The Virginia chapter of the 9/12 Project is pushing a bill that would authorize the sale of special “Don’t Tread On Me” license plates as official state plates.
“Don’t Tread On Me” flags, also known as Gadsden flags, are a go-to protest symbol for the Tea Party set, seen at pretty much every rally since the Tea Party started having rallies.
But if the bill passes, Virginia residents won’t even have to lift a finger to show their opposition to big government and higher taxes. Or, as the 912 Richmond website puts it: “The citizens of Virginia will soon be able to express their support for smaller government and protest the Federal Government’s intrusion into the affairs of private citizens. How? With license plates that make a statement!”
The site says that the group collected “over 475 signatures” in support of the plate at the Virginia Tea Party convention this year.
Here’s what it would look like:
912 Richmond introduced the bill on October 14, and says that “once the bill is passed by the general assembly and signed into law by the Governor the plates will be produced.” According to the Virginia Legislature site, it will be introduced on January 12, 2011.
But it’s not that easy: The group is required to submit 350 prepaid license plate applications before the Virginia DMV will sell them. The standard plates cost $10 per year, while the personalized plates cost $20 — which 912 Richmond is already collecting payment for.
It’s not yet clear whether the bill stands a chance in the legislature — or whether Gov. Bob McDonnell would sign it.
Similar proposed plates have popped up in Texas as well, though no official legislation has been introduced.
