The symbolism of historic icons usually gets simplified over the years, and often co-opted by groups with their own agendas. Along the way, the actual history gets lost, which is the point of this Cracked article 8 Historic Symbols That Mean The Opposite of What You Think. Take, for example, the inverted cross that is sometimes used to symbolize satanism.
And there are seven other symbols that might surprise you. Link -via Gorilla Mask
If those Satanists had paid attention in Sunday school, they would probably realize that the inverted cross is actually the personal trademark of Saint Peter, the first Pope, and one of the most revered figures in Catholic lore. When Peter was martyred by crucifixion he was said to have requested to be crucified upside down because he didn't feel worthy of dying the same way as Jesus. As a result, many dyed-in-the-wool Catholics actually consider the inverted cross to be a more acceptable thing to attach to your tacky jewelry than a regular right-way-up one.
And there are seven other symbols that might surprise you. Link -via Gorilla Mask
That being said, i agree that the intentions of those that died at the Alamo were not wholly respectable.
But the phrase "Remember the Alamo" has come to mean perserverance thru adversity and overwhelming odds. And truly that is what they did. They may have not wanted to give up their slaves and that is unfortunate but the phrase has evolved, regardless of its original creators personal agenda. SImilar to the Confederate flag, though i still find its use fairly unnerving to be fair.
Second, the phrase "Dont mess with Texas" is well known throughout Texas and similar southern states as a warning to protect the natural beauty of the state. We have commercials featuring prominant Texas celebrities that encourage and recite the anti-pollution pledge while pictured on Texan roadways. It too has come to symbolize a pride-like quality for natives to defend the natural beauty of the state. But in the scenario that was described..it sounds like someone wants to be a Texan but isnt and is ustilizing Texan branded catch phrases. Your more likely to see a cowboy hat and spurs in Montana than Texas these days.
Third, if he ordered a Shiner beer, which is the most commonly requested Texan local beer i commend him. Its the best beer i know and is so popular it is carried by many vendors outside the state including Las Vegas, Chicago, all states bordering Texas as well as most larger cities that experience influxes of Texas residents. So he would not, theoretically, be in the wrong to order a beer from this brewery anymore than a Boston native ordering Sam Adams in California or Maryland Native ordering Dogfish Head in Colorado.
Nobody earned a nickname like "The Butcher of La Cabana" by being a nice guy and no one who propagates the spread of communism is a "freedom fighter".
I do enjoy some of the looks I get when I wear this shirt:
http://www.thoseshirts.com/commies.html
It's about time for a new one soon, it's getting kind of worn out!
You seem be confused, since what you are describing is the Buddhist Manji. Call it a Swastika, and it's a whole different story.
Catholics were oppressed at the time of the gunpowder plot. If England at the time had more religious tolerance, then there may never have been such a plot.
And it looks like Cracked pulled a Glenn Beck on the Thomas Paine part. His use of the term "landed property" had to do with plantations mainly (or any land granted that was used to produce profit while the owner never really worked the fields -or mines-). Also, Paine wrote quite a few other things that seem to contradict his calls taxation. For example, this quote from the very same Rights of Man.
If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without tribute. Paine-Rights of Man
Thomas Paine was a small-government, classical liberal, and not a hybrid of Karl Marx and FDR.