Rattle With Us is a grass roots organization that has adopted the historic Gadsden flag as a symbol of what our group stands for. The words “DONT TREAD ON ME” effectively convey how we feel as freedom loving Americans. The rattlesnake is like the American taxpayer. According to Benjamin Franklin, both give generous warning before they strike. We truly believe that “OUR VENOM IS OUR VOTE.”

Why the Gadsden Flag?

In December 1775, Benjamin 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 pretentions of quarrelling 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 defenceless animal; and even when those weapons are shewn and extended for her defence, 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?"

We truly believe that “OUR VENOM IS OUR VOTE.”

The time has come for people like us to take a stand against politicians who would seek to increase their power, restrict individual liberty, and spend money that does not exist. The powers of the federal government and its influence in our lives should be limited. Politicians need to remember that they work for us, we do not work for them. As Thomas Jefferson said, "The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite."

The members of this group know that the United States of America has formed the best government that history has known. The Constitution of the United States of America and the Bill of Rights has given the citizens of this country unprecedented freedom. Freedom is sustained when everyone is responsible for their own decisions and/or actions and in doing so must also accept responsibility for the consequences thereof, including those in political office.