I can't get the full article from the WashPost because I get hung up. But here's a taste.

SHANGHAI -- As America wraps its wounds in red, white and blue, flag factories in China are running nonstop to feed the overwhelming demand in the United States for the Stars and Stripes. At the Shanghai Mei Li Hua Flags Co., office director Wu Guomin has received orders for more than 500,000 flags from customers in the United States in the week since the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. "I guess because we make so many of these things you could say we feel a little closer to the situation there," Wu said as he fingered an American flag. "We're working day and night." The Jin Teng Flag Co. in neighboring Zhejiang province reported orders of 600,000. "It's crazy and very, very sad," said Jin Teng, the factory owner. "Everyone is on overtime trying to satisfy demand."

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Answers

Well, there's your answer about who is making so many of the American Flags we are buying. Personally, it doesn't bother me one bit. Would we feel better if the Chinese were actual Chinese/Americans, working in a factory nearby?

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2001

I posted it mainly to show that just two factories have orders for ove a million flags--I wonder how many will be bought and flown over all?

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2001

yes, we would, Gordon. [royal we]

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2001

Barefoot, I think those folks over there actually *are* Chinese/Americans, since they are up to their ears in making things we want. And they are getting an education in capitolism. During the spy plane incident in China I happened to talk about it with a Chinese lady who runs a little take-out nearby. It was her opinion that the Chinese government had the right to keep that plane, dismantle it, etc. She thought it was wrong for us to be spying on that government. So, how do you like them apples? Chinese/American? Seems like it's harder to detect basic loyalties than we might think.

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2001

It's the fact that she is American that allows her to voice that opinion.

If she was in China saying the opposite, she would probably be put on a list, or worse.

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2001