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A February 20, 2009 report titled “The Modern Militia Movement,” lists the following as possible indicators of a domestic terrorists:

• display of a don’t tread on me flag
• Ron Paul or Bob Barr bumper stickers
• membership in the Libertarian Party

This report was prepared by state and federal law enforcement agencies.

If you go to my Wikipedia entry, which they will not let me correct, you will see a photo of me in front of the Don’t Tread on Me flag on the wall in my office.

It is the 4th “Reference,” an article titled “Don’t Tread on Me” which is about my response to being sued by get-rich-quick real estate investment guru Russ Whitney. That was a cover story in a local newspaper called the EastBay Express. The words “Don’t tread on me” were across my chest in the cover photo of me, which did not include the flag.

During the Whitney lawsuit, I asked readers to suggest a theme for my trial. It was to be a jury trial. Lawyers know that you need to reduce your case down to a simple theme. One reader suggested the “Don’t Tread on me” flag theme. My purchase and display of the flag in my office had everything to do with Russ Whitney and nothing to do with any government.

That flag is actually known as the Gadsden Flag. You can buy it on line from a company that sells virtually every flag ever created. it was used by various American units during the Revolutionary War. Gadsden was a South Carolina colonel. There were several variations of the flag with the yellow one being the most famous.

The history of the Gadsden Flag is a bit more nuanced than just what you see on the flag. The rattlesnake was chosen because it only is found in North America. Also, the rattlesnake is unique in that it is the only animal with a way to warn enemies in order to avoid violence. Furthermore, although the rattlesnake is not aggressive other than catching mice and such to eat, it will defend itself ferociously and fearlessly when it has no alternative and it generally does not lose those fights.

Although snakes now have a dishonest image, they did not during colonial days. Back then, the rattlesnake was considered to be the national animal symbol, a job won by the bald eagle. The wild turkey was Benjamin Franklin’s choice.

I am a registered Libertarian and also voted for Bob Barr in 2008. Am I going to be arrested?

I appreciate informed, well-thought-out constructive criticism and suggestions. If there are any errors or omissions in my facts or logic, please tell me about them. If you are correct, I will fix the item in question. If you wish, I will give you credit. Where appropriate, I will apologize for the error. To date, I have been surprised at how few such corrections I have had to make.