- Content: 
Big Tech Attacks Small Business Selling Handcrafted American Flags
By Movieguide® Staff
James Staake began his small business, Your American Flag Store, in 2018. However, just a few years later, his business of handcrafted wooden flags is under fire from several Big Tech companies for breaking “community standards.”
In a recent interview, Staake revealed that he didn’t initially notice the lack of web traffic and sales.
“We didn’t notice it right away. We just saw a pretty steep decline in our website visits and sales,” Staake told Newsmax. “After a few days of seeing that, I started digging into what was really going on. Called Shopify and it was clear they weren’t going to help. When I went to place an ad on Facebook, that’s when I found out our app privileges had been suspended.”
According to Staake, he or his company never received a warning or explanation from Facebook or Shopify.
“They didn’t tell us anything,” Staake said. “We’ve been sending all kinds of messages. All they will tell you is that the products we sell go against their community standards.”
“We have some flags that are Second Amendment but we also have flags that are military and for first responders of all kinds,” Staake added. “We’ve seen them kind of pull them off in the past and then we’ll put it on under a new name and within maybe a month or so, they’ll pull it down again. We’ve seen it happening but never thought it would go this far to where they would actually pull all of our rights to advertise completely for any flag. It’s a shame, it’s shocking…it hurts.”
Staake said that sales were down by 90 percent in Jan. 2021.
“As a small business owner, every single sale to us is a blessing,” Staake explained. “Every new customer is like an answered prayer so when you stop seeing those sales, it shocks you.”
Despite the obstacles of starting a small business and weathering the attacks of Big Tech, Staake said that he and his family rely on faith.
“My faith in God is impenetrable, and his plan for me is clear,” Staake posted on Facebook. “I will be the example for my family that will instill their own impenetrable faith in God…this challenge is a blessing perhaps a calling. I will not squander it. We have come to a time in our country where all who love this county, love our freedom and want to see America continue to thrive, MUST STAND UP! Stand with those whose livelihoods have been attacked for political gains. Stand with people whose hearts have been broken, and whose faith has withered.”
According to CBN, PayPal withheld more than #35,000 from Stake by freezing his account. Staake also thanked The Center for American Liberty for their aid in the matter.
“Thank God for the Center for American Liberty! The Center has helped PayPal to see the errors of their ways!” Staake wrote in a separate posting, referencing how the Center for American Liberty threatened to sue PayPal. “For all our customers who are waiting for waving flags, after a long wait for PayPay to get out of the way of production, the saw mill has delivered some beautifully grained material so we can make some beautiful Waving Flags! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND SUPPORT!!!”
View this post on Instagram
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
- Content: +2Share:
- Content: +3