DONT TREAD ON ME explained

14 April 2020– DONT TREAD ON ME

Hello my fellow Americans—

After many requests from friends, family and visitors regarding the saying “Don’t Tread on Me.” I have completed my research and have compiled my findings below. 

Take it for what it is worth as this particular saying is ambiguous and depending on the context in which it is referred can mean many different things. My insight and beliefs are strictly mine and if you disagree that is fine. As, we are in America and we have the right to disagree. Freedom of Speech. 

The Gadsden Flag aka Don’t Tread on Me Flag 

The Gadsden flag is a historical flag with a yellow background and a coiled timber rattlesnake in strike position underneath are the words “DONT TREAD ON ME”

This particular flag was designed by Christopher Gadsden during the American Revolution (1724-1805). During the American Revolution this flag was used by the Marines as an early motto flag along with the Moultrie Flag. 

The timber rattlesnake is to signify the 13 original colonies also known as the Thirteen British colonies:

1. Delaware
2. Pennsylvania
3. Bay Colony (Maine)
4. New Jersey, 
5. Georgia
6. Connecticut
7. Maryland
8. South Carolina
9. New Hampshire
10. Virginia
11. New York
12. North Carolina 
13. Rhode Island

In 1754, Benjamin Franklin published an original woodcut of a snake cut into 8 sections representing the colonies. Under his photo it stated “ Join or Die” The snake like the bald eagle came to signify and symbolize liberty, vigilance, and courage. 

Benjamin Franklin’s design 

Quote from Franklin: “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 shown 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 stepping on her.—Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?

– Benjamin Franklin

There have been many variations to the gadsden flag over the years: 

• The motto sometimes includes an apostrophe in the word "Don't" and sometimes does not. Early written discussions uniformly include an apostrophe; however, as early as 1917, a flag reference book includes a picture of a version without the apostrophe.
• The typeface used for the motto is sometimes a serif typeface and other times sans-serif.
• The rattlesnake sometimes is shown as resting on a green ground, presumably grassy, and sometimes not. The green grass seems to be a recent addition; representations dating from 1885 and 1917 do not display anything below the rattlesnake.
• The rattlesnake usually faces to the left, and the early representations mentioned above face left. However, some versions of the flag show the snake facing to the right. 

Due to the plethora of uses for this particular flag, the meaning is ambiguous and varies depending on the context in which it is displayed. 

Most commonly known as a flag to remind Americans of the birth of our great nation, and the American Spirit prevailing and standing up for their beliefs in which we hold near and dear to our heart. This we will defend. Give us liberty or give us death. 

God Bless America. 

God Bless our brave service members that serve and protect our country. 

Hoorah. 

Danalthemom aka SeabeeWife

Questions?

Comments? 

Let me know. 

Media equals Chaos

Media equals chaos= Tired of media racism, gender inequalities and same sex debacles. 

Why, must this great nation of ours continually fuel the fires of hate, diversity, social/economic status, racism, sexual orientation and burning bridges that have been rebuilt. 

I, being an American citizen, born and raised in The United States of America, have had many opportunities to complain about the weather, the president, bullying, gender inequality, global warming and the constant media hype of "Blacks vs. Whites", natural born citizens vs. immigrants, "the gays" vs. the straights. 

But I choose not too.

I choose peace.

I choose to keep an open-mind and a closed mouth about subjects that I know not of, I cannot make a judgement on someone without walking in their shoes, hearing their story and casting a stone. 

I choose to accept the ever evolving American choices and step above the hatred, self-righteous hypocrites that surround me and others on a daily basis. 

Why? Because, I want my children, future grand-children and beyond to know peace, love, acceptance and learn to enjoy what they have, earn what they want, accept others for their differences and speak up for those that do not have a voice. 

The constant hatred towards the aforementioned stereotypes are in abundance in our daily lives via radio, television, social media, life learned habits and history. 

Why must we as a society constantly take the bait?

Are we that close-minded?

Have we not overcome all of the obstacles over the years such as slavery, woman's rights, diversity, immigration and no-child left behind?

Must we always take two steps forward and three steps back?

Are we as a nation really trying to annihilate what freedom we have left to fight and argue over petty negativity fueled by various closed-minded outlets such as CNN, Fox News, City newspapers and National News?

You all do realize it is 2015, right?

As we continue to feed into the constant naysayers and negative commentaries we are failing as Americans. 

We, as a nation have overcome so many obstacles, to now be set back by the ever so mentioned, "race card", "gay marriage" and illegal immigration. 

Why? 

What are we getting out of this?

Nothing.

We are all human. 

We all bleed red. 

We all have brains for thinking, mouths for speaking, and insight whether educationally learnt or achieved by living on the streets. 

Why believe the hatred towards all?

Why hate one another for whatever flaw "you" think "they" may have. 

No one is perfect. 

Everyone has flaws. 

Take a look outside, do you see our streets being roamed by AK47 armed guards? 

No. 

Because we live in a free nation. 

Do you see divided bath rooms for "color" and "white"?

No. 

Because the "race card" has already been played, the cards were dealt and we are all free as Americans. 

Do you have food in your refrigerator?

Yes. 

The United States of America ranks #1 in obesity. 

Do you spend money on stuff that isn't a need but a want?

Yes. 

Are you reading this on a fancy iPhone or using your portable laptop or iPad? Do you own a television? Do you own more than one? Do you own a car? How about two?

Here in this day and age, with everything we have built up, sacrificed and overcome why must we still hate each other and try to tear the bonds we have created within our nation and tear them down?

So, that "gay" guy talks like a girl, and? Is it hurting you? Maybe he/she is too scared to come out and because YOU choose to discriminate, he/she commits suicide. How do you feel now?

So, that little girl at the age of 15, dresses like a prostitute. Is she hurting you? Maybe, she is reaching out for attention, maybe she is abused at home and runs into the arms of older boys to obtain the love she has never had. What do you do? Call her a "whore", "slut" and "skank" because she doesn't fit into your perfect model of what a 15 year old should be like, act like and do?

How about Harriet Tubman in 2015: would she have been thrown in jail and beaten by police officers or shot by "accident". Turning others of "color" to riot, because she was black and she decided to do something for others and assist in freeing slaves. Would you picket the whites and police for racism and start riots amongst your own to prove nothing?

What about the Hispanic family at the grocery store with 5 kids, Using food stamps and wic to feed their family. They both have jobs but it's not enough, so they must have assistance or they would lose their children for malnutrition or neglect. Is that fair to judge them?

How about the white mother of two, working two jobs, going to school full-time that cannot get public assistance because she makes $3 more than the poverty level set by the government. Is it fair to set limits when clearly she is trying to do what's best for her family yet you report her to child protective services because she isn't there for them all-day, she doesn't fix every meal for them and relies on a babysitter to help? 

Open your eyes people, there are so many things wrong in the world. 

We, as a nation can help. 

We can decide against negativity and help others. 

Just because one person does bad things or says bad things does not make it right. 

Open your eyes and realize, not one person in The United States is perfect. Not one. 

Open your eyes and realize that hatred and chaos fuels our great nation and it has to stop. 

We are damning ourselves, poisoning the minds of our children and increasing the chance for a repeated history filled with negativity and hate for future generations. 

Life is a present not a time bomb. 

We need to listen to the wise words of our forefathers:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

In the words of Thomas Payne: "I believe in the equality of humanity and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy and endeavoring to make our fellow creatures happy."

Episode 1: Coronavirus Facts

Good morning all, I hope everyone is healthy, happy and calm. If you are not, I hope after reading my blog you will be. Make sure and subscribe for updates and share to everyone you know. (I’m not very good at subtle self-promotion) 

This has been one crazy year, with all the current chaos and issues I wanted to share FACTS from the Center for Disease Control,(CDC) The World Health Organization (WHO) and my local government (State of Tennessee), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the  to help others relieve some anxiety and help others as needed. 

•2020 has started off as a very nerve wracking year, for numerous families, many events have “shaken” our world and scared us, many other issues that we are not aware have occurred and I am here to tell you, It’s been tough, It hasn’t been pleasant and I for one am tired of being afraid, being secluded and uninformed.
With that being said, stress no more as I have completed the research and I have the facts. Take a deep breath and know we are all in this together. 

•As of 28 March 2020-- Many American’s are working from home, or have been laid off, our children are out of school or the daycares have been closed. Our general stress relievers are no longer available, and we are getting cabin fever. Yea, I am happy you are reading this, because I can help.

•Many citizens are panicking --- This is completely normal. Whatever your version or normal is—This is it. Just be patient with yourself and your family. This will end.

•As with any National / Worldwide situation – aka a pandemic chaos and mass hysteria will occur. But it doesn’t have too. A pandemic is defined as a disease epidemic that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents or worldwide. 

•Take a deep breath, say a little prayer (or not if you are not a prayer person) and review my list below—Follow them or not, it is purely your choice. 

I am naturally a spazz and I am doing my very best to share with others what is and has been helping me, my family and friends.

If you have any suggestions, add-ons or would like more information to connect to these sites please feel free to comment on this thread and I will respond at my earliest convenience.

The Novel Corona Virus- (COVID19)

The Corona Virus is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) First, identified in Wuhan, China in 2019. This pandemic has been called many names: CoronaVirus, Novel Coronavirus pneumonia, Covid-19, Wuhan virus and SARS-CoV-2. The virus is spreading at remarkable speeds, infecting many daily and has killed many. The only way to stay safe is to know the facts. 

Practice the recommendations and be self-aware. Many individuals have recovered from this illness, so do not be alarmed. But do, take this seriously. 

Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated on 24 March 2020- Ways to protect yourself, the symptoms and preparations we have been given are and have been taken lightly.

 Please understand this is VERY serious

VERY contagious 

With the help of each one of you out there in the world, WE CAN beat this!

The most useful websites that I have located are the sites that keep records of such viruses : For more information click on these links listed above: CDC, WHO, Local government sites such as Tennessee Corona Virus updates (or whichever state you may live in) and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and the EPA. 

My Top 10 CoronaVirus Stress Prevention Tips:

1. Quit watching the News --- I am a firm believer in media induced panic. Try to reduce your social media intake and quit watching the news. — Side-note: Follow the National / Local and Regional guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. (See links above and snippets below) — It’s always best to use your best judgement and verify what you hear with the CDC, WHO ect.

2. Per WHO: Follow the 5 steps to prevent future contamination:
           I.  Hands: Wash them often 
           II. Elbow: Cough into it. 
          III. Face: Don’t touch it
           IV.Space: Keep a safe distance 
           V. Home: Stay home if you can.
3. Stay at home—I know this is impossible for some, but here are some helpful ways to stay at home.  (Make sure and check local sites above for precautions if unable to stay home)
•Most restaurants are offering free delivery: Grubhub — this is my favorite.
•Order groceries online and have them delivered to your front door —  Instacart  and Amazon        are   offering free delivery. Instacart offers many different options such as Aldi, Food City, Publix  and even CVS. Amazon (free for prime members) offers only a select grocer in my area. 

4. If you leave your home—Use the WHO 5 precautions. Practice Social Distancing- Maintain at least 3- 6 feet between yourself and anyone else that you do not know. Especially in public places such as the grocery store, gas station, doctors office Ect. Wash your hands. 

5. Wash your hands – FREQUENTLY and use an alcohol-based hand rub after washing. Clean frequently used items:(Cell phones, counter tops, remote controls, handles to cabinets, door knobs, steering wheels, keyboards etc.) often with a proven antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral agent: such as alcohol 60% proof or higher, Hydrogen Peroxide, ammonium chloride see ( EPA website for a detailed list above. )  

**I make a very effective and natural spray (like a Lysol spray) and a hand sanitizer with natural ingredients. — Let me know if you are interested in purchasing my personal sanitizer spray, hand sanitizer ect. **

6. Take a Walk and Enjoy Nature. 

7. Pray or Meditate to calm your soul.

8. Find a new hobby.
9. Read a book
10.  Help others in need. 

Thank you for reading, if you have any questions, facts to add or general inquiries please feel free to email me.

Have a blessed day, Hakuna Matata and Carpe Diem

Danaltheseabeewife

The feeling of failing as a Milso

The feeling of failing as a Milso

Day 114

12 February 2020

Today is the second day of missing work to fix me. 

Do I feel guilty about this. No. 

Should I? No. 

I wasn’t aware that being a Milso would be so difficult physically, mentally and spiritually. 

Alas, I am aware of the symptoms and recognize I am depressed. 

This is extremely unlike me. 

I’m a positive, helpful, motivating and uplifting woman— normally. 

During the last couple of weeks, I have not been. 

I recognize this. 

I have reached out to militaryonesource.com for additional resources. (I would highly recommend this) [1. You will need a DOD login 2. It’s easy to set up your account. — This is for another blog.] 

I realize that my husband is an amazing human. I have never given him enough credit for everything he did while he was home. (I am so sorry) I took him for granted. (I am sorry) my husband is my rock. I have also realized that being a milso is HARD. 

I’ve been a single mother before. With two children and an ex that was a total horses behind. Struggling financially, trying to balance work and life and staying positive. Being a milso is not like this. Period. 

(Rant 1)

Being a milso is NOT:  

• being a single mother/father/caregiver/lover/sigot
• You are married/or in a serious relationship/partnership ect. 

• Your sigot is away sometimes for an extended period of time. 

This does not make you a single parent.

I’m tired of wives/husbands referring to their deployed service member as being an “absent parent”. Seriously— Absent? 

Your sigot is serving our country for your protection, our country's protection and helping your family continue to live in the land of the free. Shut-Up!

For those of you that say you are a single parent when your sigot is deployed is wrong, disrespectful and just plain rude

• You are not “single”.
  
• You are being a parent while the other parent is serving his/her country. 
  

Shut-Up!

• Yes, it sucks, being the head of household— paying the bills, taking little Jimmy here and taking little Jane there, Making all of the meals, all the while stressing, being anxious and waiting for a call or skype. 

• Yes, the deployed member is not at home—for due cause.

Being a milso with a deployed service spouse/ sigot does not justify adultery, “single parent” drama and or whining. So, for the last time SHUT-UP, Suck it up and get the hell over yourself. (End of rant)

Back to my original post— Pre- Rant: I have recognized that I am depressed — I did not realize that my spouse was such a tremendous part and help of everyday life. I have gotten to the point in this phase of deployment where I am completely overwhelmed. 1.I feel as though my achievements are more like downfalls. (This is the depression speaking)2. My self-care has dropped to a nil3. I’m tired. All the time. 4. The only joy I find is the phone call from my husband. 5. My daughter (she’s a wee one) is acting out. 6. My dog (beagle) needs to be trained. 7. I, at times want to throw in the towel. 8. I do not cook meals anymore, I have being going to fast food restaurants. (Totally unlike me) 9.My eating habits suck. 10. My house looks like a tornado came through and everything I had previously organized out of existence has reappeared. 

Recognizing the issues:These are all common depression symptoms. These are all common symptoms of the deployment cycle. 

This too shall pass. 

My current self-care plan (in progress)1. Contact a LCSW2. Visit my PCP.  3. Visit a DoP4. Take time to take care of me. 5. Purge unneeded items that are cluttering my home to add stability and organization to my chaos. 6. Take a relaxing bath7. Change my sheets8. Do laundry 9. Look for a dog trainer10. Let others help me. 
All in all — I am not failing. 

I am just a beautiful mess in progress. 

I must be positive, do great things and care for myself first as I have others to care for. 

Tell me your thoughts.

Any suggestions?

Seabee Wife. 

☮️💟☯️

Acronyms:

Milso: Military Spouse

DOD: Department of Defense

Sigot: Significant Other

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker aka Counselor

PCP: Primary Care Physician

DoP: Doctor of Psychiatry 

Unamerican

As a wife of a deployed service member, when individuals fail to stand for the National Anthem it makes my blood boil. 

The National Anthem of the United States of America has been our anthem since 1931. 

The flag that is spoken of in the anthem is the flag that was flown over Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the war of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. 

On September 14, 1814– The flag was flown over as the battle had ended. 

“Flag was flown over the fort when 5,000 British soldiers and a fleet of 19 ships attacked Baltimore on September 12, 1814. The bombardment turned to Fort McHenry on the evening of September 13, and continuous shelling occurred for 25 hours under heavy rain. When the British ships were unable to pass the fort and penetrate the harbor, the attack was ended, and on the morning of September 14, when the battered flag still flew above the ramparts, it was clear that Fort McHenry remained in American hands.” -Wikipedia

Where in any of this explanation, history or description does this state anything about inequality, police brutality or the like?

This continued protest is 1. An insult to American’s serving in the Armed forces. 2. Disrespectful to every single service member that fights for these protesters VOLUNTARILY. 

3. UnAmerican-  If you have a problem with the National Anthem feel free to leave America. Nobody is making you stay. 

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:

'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,

A home and a country should leave us no more!

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Thoughts?

New Perspective

New Blog: New Perspective

In the voice of Matthew McConaughey : Alright, Alright, Alright. 

Welcome to my space. 

Thank you for reading my blog. I will be posting (fingers crossed) at least once a week— about random things some basic topics are listed below.

I will also be transferring old blog information to this blog.

Please like, subscribe, follow and keep your eyes peeled.

• Weather: Mother Nature at her finest.
• Main stream media/ Social Media/ News/ ect.
• Random thoughts/ Sporadic Rants
• People: Red, Yellow, Black, White— just people. All shapes, colors, sizes. Equal opportunity gossip.
• Animals: Pets and Wild... you never know.
• Family: Extended — Grandparents, aunts, uncles, family trees.
• Caregiving : Taking care of someone else.
• Gardening: legal or illegal.
• Mental Health: My family treat has nuts, fruits and bats.
• Homeopathic remedies: DYI
• Buildings/ Construction/ Architecture
• Adventures/ Quests
• Recipes/ Food / Foodies/ Restaurants
• Children, Teenagers and the assholery.
• And so much more….

Nothing is off limits for me.

With the exception of clearly immoral items. (I will specify later)

If you have a question, Ask me.

I will research, dig and find the information.

My former blog page is inaccessible

Danalthemom.blogspot.com due to being hacked and losing all of my information alas you can still read it.

(So go read it)

Once again, thank you for reading.

Enjoy, pull up a chair and stay a while.

-Danalthemom2

Little Bunny- Willow