of the messes caused by unregulated corporate activity run amuck, many are still rallying against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its newly-appointed head, Richard Cordray.

Some would be wise to take a closer peek at the past for guidance on how to best look out for the future of consumers. If you think consumers don’t need protection, take a look at “Outrageous Ads” by Kate Parker, not only to laugh at our past but also to realize how in some ways things have not changed so much (http://redrockpress.com/humor.html#outrageous). The ridiculous grifting of the past has continued unabated in many ways. Sure, we may have rid ourselves of the most egregious examples of false advertising (“Not one single case of throat irritation due to smoking Camels!” & “Face the Facts! When tempted to over-indulge, Reach for a Lucky Instead”) but the threat remains (as when for-profit diploma mills tell felons that they can become criminologists for the FBI, charging tens of thousands for a useless scrap of paper).

Red Rock Press wishes Mr. Cordray the best of luck with his monumental task, and has sent a copy to him in the hopes that he can learn from the lessons of the past, such as the Shaving Baby (yes, Gillette razors are that safe!), the Cure-All Whiskey (“The doctor orders Dewar’s – ‘It reinvigorates!’), and the Dr. McLauglin Company’s Electro-Vigour Belt (“Restores the feeling of youth, courage and vigour”).

Consumer should also learn to protect themselves, and “Outrageous Ads” is great way to get primed for the scams waiting to confront you this year. Normally at $14.99, the 96-page, full-color, hardcover book is now on sale for just $10. Interested readers can learn more at http://redrockpress.com/humor.html#outrageous or by contacting Red Rock Press through at Daniel@RedRockPress.com or by phone at 212-362-8304.