Ohio lawmaker wants to incarcerate retailers that sell U.S. or Ohio flags made in other countries. Under legislation proposed by one state lawmaker, Senator Joy Padgett, a Republican from Coshocton.
Sen. Joy Padgett, has sponsored Senate Bill 316. Senate Bill 316 would ban the retail sale of U.S. or Ohio flags made outside U.S. borders.
"Not only are our flags being manufactured outside of the United States, but a large number of foreign-made U.S. flags are made in China," said Sen. Joy Padgett, a Republican from Coshocton. "The very thought that the very symbol representing freedom from oppression could be made by a child worker in a sweatshop earning pennies a day is, to me, reprehensible."
Ohio S. 316 would ban the retail sale of U.S. or Ohio flags made outside U.S. borders. Those found guilty of doing so would face third-degree misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a maximum $500 fine.
Senator Padget is quite serious.
"While the American and Ohio flags are just two simple examples of the increasing number of items that are made in other countries, I believe that halting the sale of foreign-made U.S. flags is absolutely paramount."
There you have it folks. ebayers beware. Sell that MADE IN CHINA flag and go to jail.
It raises a few questions about the bill.
- Does the ban include all parts of a flag. For example, what if the dye is made in India? What about the thread to sew the flag, is it a crime to have a flag that contains Chinese thread?
- Is there a fine or penatly, if any, for displaying this illegal flag?
I ask becasue my 10 year old son carries the flag in his school parade.
- The ban penalizes retailers who sell the flag. Does that mean the wholesaler is off the hook?
- Is there an alterior motive behind this legislation? Like perhaps an interest in a manufacturer of flags?
- If the flag MUST be manufactured in America it will no doubt cost more. Will there be a subsidy for the patriotic Americans who can ill afford a 'real' American-made flag?
- What about a flag decal or a sticker or a flag in a coloring book? If I buy a flag coloring book for my child do I have to report the crime if the paper is made in China?
- Are we to expect the head of WalMart to go to jail? Or does the crime pass on the poor sap cashier who sold the flag?
- Is this why Obama does not wear a flag on his lapel?
I just wonder if Senator Padgett delivered her tirade at the Ohio House while dressed in Chinese cloth, shoes made in Malaysia, makeup from Bangladesh, and nail polish from Poland.