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Franklin published an essay in the Pennsylvania Journal under the pseudonym American Guesser in which he suggested that the rattlesnake was a good symbol for the American spirit:
I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids—She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.—She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage.—As if anxious to prevent all pretensions of quarreling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shewn and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:—Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.—Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?
This flag was most notably used during the Tea Party protests of 2009. [3]
This current use of the flag has caught the government's attention. A 2009 unclassified report distributed by the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) to Missouri law enforcement linked the Gadsden Flag to some militia organizations.[4] Reports from Louisiana say that a man was detained by police for driving with a "Don't Tread on Me" bumper sticker on his vehicle.[5]
Displaying the flag on one's home, vehicle, etc. is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Edited to say, if it is used for survivalists and the preparedness planners amongst us, theres not a chance in hell i'd fly one.
Originally posted by getreadyalready
reply to post by CX
Edited to say, if it is used for survivalists and the preparedness planners amongst us, theres not a chance in hell i'd fly one.
Why Not?
Honest question, because I was thinking of flying one, and I am a survivalist. I understand the idea of not identifying yourself with any organization, or standing out too much when SHTF.
Is that your reason?
Or do you have something against survivalists?
You guessed right with the "not wanting to identifying myself". Yes i know people can read the stuff i write on the survival boards, but i just wouldn't want a flag outside my house showing all that i'm probably better prepared than others.
and since America means "Land of Snakes", makes it appropriate, if I remember correctly
India is often called the land of snakes and is steeped in tradition
It was, as it is today, land of snakes and cougars and of the snarling, prowling el tigre, with water for fever-stricken ...