An esteemed emblem of vigilance

Speaking of the flag which leftie blogs are attempting to use in a lame attempt to connect the Tea Party movement to the Hutaree lunatics, M. Simon reminded me that the United States Navy is flying it.

The First Navy Jack, which was directly related to the Gadsden flag, has also been in use by the U.S. Navy, and since the terrorist attacks it is flown on all active naval ships.

And here they are:


And here’s what Benjamin Franklin said about the image:

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 pretensions of quarreling 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 defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shewn and extended for her defense, 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?

I certainly hope he was not wrong.