Family Life

12.02.10 | Sarah Harnisch

   The flag with the words "Don't Tread On Me"-- printed over a rattlesnake-- has, for over 200 years, been a symbol of American freedom from English tyranny. Now, it's coming back as a license plate. The symbol became known about the time of Benjamin Franklin, when he suggested America send boats of rattlesnakes to England to free themselves from tax tyranny. Add the words "Don't Tread On Me" below the snake, and you've got one of many symbols of early American Patriotism. Now the flag is making a comeback in a different form, as a license plate for a vehicle. At least 3 states-- Virginia, Nevada, and Texas-- are weighing or have already approved "Don't Tread On Me" license plates. The flag and its motto were recently adopted by some tea party groups as a message against big government. Critics say the flag's message is political, and has no place on a government-issued license plate.