US Flag Recalled after Causing 143 Million Deaths

Fact or Fiction? According to The Onion, a well-known publication dealing mostly with satirical information, this time datelined April 28, 2010 in Washington, and hot off the press: Citing a series of fatal malfunctions dating back to 1777, flag manufacturer Annin & Company announced Monday that it would be recalling all makes and models of its popular American flag from both foreign and domestic markets. Representatives from the nation's leading flag producer claimed that as many as 143 million deaths in the past two centuries can be attributed directly to the faulty US models, which have been utilized extensively since the 18th century in sectors as diverse as government, the military, and public education. "It has come to our attention that, due to the inherent risks and hazards it poses, the American flag is simply unfit for general use," said Annin & Company president Ronald Burman, who confirmed that flag-related deaths had noticeably spiked since 2003. "I would like to strongly urge all US citizens: If you have an American flag hanging in your home or place of business, please discontinue using it immediately." Despite the Onion's "tongue in cheek" remarks, I decided to disregard the Onion's well-intentioned warning and keep on saluting our American flag, which has merely been hanging out with evil companions!