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Russia's Communist Party Seeks To Copyright Red Star Symbol
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
Is a red star sometimes just a red star?
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "NATIONAL ANTHEM OF USSR")
THE RED ARMY CHOIR: (Singing in foreign language).
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SIMON: The red, five-pointed star has been a symbol of Russia's Communist Party since 1917. Some accounts say the five points represent the fingers of a worker's hand, others that they're the five continents over which communism would spread. The star was sewn on all Red Army uniforms. Joseph Stalin often wore a red star. Some capitalist enterprises have also used a red star symbol, including Heineken beer, San Pellegrino water and Macy's department stores.
The chief lawyer for the Russian Communist Party has asked Russia's president to let the party copyright the red star so that Western companies can't use it. Those companies were founded and using red stars well before the Russian Revolution of 1917. Heineken says they turned their star white after World War II so that their Dutch beer wouldn't be plastered with a communist symbol. They returned to red when the USSR collapsed. Maybe the Russian Communist Party can try to copyright Mickey Mouse.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "NATIONAL ANTHEM OF USSR")
THE RED ARMY CHOIR: (Singing in foreign language).
SIMON: Thanks, comrades. You're listening to WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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