If you think all the silly bills we've talked about are just fluff in the hopper that will never see the light of day, guess again. After a rather lengthy debate on the House floor, in which Speaker Kelliher ruled three amendments out of order ...

During the debate, legislators offered several amendments, including criminalizing the destruction of the American flag, making English the state's official language and requiring lawmakers to drive American-made cars. All were ruled out of order or voted down.

...and the DFL buried a very humorous amendment to add patriotic memorabilia to the list on a 41-92 vote and a motion to table, the Minnesota House passed a bill that would ban the sale of imported U.S. flags in the state. It passed on a vote of 83-46.

Dementee thinks they're all nuts, even Rep. Seifert, but Seifert's comment is sarcastic. When the cost of your flags go up 30% because of the lack of competition, there'll be fewer flags bought and displayed. And I like what Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids) has to say:

That flag should be made throughout the world because it is our message to the world that there is hope for freedom and justice.

Instead Minnesota's DFL wants to turn it into a sign that we protect US jobs and don't give a rat's hindquarters about the world's poor.

P.S. Marty has a great anecdote.

Labels: legislature, Minnesota