The rattlesnake has been a favorite symbol of independence throughout America’s history. Adopted as a uniquely American icon by early patriots, such as Benjamin Franklin, the rattlesnake represents American unity. Individually, its rattles have no sound, but united they can be heard by all. And while it does not strike unless threatened, once provoked the deadly rattlesnake never surrenders.
The rattlesnake was used as a symbol of resistance to British repressive acts in Colonial America. Flags bearing rattlesnakes and bearing the simple warning “Don’t Tread on Me” were flown on the first ships of the Continental Navy in the Delaware River in 1775.
Don't start apologizing and defending the Gadsden and Culpeper Minutemen flags.
This is the Confederate Battle Flag flap all over again -- and it's pure Alinsky. Fix, alienate, demonize. Cracker, cracker, cracker!!! That's all it is.
Engage the attackers and show their mala fides, ulterior motives, and essential racism -- don't defend, attack.
Best defense is a good offense.
Alinskyites, when they use race, are vulnerable to the charge of essential racism and appeal to motive (racial aversion and hate) in lieu of support of their "ideas".
Keep attacking and showing that the Alinskyites don't care about people -- they don't -- but only about power. The People will spit them out.