Ariz. Tea Partyers Don't Want Specialty Plate Treading on Them

Arizona tea partyers are riled about a specialty license plate that would help fund their movement, saying that the arrangement violates their principles, The New York Times reports. The critics object to doing business with the state, even if it benefits them financially.

Proceeds from purchases of the specialty plate, which bears the familiar “Don’t Tread on Me” snake design often seen at tea party gatherings, would go to tea party groups. In order to receive funds, however, they would have to submit applications and open their books to a state-appointed panel.

“We’re establishing a government organization to take taxpayers’ money and pass it back to grass-roots organizations,” said Jim Wise, a tea party activist in the Grand Canyon state. “Is that what we want?”