Wednesday, 08 July 2009
-
Does 'In God We Trust' Belong on a License Plate?
It seems that there is a consistent debate over the motto “In God We Trust.” I came across a news article about a case in Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Department denied the group ROCK’s (Reclaiming Our Culture Kentuckiana) request for a state license plate that features the words “In God We Trust.” The claim is that ROCK’s request is so that they can advance religion through a license plate. For me, I find this claim utterly silly. How is putting our own country’s motto on a license plate advancing religion? I fail to see how this is even a valid argument against allowing the request to go through.
Closer to the state I live in, Indiana has an “In God We Trust” plate. It was cited in the article about the Kentucky case that the Indiana plate has been the subject of a lawsuit by the ACLU. While I don’t see the big deal over allowing the license plate, I don’t think I would have the urge to rush out and get one for my car either.
What do you think about the motto debate? Would you get a license plate with “In God We Trust” on it?
RecommendRelated Posts
Post a Comment
- Back to revelife's Revelife Site!
- Note: your comment will appear in revelife's local time zone: GMT -05:00 (Eastern Standard - US, Canada)
About the Author
-
- From: mr_twenty_something
- Name: Tim
Stats: This Week All Time Posts: 0 31 Views: 0 23395 Comments: 0 1291 View all posts by mr_twenty_something
Comments (67)
From reading other comments: Exactly a plate can be issued but it would be optional. If one wishes to buy a plate that says in go we trust let that be their decision and right and those who don't want one can have a different plate without it saying that.
I just wish the ACLU would stop misquoting the first amendment. The first amendment only restricts Congress from establishing a national religion and prevents Congress from restricting the free practice of religion. The ACLU and other groups are misusing the first amendment to do the very thing the first amendment was designed to prevent: restriction of freedom of religion. I realize that the courts have decided that the first amendment applies in many different areas as well - but I feel that the courts are wrong. What should matter is the words written down, not some godless liberal judge's interpretation.
@TropicalOceanSunset@xanga - It wasn't on any US coins or currency until the Civil War, when it was added to help bring some unity to the nation. That is why it has been kept and added, over the years, to all our coins and currency. President Teddy Roosevelt tried to remove it in the early 20th century, not feeling it appropriate to a nation with no established religion, but popular sentiment go the better of him. The "under God" portion of the pledge of allegiance was not added until the 50s, weird huh? Our grandparents grew up without it...
Personally I don't really care what states approve for license plates as long as it is in keeping with the traditions and standards of our culture. I don't think it appropriate for states to appear to be endorsing religion officially beyond safeguarding its practice and recognizing its importance to citizens, basically doing what the federal government does, according to the Constitution. If people want it, why not let them have it? It's not saying "Christianity rules and is the best" or anything like that, just that many people put their trust in God, however they choose to define that. I can see both sides of the argument though...something great about our county. Here in Florida, however, you can't avoid "In God We Trust." It's part of our official state seal and is the official state motto. It's nice and controversial at the same time, harkening to past and present sentiments. Many states have "God Bless America" plates, I would think those would cause more issues than this motto...oh well. To each his own I suppose, on this issue at least.
@redshad@xanga - Bringing up Establishment clauses is a very slippery road. The whole reason it's in the Constitution is to ensure religious freedom. Before the Constitution was ratified in 1789 there were established, official denominations in the colonies and states, to which state tax money went. These official churches had the right to demand your tax dollars, tell you which schools to send your kids too and what religious doctrines and beliefs would be taught in those schools, etc. You could also be restricted in what public offices you could seek if you did not belong to the recognized church, just as it was done in England at the time. Your ability to attend whatever church you wished could also be curtailed at a whim. Be thankful for the First Amendment safeguarding your right to believe and choose which church to attend and give your money to.
One of the best things that could happen to Christianity is that is separate itself from the idea that it is an American religion. Take it off the coins, take it off license plates and whatever else! Churches then need to start catechizing their congregations again so most Americans figure out they are not what they think they are.... Christians.
I believe in religious tolerance, which is exactly why everybody ought to be able to tolerate my license plate which mentions God. I live in Alabama where we have two choices of basic plate - one is "God Bless America" and the other is "Sweet Home Alabama". A lot of people like the God message and want to show their faith and believe it is something to be talked about, not hidden. Meanwhile, other people may not agree with this, may not have those beliefs, or just simply like the other plate better. There are also a bunch of plates you can buy for not much more that support other causes like schools, the environment, etc. I like our system because you can have a plate that mentions faith if you want - some of us think that just maybe a Supreme Being really does exist and shouldn't be hidden in a closet and never spoken of - but people also have other equal alternatives (that are not obviously "leaving something out" like the Indiana plate, where people might judge each other for having/ not having the phrase).
@redshad@xanga - agreed
No, it's a graven image
But then again licensing is just a way to colect revenue anyways, just another tax we pay
@CelestialTeapot@xanga - When the government-- whether city, state, or federal-- elevates or favors one religion, it marginalizes every other.
"In God We Trust," makes no mention of any religion. God is self-evident and does not require religion. Religion is a method people to use to worship the God they trust. But trusting God does not require worship.
Since our founding document the Declaration of Independence says flat out that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, it is very understandable and reasonable that good Americans would trust in the Creator.
@TommyCrowwithWhiteFeathers@xanga - No, it's a graven image
Where is the graven image in the words "In God We Trust?" By your thinking we cannot even pray or say God for fear of the boogy graven image.
How does a person worship God or acknowledge him if they can't use words to refer to him?
it's their choice; why blubber about it?
@MC_Shann@xanga - Take it off the coins, take it off license plates and whatever else!
"In God We Trust" makes no mention whatsoever of Christianity or any religion. God is common to all men and is self evident to anyone with a mind free enough to think clearly.
Since the Declaration of Independence says that our unalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness come from God, it is natural and reasonable for our Federal and State governments to acknowledge him also.
According to your way of thinking we need to reject the very premise of America, which is that God grants us our basic human rights not the king or the state.
The sad fact that the ALCU even voiced an opinion shows how far our country is from believing in the motto. As a state issued plate it probably would be wrong. But as a $10 option that money going to Children's Hospital, ducks Unlimited, or some other charity great! Like Most the Other Vanity Plates on this case Divinity Plates!
if they're going to offer it, they should already be making plates with Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Neo-Pagan, etc. statements of faith on them, too. it really pisses me off when my taxes go to supporting one religion, but not others.
and if they aren't going to do that, drivers should pay for it themselves.
no. just..ew, no.
Kentucky has a "Choose Life" specialty plate. Does that mean the government only supports pro-life groups? No. Just because the government allows a non-profit organization to have a license plate doesn't mean the government supports them. It's about money. A group has to ask to have a special plate. The government doesn't just make it.
No. I wouldn't get one of the "In God We Trust" plates, because it's not true.
It can be issued by the state, but only at people's discretion. Personally, I would buy it, and I love the Indiana license plates. I wish Illinois offered something similar. It's really not difficult, just offer both the In God We Trust plates, and the other plates without the phrase. Simple.
I'd get the default plate my state forces me to get. If it has lies on it, so be it.
@LoBornlite@xanga - Are you even aware of the world around you? You have no actual clue to what I was addressing do you? You need to spend some time in the south where American and Christian are considered synonyme of each other.
However... ! Let's look at what you said despite it having nothing to do with what i said... You wrote "In God We Trust makes no mention whatsoever of Christianity or any religion. God is common to all men and is self evident to anyone with a mind free enough to think clearly" Umm... First thing is; The people who promoted it's use on coins and other things are clearly trying to promote Christianity. Secondly, the statement In God is singular and when the state promotes it they are touting a Monotheist view. Hmm... Does that alienate any specific religious groups?
Grace and peace!
~Your big ugly Teddy
@MC_Shann@xanga - Are you even aware of the world around you? You have no actual clue to what I was addressing do you? You need to spend some time in the south where American and Christian are considered synonyme of each other.
Than go to the South and preach your bullshit. The rest of America is fine. We can't change America just so you can feel comfortable with a bunch of redneck hicks.
After living for years in the Ozarks I can guarOntee that they'll send you packing just like I do most of the time.
I don't see a problem with it being on a license plate, as long as it was optional or something. No one should be forced to use that kind of license plate, because not everyone "trusts" in god.
I have a deep respect for religious people that think this kind of forced thing is ridiculous, but I don't come across many of them.
@LoBornlite@xanga - Ouch! I must have hit a sore spot. Lovely language coming from my sister in Christ. I feel so edified and built up.
@MC_Shann@xanga - Are you even aware of the world around you? You have no actual clue to what I was addressing do you? You need to spend some time in the south where American and Christian are considered synonyme of each other.
Don't you dare slap a "sister in Christ" across the face with an insult and expect her not to knock your teeth out.
Maybe the "sisters in Christ" in your neck of the woods turn the other cheek to such abuse but this one takes a moment to teach her rude brothers some manners.
@LoBornlite@xanga - Sorry you felt insulted. I was just sharing some info on a topic you seemed to have absolutely no clue of.