[HPforGrownups] Why brooms and not carpets?

[James P. Robinson III]

No: HPFGUIDX 45769

As the clock struck 08:04 AM 10/25/2002 +0000, psychodudeneo took pen in 
hand and wrote:
>The reason given for flying carpets being illegal is that they're
>considered muggle items.
>
>Hello?  Brooms are muggle items too!  Heck, you're more likely to
>find a broom in someone's house than a persian-style carpet.
>
>I can't think of any reason why the Ministry would choose one over
>the other.  To be honest, carpets sound a lot more useful than brooms.
>
>  - anyone want to toss in their opinions here?

         I will probably get flayed for voicing this opinion.  I think we 
can reasonably posit a significant British flying broom industry from the 
fact that the newest model is always on display in Diagon Alley, Which 
Broom magazine, the history of the British broom industry given in QTTA, 
etc.  On the other hand, there does not appear to be much of a British 
flying carpet industry (although there is mention of Barty Crouch, sr.'s 
father's Axminster, presumably a British product).  Flying carpets are an 
import item.  What is more, they are an import item that would, to a 
degree, compete with the native, British broom manufacturers.  I suggest 
that the distinction is purely political and protectionist.

                                                         Jim