Shanghaiist highlighted some interesting news: “selling Chinese-made American flags within Minnesota is a crime punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a US$1,000 fine.”
What’s going to be the next, penalizing a bare lapel?
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MutantJedi says
Jail time. I read that article earlier but the Jail time was caught in my blind spot.
Daniel says
Might be a little too excessive in my opinion. Personally, I do believe that it would be more symbolic for National Flags to be made by it’s Native country. It might be a tic for tac type of ordeal, some political game or just expressing what the people think but it’s not going to be a simple black-and-white type of reasoning for this action, despite what many supporters or opponents say.
I am concerned with the amount of Americans in Jail already and what other actions that could affect it.
Jay says
Once again, the China heart is hurt? The law says NOTHING about Chinese flags not being allowed. (Though most are made in China) The new law says all American flags sold in Minnesota must be American made. Pretty simple logic really. What did happen is the the price of flags doubled in price overnight. However, what would you think if your Chinese flag said “Made in Bangladesh”?
vadaga says
Pretty sad times for the US if it needs to rely on starting spurious wars and flag-production monopolies in order to prop up its economy.
MutantJedi says
Jay,
Personally, I wouldn’t care where my national flag is made but if I were to buy one, I would pick a cheaper one regardless of where it was made. If the flag happened to be made in India or China, I might even think that my purchase of that flag is a wee bit of symbolism – buy a flag, participate in trade, which helps employ someone who just might need that job to feed his/her family or help their children get an education. Who knows, eh? But if you think of it that way, it just might be more patriotic to buy a flag made in China or India than one locally.
But you’ve got to admit, this law hits a couple of Americanism in one sweep: xenophobic reaction when the economy tanks and yet another way to ensure pownage for highest incarceration rate.
Jay says
Trust me, no one would ever go to jail. A fine is what would happen, Unless that person keeps breaking the law. That is where the jail time would come in. Ironically, Minnesota is one of the most progressive states in America and is very liberal. However, the bitter irony of American flags made in another country eventually even makes a liberal react. Ironically, it’s the true conservative who would be against the law because it puts the government in control of free trade. Me personally, since I call Minnesota home when I’m not living in China? Who cares really. I understand the reason behind the law makers who think an American flag should be made in America. What it REALLT boils down to though, is that it’s an election year and those that voted for the law can point to their patriotism. Sad really.The law really has no effect other than increasing the price of flags. That will just go on to prove the benefit off free trade. Lower prices.
Opersai says
@Jay,
“Once again, the China heart is hurt?”
Hurt for…? I really don’t care, but I just think it’s silly to have to rely on this kind of law to reinforce the sense of patriotism. Relay so much on form, like a fashion show. There’s Buddhist story / saying: “if you hold the spirit of Buddhism to your heart, it doesn’t matter even if you eat meat and drink alcohol as a monk.” In Christine, I recall, Jesus warns his followers not to be restricted by form.
It’s cool when people voluntarily show their patriotism with choice and statement, but to rely on law to force people to make the choice, to appear to be on the right side will only show how fragile that patriotism is.
Opersai says
>_< I’m shamed by my poor spelling.
(Rely) so much on form….
In (Christian), I recall, Jesus warns his followers not to be restricted by form.
BMY says
don’t worry,Opersai.
I know what you are saying with the wrong spelling as I am the one with the worst English skills here. no need to be shamed if you look at my broken words. I don’t care because I am practicing.
Oops says
😉 Don’t forget Chinese-made flags were also made for another unintended customer
‘Free Tibet’ flags made in China
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7370903.stm