Tennessee license plates like "Don't Tread on Me" tag pit citizens against each other

Re: “Think Dolly Parton has Tennessee's most popular specialty license plate? Think again,” by columnist Brad Schmitt, Dec. 22

Specialty license plates allow Tennessee motorists to show causes they support, like Agriculture or Friends of the Smokies.

But some plates, authorized by the State, serve as yet another way to divide us on our increasingly tense and dangerous highways. The most popular specialty plate in the Volunteer State (known for coming together to help neighbors and our country in time of need) is not Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library or Save the Honeybee — it’s the “Don’t Tread on Me” Gadsden flag. It’s true.

Once a Revolutionary War symbol of freedom, this image is now synonymous with anti-government, anti-democracy, insurrection, racism, and gun-toting militias.

Of course, not everyone who displays this plate subscribes to these beliefs, but stressed-out drivers tend to form quick opinions — whether to let someone merge into their lane or to help someone after a car accident. Unfortunately, the deciding factor may be who we think they are according to what’s on their license plate.

Once upon a time, Tennessee license plates were standardized, all the same color, reflecting the belief that we were all Tennesseans, one state, regardless of political differences.

Why did they mess that up?

Jim Bellar, Hendersonville 37075

Agree or disagree? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Be sure to include your full name, city/town and ZIP code.

Here's why I proudly have the "Don't Tread on Me" tag

Since this letter published online on Jan. 10, The Tennessean started receiving responses:

Regarding your article on "Don't Tread On Me " tags, Mr Bellar states these tags are synonymous with "anti government," "anti democracy," "racism," and "insurrection."

It never ceases to amaze me the opinions expressed by those who choose to apply negative connotations to every ideal that differs from their own.

I display that tag proudly, as a free citizen of this state. I am not anti-democracy, government, et al. I am against many government policies that restrict my freedoms, which are becoming increasingly forced upon us. That is what that tag represents to me, which by the way, is the original meaning of the quote.

Often, when I travel outside Tennessee, I get compliments on the tag, apparently by people who choose not to look at the negative aspect of every facet of life. The  "they" of which Mr Bellar speaks -- "Why did they mess that up? -- is you, sir.

Bob Cornwell, Elizabethton 37643

There's more to the Gadsden flag than one meaning

I feel Mr. Bellar is wrong on the topic. The Gadsden flag became most famous to the general public during the TEA Party movement.

This was a conservative movement that adopted this symbol with their abbreviation standing for “taxed enough already."

This flag has a long military history and is flown on many active duty US naval ships. His claim that the tags represent many negative things, including racism is absolutely ludicrous.

Please note Tennessee is not the only state that has these tags available. I also think personalized tags are a good way to generate revenue for the state.

Allen Mullins, Church Hill 37642

It's not Tennessee, it's the letter writer who messed this all up

This article could’ve been just fine without the writer's opinion messing it all up!

And I quote “Once a Revolutionary War symbol of freedom, this image is now synonymous with anti-government, anti-democracy, insurrection, racism, and gun-toting militias."

What a foolish thing to say.

Sheldon Ziro, Columbia 38401

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Political license plates in Tennessee set citizens against each other