The Marketing of Patriotic Memorabilia

[pub crawler]

I'm growing a bit wary of the folks who are cashing in on patriotism. Yesterday I saw an advert for a coin being produced by a mint -- possibly Franklin Mint -- commemorating American heroes/Sept. 11. The mint promises that $5.00 from every sale will go a fund for the families of the survivors. I am VERY skeptical that the money will ever make it to said fund, unless the mint is subjected to a government-imposed audit.

Anyway, just venting a bit.

 

[Lilly]

I know what you mean. WTF are those people thinking? It pisses me off to no end...

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Taste is the enemy of art.

 

[LarryMullen's POPAngel]

Yeah, it's way too much.

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And in our world of plenty
We can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time

 

[zonelistener]

Yes...

And the people selling NYFD and NYPD stuff. Just bugs the hell out of me!

 

[U2live]

The porno with "patriotic themes" in our email spam is particularly onerous. The flags flapping on the cars are now torn, filthy dirty, and hanging in shreds...is anybody going to tell these people how you properly handle a flag? The ones hanging from balconies are also filthy dirty and in shreds. Every page in the newspaper is some slimebag trying to sell us something wrapped in a flag.

 

[Danospano]

Minted Coins, American flags, Bumper Stickers, Lee Greenwood CDs, and all those other symbols are for the symbol-minded.

If you want to donate money, send it directly to someone. Don't give it to the United Way or whoever. Just do some research and send the money personally. That's what I'd do. Just remember that nearly every single person who lost a loved one in the attack is going to recieve tons of cash from insurance companies. Just remember that...

 

[cmb737]

Not sure about tons. I lost my third cousin in the attacks and his widow will only recieve around $300,000 of government relief and his $25,000 life insurance policy. She has recieved nothing from the American Red Cross other than meals and mail and is dealing with funeral costs as we speak. Not a very good trade for a loving husband I don't think. And if you do the math, $300,000 broken down into 20 years (probably the amount of years my cousin would have worked before he retired) it only works out to $15,000 dollars a year. That is WAY below poverty level for a wife and child. I hope things change and she ends up getting the so called TONS. Most of her help will come from her family and friends...not the government, American Red Cross, September 11th fund, or the Franklin Mint.

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Well the God I believe in isn't short of cash..Mister!