If you wonder how we became so dependent on government, consider the level of economic ignorance.

In time for Independence Day, the rest of the nation learns that Minnesota has recently banned the sale of foreign-made U.S. flags.

The appeal of the ban is obvious: American flag, American companies. Yet if the appeal is obvious, so is its stupidity. Start with the fact that the flag represents, among other things, the idea of freedom of action. Such an act represents a political suppression of the freedom to buy a flag from any willing seller.

How did that jingoistic jingle go? "Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet." Time to expel major league outfielders from the Dominican Republic?

In this case, life imitates satire, as the law brings to mind an episode from The Simpsons:

Alien presidential candidate (APC): abortions for all!
Crowd: boo!
APC: alright, no abortions for anyone!
Crowd: boo!
APC: abortions for some, miniature flags for all!
Crowd: yay!