On what evidence? Expound your logic please, Rafflesbear. I don't follow. --

Intent is not all — there could well be political overtone without intent — indeed, does not this thread demonstrate such to be the case here?

I can only say that, if you over there persist in regarding this as just a symbol without known origin or meaning or arrière-pensée intent, then you wilfully reveal yourselves as nothing but a bunch of innocent Yankee·Doodle noodles after all.

Macaroni! - Michael