Read full story at Patch Poway with more pictures. One of dozens covering the blunder.
Additional: Fun Facts to Know and Tell from Think Progress
America imported $223.6 million in fireworks from China in 2011 — the vast majority of the country’s $232.5 million in total fireworks imports — while only exporting $15.8 million in fireworks to all international markets, according to U.S. Census Bureau data flagged by Industry Market Trends.
Legislation pending in Congress could lower America’s economic standing in the fireworks world even further: Rep. Dan Benishek (R-MI) and Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) have introduced a bill that would temporarily suspend duties on fireworks imported from overseas, making them even cheaper to buy than they already are. In the campaign finance realm, meanwhile, firework makers have dumped $1,149,280 into the coffers of Republican candidates, and $1,082,834 into those of Democratic candidates.
