American-only flags is a new law for 2008

[The Straight Story]

American-only flags is a new law for 2008
By Carolyn Lange, West Central Tribune
Published Saturday, December 29, 2007

WILLMAR (MN) — When a new “made in America” law goes into effect Jan. 1, Mark Erickson won’t have to change a thing about how he does business.

For 21 years, Uncommon USA Inc. in Willmar has been selling flags and flag poles all around the country. And for all of those years, every single flag the business has sold has been made in the United States. “We’ve never ordered any foreign-made flags,” Erickson said.

Starting Jan. 1, no retailer in Minnesota will be able to sell an American flag unless it’s been manufactured in the United States.

Small novelty items will be excluded from the law, but from now on, when Old Glory is purchased in Minnesota, it must have a “made in the USA” tag on it.

http://www.wctrib.com/articles/index.cfm?id=28959§i...

[hootinholler]

1. Hmmm, can they do that?

Doesn't that violate trade agreements?

-Hoot

[Hippo_Tron]

4. Yup, I can imagine this being contested

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. good first step

now for a law that underwear, pet food, drugs, etc, has to be made here as well. I'm sick of paying big prices for stuff that falls apart or is poisoned.

[bobbolink]

3. You would deny the corporations their big profits?

I'm going to tell on you, you big party pooper!

[Bitwit1234]

5. Good for Minnesota

why don't we pass laws that certain other items have to be made in the USA/ And if your representative did not vote for any trade agreement how can they stop you...remember they are trying to put more and more on the states, lets do this one.

[rasputin1952]

6. Maybe I'm a traditionalist in this, but I have never bought a flag

that was produced outside of this country, and I've purchased more than my share. Before I hit the skids, I would purchase flags and get them to the Boy and Girl Scouts for Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other holidays where flags are placed on Vet graves. I never bought a plastic flag, they were all cloth...I am no one special, just a Vet that believes that some of the old ways are the best ways.

I would never have thought a law would be necessary to ensure an American Flag was produced in the states...i guess I was wrong. All of the "patriots" who bought flags from sources other than US manufacturers should just sit down, and shut up, hiding their heads in shame.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. SO the Chinese will start putting "Made in USA" tags on the flags shipped over here

[quigleyunder]

10. too funny

[proud2BlibKansan]

11. I'm not making a joke

They probably already have the stickers made.

Welcome to DU

[undeterred]

8. How about we do the same for television sets?

Nah, those cost too much.

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. Do they make any TV sets here anymore?

[undeterred]

15. I don't think there are any more American made televisions.

I can't remember who did the story on it, but the last plant closed within the last 2-3 years.

[Raine]

9. Good

novelty items should be included too though. It's pretty disgusting if even American flags are made in China or some other place.

[BoneDaddy]

13. It does make sense

especially for the rabid patriots...Seems kinda inconsitent to worship a flag made in china.

[Tansy_Gold]

14. "Small novelty items" -- like the pins every puke has

in his/her lapel?

I'm no flag waver anyway, but I'd love to see certification that EVERY effin' flag lapel pin worn by every effin' politician is made in the US, by legal American citizens paid a living wage and provided with health insurance and retirement plans.

Tansy Gold, who ain't holdin' her effin' breath

[cynthia]

16. proud to be from Minnesota

It amazes me that we had to come up with a state law. Wouldntcha think it was common sense?