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Minnesota bans "Un-American" American Flags

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Minnesota bans "Un-American" American Flags
It is illegal to sell Chinese-made American flags in Minnesota - punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a US$1000 fine. Although the law came into effect at the end of last year, the local media have jumped on the story now to whip up patriotic sentiment around the 4th July holiday.

Rep. Tom Anzelc, DFL-Balsam Township, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that he thought it was “ludicrous” and “un-American” to have U.S. flags made abroad, in countries such as China. Anzelc said he believes people would gladly pay the extra cost if it puts money in the pockets of their neighbors. In 2006, $5.3 million worth of U.S. flags were imported in the United States, nearly all of them from China.

Adam Minter (a Minnesotan based in Shanghai) makes some acute observations on his blog Shanghaiscrap.com, including that "of course, if this was just about preserving American jobs, then the Minnesota legislature could have banned the import of other Chinese products. But they didn’t. Instead, they chose the flag - the most loaded of loaded symbols - and left it to others to decide what excluding Chinese manufacturers means in this case."

Given the climate of anti-Chinese sentiment that US politicians are stirring up in this election year, particularly amongst working class voters, it's hard to see this law as anything but a knee-jerk reaction to give voters false comfort that American jobs can be saved by protectionist local statutes.
Paul_Flynn

10 responses // Minnesota bans "Un-American" American Flags

  • http://www.startribune.com/local/22845094.html?location...
    I've attached the link to the Star Tribune story. It's worth having a look at some of the reader comments after the article just to see how divisive these sorts of symbolic laws can be.

    Also check out www.shanghaiscrap.com
    Paul_Flynn
  • This is definitly a good start to getting back in America.
    200131294
  • This is the most un-American way to promote our manufacturing industry, the flag sector I suppose. And that's if you accept the rather well intentioned American job-promotion, even if on a blue-collar level, argument. Which I don't. That's not the core of this. The core, it's the Us vs Them patriotism campaign technique that turns protectionism into a brand by acting like we need, and i say need, to do something. Like we need to buy flags only from Americans. (Like we have to protect our nation by going to war, like we have to drill for more oil).

    The American way is to promote Capitalism fairly, at all levels. If flags made in China are economical (which they may not be now due to fuel costs) then people have a right to access that market. If we believe that promoting property rights and purchasing power abroad is necessary to our security, in the future, as a thriving America (being that America is the first in the Capitalism race, and possibly prime for some long term repercussions) then we need to live by our words. This is a pathetic gimmick, something that is a waste of time for public officials. It's a waste of time for us.
    JudahEvan
  • I agree its a waste of time for public officials Judah but unfortunately it's not an isolated incident. Similar legislation has been passed, or is under consideration, in other states. The reason politicians use emotive cases like this to push protectionist positions is precisely that they do grab the attention of voters - the arguments are couched in familiar, cozy language and therefore are easier to explain. The only way we can nullify it is by providing an alternative view and educating people about the benefits of free trade - just like those you've articulated.
    Paul_Flynn
  • What about all the other things that say "God Bless America" and are made in China? Or do U.S. flag pins have some sort of grandeur over every other product?
    mariposablanca
  • I wondered how long it would take for them to notice that.
    Just to screw with the nationalists, marker out the "B" in "God Bless America". They hate that.
    Dmitri_Molotov
  • All this Xenophobic Product Patriotism will not establish the U.S.A. as the global powerhouse some wish it to be. We can't thrive as a nation if we shut ourselves out from other countries.

    Don't you dare take away my foreign made products,...
    I love electronics, music, movies, tools, books,...
    and everything else that is made in that dreaded place --- "somewhere else"!

    P.S. You better not use fireworks or firecrakers,...
    Where do ya think they're from?!!?
    PajamaDan
  • Top points for that observation PajamaDan. Your firecracker comment cracked me up (sorry for the pun).
    Paul_Flynn
  • I've always wondered why our flags come from China.
    shroomfairy
  • Follow up from my initial comment...

    What is up with our country's obsession with Flag pins? The country in which it's made, whether politicians are wearing them....and it's all about patriotism. Why?

    How does a pin sum up the pride that one may or may not have for thier country? How can we be so petty to think that a shiny peice of metal is what makes or breaks us?

    By the way Tom Anzelc, welcome to capitalism, and the free market unchecked! When there's a cheaper way to make something at a higher profit, it will be done! MUUhahhaha
    mariposablanca

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