The "Don't Tread on Me" or "Gadsden" flag has a rattlesnake which is coiled, raised and ready to strike . The flag was named after it's designer Christopher Gadsden, who was a Brigadier General in the Continental Army during the War of Independence. Christopher Gadsden was elected as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the Second Continental Congress in 1775. He left Congress early in 1776 to assume command of the 1st South Carolina Regiment of the Continental Army.
The Gadsden flag is considered to be one of the first flags to represent the United States before being ultimately replaced by the stars and stripes. The United States Marine Corps also used the Gadsden flag before adopting the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake first became a symbol of the American Colonies during the mid 1700s and is referenced in several publications by Benjamin Franklin, including a commentary printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1751.
The Gadsden flag has a long history of representing American Patriotism. It originally flew as a warning to England and other countries not to mess with the United American Colonies and ultimately the United States of America.
Today, however, this flag has sadly become a warning to our own Federal Government to stop infringing upon the Constitutional rights afforded to American citizens and to stop usurping those powers granted to the States and guaranteed to the individual by the Tenth Amendment.
When I was a child, Patriotic Americans stood tall, united and strong against tyrannical governments in Russia, China and other Communist Regimes around the world.
Today, however, these are perilous days indeed. Americans must now stand tall, united and strong against tyranny from within our own Government, even the Federal Government of these the United States of America.
May the Gadsden flag forever fly as a warning against tyranny no matter from where she comes.
Donald Cutshaw - August 6, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
2 comments:
URGENT CALL TO PRAYER- Intercede for our nation!!! Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 AM-noon on sidewalks in front of or across the street from our state capitols. Silent prayers, single file. Stay on sidewalks & just pray. No speaking, blocking entry or exit of those leaving/coming from buildings and no debates. NO VIOLENCE!!! Pass it on!!!
I remember seeing this flag as a child studyng US history. I remember the snake made quite an impression on me!
Your post about tyranny made me think about the flag on my own state, Virginia. Its seal shows a picture of a woman named "VIRTUS" (from the Latin for Virtue) armed with a spear and a sword, standing with her foot on the throat of a conquered man named TYRANNY. Beneath the image is the Latin inscription "Sic Semper Tyrannis" or "Thus always to tyrants." Her weapons are pointed downward to show a battle already won. She is at rest from battle, but victorious and vigilant.
The image represents our nation's historical overthrow of tyrannical rule.
I've wondered, as I've look at the image of VIRTUS standing guard in this pose, year after year, what would happen if she decided she was tired of watching TYRANNY.
What if she decided she could gloat in her victory, if she arrogantly assumed TYRANNY was forever beaten and she decided she could close her eyes and relax for a change?
Would TYRANNY try to take advantage of her slothful distraction, throw her foot off his throat, rise again, and strike and maim her? And if so, would she, who would be startled and groggy from sleep, have enough strength and the wits to overpower and beat him again? Or would he kill her?
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