To the editor:
I would like to know whose stupid idea it was to take "In God We Trust" off our new dollar coins.
Yes, it is still on there, but why bother? You can no longer see it unless one happens to look on the edge of the coin, which eventually wears off and becomes smooth. Then you won't be able to see it at all.
This nation was built under "One God," and as far as I know "In God We Trust" has always been on our currency. Why change it now? Because some liberal is offended.
I keep hearing about freedom of speech. But what about my freedom? I say it's time we quit getting our rights taken away and be heard.
They have taken the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer out of our schools. What next? Are they going to make us close our churches and pray in the dark corners of our basement, not to be seen or heard?
Some day all people who are responsible for these changes will have to face the "one and only God." What will you have to say about your freedom of speech then? Because "my God" will have something to say to you.
Dot Beckner,
Lawrence
Comments
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gabbo (anonymous) says…
Come on. If your GOD is upset over his name and likeness being realligned on currency in America, then you seriously should reevaluate your realationship with your maker. If an all knowing and powerful creator being did feasibly exist, why in GOD's name would he rain fire upon those with the gall to update a novelty that one can trade at a bank for a real dollar?
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
Dot Beckner, like most conservatives, is just making stuff up. The coins that do not say it are mistakes. There was a big news story all over the place a few days ago about it. The stamp is supposed to be located on the outer ridge of the coin, and not on the face.
Dracul (Bill Chapman) says…
RagingBear has the right of it - there was a major news story on FOXNews about the mistake. It seems that, in a rush to manufacture the coins (and a slight problem with machine placement), the US mint in Philadelphia skipped a step in the manufacturing process.
After stamping the faces of the coins, the coins are collected in a bin and then held for the edge stamping process. Unfortunately, the bin holding coins to be edge stamped got mixed in with bin that had already been edge stamped and were shipped out.
As for the GOD issue - one of the reasons this country even EXISTS is because of religious persecution and censorship.
So gabbo - just keep it up!
Who knows - you could be the reason a new country gets founded. Of course, there is also the revolt against the motherland (and LOTS of dead people), a civil was or two (more dead people), and a few hundred years of civil and society development to go through. (And LOTS of dead people)!
Strange that - dead people I mean. There always seem to be a lot of dead people involved when persecution and censorship seem to intermix. Maybe if more people where a little more willing to see another persons view, there wouldn't be so many dead people.
Strontius (anonymous) says…
"They have taken the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer out of our schools. What next? Are they going to make us close our churches and pray in the dark corners of our basement, not to be seen or heard?"
If only that were possible, then maybe I wouldn't have to wake up in the morning and read the rantings of the intellectually retarded religious right.
PolishBear (Chuck Anziulewicz) says…
It bears noting that the phrase "In God We Trust" has not always been on our coins. It actually wasn't added until the Civil War Era.
And if you look closely, both the phrases "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum" are printed on the edge of the new dollar coins. The words are still there. Why should the size of the lettering matter?
And anyway, what business does our secular government have in declaring WHICH God we should trust? This isn't a theocracy. YET.
staff04 (anonymous) says…
"Because "my God" will have something to say to you."--Dot
Exactly, Dot. And "your god," according to the big book you've *obviously* spent so much time with, is a higher judge then you. Let's let him do the judging, mmmmkay?
ksmoderate (anonymous) says…
In God We Trust. Who's "We?" Got a turd in your pocket?
temperance (anonymous) says…
Since when is there a "right" to have religious mottos on our currency?
And am I reading this correctly? She's not mad because the motto has been removed, just that it's too difficult to see. Wow.
But to answer the question, Dot. It was me. My idea. The buck stops here. Temperance takes full responsibility for having the stupid idea to take "In God We Trust" off the new dollar coins. Direct your criticism accordingly.
Newell_Post (anonymous) says…
"Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"
"Caesar's," they replied.
Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
tvc (anonymous) says…
Actually, it is your god that wants you to pray in dark corners.
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8).
gsandell (anonymous) says…
Maybe God had those coins stamped wrong so that a good old conservative "capitalist" like me can collect them because they will be worth more money someday due to the print goof!
75x55 (anonymous) says…
Good grief people.
There are certain things that are mandated to be on coins. This one mandated item was omitted by error on a short run of coinage, and allows coin collectors something to go bonkers over.
The bigger issue is that the coinage of the country is now being 'marketed' like everything else, with a wide variety of special designs purposefully made to be collected and taken out of circulation, resulting in a rather false creation of profit for the mint.
Frankly, I'd like to see the 'presidential' series come to an end, and revisit past designs, when the representation of Liberty was an inspiration for great artists such as St. Gaudens and De Francisci.
gsandell (anonymous) says…
God can be or do whatever he/she wants to be or do!
moderationman (anonymous) says…
Why no comment about the obvious lie of not allowing the Pledge of Allegiance in schools? The original writer is just making it up.
opinion (anonymous) says…
Sasquatch34,
"I find it odd that the religious folks would want so badly their God to be represented on money, I mean it is the root of all evil, is it not? Dont worry folks, "God" will have your money soon enough."
As one that most on this board would call a religious nut, I have little concern whether "In God We Trust" ends up being on money. It has become an empty slogan that makes some "spiritual" people feel good about themselves. Putting some words on coins is not going to hide the obvious lack of trust this country has in God.
BTW - the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.
Porter (anonymous) says…
tvc-
That's one of the best quotes I've ever seen from the Bible. Thanks for pointing that out!!
paladin (anonymous) says…
It's no secret that all liberals openly defy and undermine the Lord in everything they do. No rational person would debate this point. Sometimes though the ways in which they spit in the face of everything that is sacred can be subtle. Tree-hugging conservationists are one group of liberals that are too often underestimated by us morally minded Christians.
We all know that Muslims, atheists, homo insurgents, and other liberals pose a very real threat to Christianity and the American way of life. Too often though we ignore the moral threat posed by the bearded granola-eating vegans among us. It's not that these anemic leaf-munchers pose much of a physical threat to anyone who doesn't resemble a soy plant, but when their depraved ideas permeate our culture then they can pose a true moral danger to all of us.
In fact, the basic philosophical ideas of these nature loving freaks show a fundamental disrespect for The Lord. God has given us tall sturdy trees with which to build, precious shimmering oil to power our cars, and delicious meaty animals to eat, all in great abundance. When we don't take full advantage of these gifts then we can't be surprised when God takes it a bit personally.
What it boils down to is that anyone who cries all day about global warming or who devotes any time to worrying about endangered species has no trust in God. If we need more oil or more spotted owls then God will simply restock the fridge. Don't disrespect the Almighty by worrying about what's going to happen when we clear-cut all the forests and pollute the air.
Why take the chance of insulting the Almighty just because a couple of hippies tell you it's the right thing to do? I ignore these unwashed reprobates and refuse to even recycle my newspapers. If you don't follow my example, don't be surprised if you find yourself among the unsaved. And after the rapture while you're raiding Earth's fridge which at that point is filled with nothing but expired condiments, Jesus and I will share a good hearty laugh in Heaven at your expense.
Kontum1972 (anonymous) says…
its shotgun dick cheneys money..and he doesnt believe in god....just haliburton....and they are leaving .....ASAP!
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
Meatwad (anonymous) says…
Paladin is definitely not the "antithesis of Christ's message". He IS the antitheses of those who are not funny. Thank you Paladin for cracking me up with your post!!! LOL
Dot is the antithesis of intelligent and educated. I don't know any liberals who are offended by "In God We Trust". We are too busy having lives.
Being offended by "In God We Trust" does not mean someone is a 'liberal' as Dot thinks. It means they need to get a life.
emilyhadley (Emily Hadley) says…
This nation was built under "One God,"
Um, no. I do not know or trust your god.
Actually, this country was built by many, starting with trappers and traders coming to rip off Native Americans and take whatever they could. Then came the land seizures; I believe it was actually established as colonial territories of several different countries.
Later, many other founding immigrants were drawn to our country because they were persecuted for their religions.
Christian missionary St. Patrick's legend of driving the snakes out of Ireland is a good example of what takes place all over the world, all the time. The snakes were actually the ancient religions.
My ancestors came to this land to separate themselves from an oppressive government that tried to control and influence their religious practices. They busted their butts to help build this country, evidence of it still stands from here to New England.
Dot, if you think that the billions of people who have died fighting one another over their religious differences are all fighting for the same god, then surely *that* god must exist in every thing-- every flower, every chair, every mind, and every coin -- without it being scrawled, spraypainted, or scraped into every surface.
emilyhadley (Emily Hadley) says…
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8).
Yes, surely Matthew's 'as far as I know' credibility goes a bit further.
prioress (anonymous) says…
Which god?
=====
"So you're saying that God is a liberal?"
NO, but the teacher was; read your bible, particularly the sermon on the mount and the part about the money changers in the temple.
00jester (anonymous) says…
Well, I hate to point out that, In God we trust, wasn't officially the country's motto, nor on all currency until 1956.
I guess the liberals were all running around having orgies, smoking dope, and killing babies per our usual, before the government set us straight by putting a pharse on currency which no one reads. Damn them!
And all I can say is I have pity for anyone who doesn't follow ancient Greek religion, beacuse Zues will return and strike with great vengence for all you who spew your blasphemy.
And I challenge anyone to prove my God doesn't exist.
Jamesaust (anonymous) says…
This letter is a joke, right? Ignorance in print?
KsTwister (anonymous) says…
In case your wondering the misprint coins are selling on the internet for $200- $500.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
75x55 hits the coin on the head with his/her 9:04am post. Imagine that... I agree with 75x55 on something!
As to the rest of the "Christian poseurs" that are wailing and grinding their teeth in the night over this, let's review a couple of things:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religi...
http://www.treas.gov/education/fact-s...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_God_W...
But perhaps most importantly of all:
****************************************
17
Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
18
Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
19
12 Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin.
20
He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"
21
They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
22
When they heard this they were amazed, and leaving him they went away.
Matthew 22:17-22
****************************************
Perhaps it's time the hypocrites in our midst--right_hater, Obamillary, Dambudzo and the other Conservative extremist fascist haters--leave and go away. They might find it useful to actually crack open a Bible... *before* they start preaching...
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
JohnBrown (anonymous) says…
The right-wing nuts have exposed themselves, along with Fox Noise Channel, for being ignorant of the facts: GWB runs the Mint, not all those secular athiests. But, Hate for Hate's sake is a great thing when God is on your side. This thread is another example of the Kansas Taliban on the warpath.
Calliope877 (anonymous) says…
I think some people just have WAY too much time on their hands.
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
~~Are they going to make us close our churches and pray in the dark corners of our basement, not to be seen or heard?"~~
Wow... That would be wonderful. Then maybe you guys will shut the hell up for a change.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
right_hater, the truth is finally out about you.
Ability to stick to the issues: 0%
Ability to post useless anti-left anti-liberal drivel like any other Neoconservative Fascist: 100%
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
No, RagingBear, that would just validate the currently-unfounded claptrap posted by the likes of right_hater, Obamillary, and the other Conservative Republican extremists.
The right to practice one's faith and/or religion is a First Amendment right. Doing this at home, in church, or even at public events is okay. Personally, I like seeing the nativity scene in the park during Christmas; neither do I mind a bit of "prayer" at graduation ceremonies, football games and the like.
But our currency and our Pledge of Allegiance are two items which should be completely secular. They connect our government to a faith, and that's just a bad deal all around.
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
ksmoderate (anonymous) says…
Anyone ever read The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine? You know, the American Patriot?
R_T, Oba, Dambudzo, I'm glancing in your direction...
Interesting reading, given the topics on this table...
ksmoderate (anonymous) says…
If the LTE writer is afraid of "godless coins," then she shouldn't spend them.
50YearResident (anonymous) says…
This is an incorrect statement.
>
Show me "one" coin minted after 1870 that the edge has worn off from! Go look, there are none. Therefore the "In God We Trust" will always be visable on these coins.
gabbo (anonymous) says…
Did they make any "In Dog We Trust" coins?
dorothyhr (Dorothy Hoyt-Reed) says…
1. Students can still pray in school. They can't lead the whole class in prayer, because the whole class is not the same religion. If someone has told you otherwise, they lied to you.
2. The Pledge of Alligiance is still said in school, but students of religions who don't allow the pledge, don't have to say it, and if someone doesn't want to say "under God" (added in the 1950's), they don't have to. If someone has told you otherwise, they have lied to you.
3. Didn't Jesus get a little upset with the merchants cluttering up the temple? I wonder how he'd feel about "In God We Trust" on money?
I grew up when we recited The Lord's Prayer and the National Anthem everyday in school for most of my elementary days. Reciting them everyday did not increase my believe in god or country. My patriotism comes from somewhere other than the anthem, as does my religion. And don't start telling me I'm not patriotic or religous enough, because you do not know me.
paladin (anonymous) says…
Everyone, even the biggest and strongest and toughest among us, need someone to love. Someone to hug and to hug them. rt and Oba are so absolutely right for one another. They are so much alike, its almost as if they were the same person. They're such a cute couple. Dambudzo makes a threesome. It could work, but that would dangerously resemble a cult or an unnatural situation which could be viewed by some as perverse or sinful. But, they are so good together, that God surely blesses their union. In fact, I'm sure He does, because He told me He did when we last talked.
Porter (anonymous) says…
Good post, dorothyhr!
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
OMG, whatever you do, don't say "roundabout"...!!!!!!!!!!!!
sourpuss (anonymous) says…
If you put too much of your religion (or your patriotism) on your sleeve, you probably don't have enough in your heart.
Some people on here need to take a deep breath and go outside. Seriously.
75x55 (anonymous) says…
ksmoderate -
Try "The Analogy of Religion" by Joseph Butler; a nice complement to your 'Age of Reason'.
ksmoderate (anonymous) says…
75x55,
Will do. Who was/is Joseph Butler?
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
Agnostick, I don't have a problem with people practicing their own religion. I am just sick and tired of them trying to manipulate the people and the government to attempt to force people to observe and practice their religion. Prayer in school, this entire "In God we Trust" thing on money, the line about God in the Pledge of Alliegance and so on. Stop trying to force everyone to be a Christian, or you may just very well find yourself as a minority religion. Same goes for anyone else trying to force their religious ideals on any of us.
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
Sounds like Dot has her Depends on too tight. Loosen it up! I'd absolutely looooove to see you and your church buddies in a basement. Of course, I would include a heavy lock on the outside of the door.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Oba and R_T, I think it's funny that you both still go on about how angry and hateful liberals are, yet each of your first posts here are just that. What's the word I'm looking for? Oh, yeah, hypocrit.
Actually, Ms. Beckner, you are not right that "In God we Trust" has ALWAYS been on money. It HAS NOT.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/nat...
Around the civil war, it was added to the 2 cent coin. It was not added to paper money or "mandated" to be on all money until 1956-57, at the height of McCarthyism. The whole idea was, you could weed out the supposed Communists by seeing which people had an aversion to this. So really, this whole "In God We Trust" thing really did have little to do with God and more to do with politics. Just like it does today. So if you want to get down to it, "In God We Trust" has actually only been on money for 50 years, quite a BIT less time than not having it on our money. So I supposed, R_T, technically you may be right that this doesn't have to do with God. It has to do with whether or not you are (or were in 1957) on the "right" side of politics.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Oba, excuse me, but was that a jab? If so, apparently you can't read.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Oba, Are you calling me a communist? That's fine if you are, although innaccurate. I would much rather be referred to as a communist than a conservative.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
How come no one is actually addressing what I've said? Is it because it goes against the idea some seem to be using to make their point that "In God We Trust" is a tradition? "In God We Trust" it is a relatively new addition to money based on the ravings of a man who used the government and senate hearings to blacklist artists, actors and politicians who disagreed with him.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
In God We Trust: Officially adopted and added to all money in 1956-57.
Stephen (anonymous) says…
God has nothing to do with money.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Where did I say I was a Communist? Seriously, you can't read can you?
Marion, I did not say that this was during the McCarthy hearings, but at the height of McCarthyism...i.e. the cultural phenomenom stemming from these hearings.
Now back to you Oba....
Posted by Crispian (anonymous) on March 13, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oba, Are you calling me a communist? That's fine if you are, although innaccurate. I would much rather be referred to as a communist than a conservative.
Seriously, here it is again. Learn to read before you start bashing what I said. I said you were innacurate to insinuate I was a Communist, but I would much rather innacurately be referred to as a Communist than a Conservative.
Why don't you read before dashing off a patronizing and cursory post....?
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Oh, I see Obamillary, you have nothing to say now that you realize you tried to insult me without actually reading what I wrote. Again, I ask you to re-read and tell me where I said I was a Communist. Here was my 2:37 post your referenced:
Posted by Crispian (anonymous) on March 13, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oba, Are you calling me a communist? That's fine if you are, although innaccurate. I would much rather be referred to as a communist than a conservative.
dorothyhr (Dorothy Hoyt-Reed) says…
sourpuss, Great way putting the point I was trying to make. Can I quote you?
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
From:
http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fact...
Dates of when "In God We Trust" was added to paper money:
denomination production delivery
$1 Federal Reserve Note February 12, 1964 March 11, 1964
$5 United States Note January 23, 1964 March 2, 1964
$5 Federal Reserve Note July 31, 1964 September 16, 1964
$10 Federal Reserve Note February 24, 1964 April 24, 1964
$20 Federal Reserve Note October 7, 1964 October 7, 1964
$50 Federal Reserve Note August 24, 1966 September 28, 1966
$100 Federal Reserve Note August 18, 1966 September 27, 1966
75x55 (anonymous) says…
ksmod - this is fairly concise.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_B...
It's a good practice to look at best writings of both (or all) sides of a given issue. Pascal's 'Provincial Letters' are worthy of study as well.
As for the rest of ya's - simmadownnow!
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
Here ya go, this'll learn ya!
https://wwwn.applyonlinenow.com/USCCa...
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Agnostick....LOL!!!
Thanks for that.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Oba, my 2:28 post also does NOT say I am a Communist. I really am beginning to doubt that you CAN read. First you said my 2:37 said that, now it's my 2:28? Are you sure you just don't wnat to call me a Communist.
That's pretty funny to try and turn this into an issue about my "emotional state".
No hysteria here. I just think you're pretty illiterate and also maybe like to insert your own presumptions into other's posts.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Posted by Obamillary (anonymous) on March 13, 2007 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We care about your stability and emotional state.
Wow, that patronizing manner sure will take you far.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
It's worth remembering that Obamillary, right_hater, Marion & all the other Conservative Republican extremists use their own dictionary, with their own definitions.
Main Entry: com*mu*nist
Pronunciation: \käm-yÉ--nist\
Function: noun
Date: 1840
1: a non-adherent or advocate of anything that even minutely deviates from Conservative Extremism
2: a non-member of the American Republican party or movement : an adherent or advocate of a democratic or democratic republic government, party, or movement
3: anyone who refuses to loudly proclaim their blind allegiance to anything and everything undertaken or engaged in by Bush II regime 3a: anyone not blindly pounding the war drum in Iraq, no matter how costly or ill-managed the campaign
4: one who refuses to engage in right-wing, imperialist, or fascist activities
5: one who refuses to gleefully run up deficit spending and national debt to record-breaking levels
6: one who actually tries to "walk the walk," rather than "talk the talk" when it comes to morals, ethics or spiritual concerns
7: Pretty much anyone that doesn't believe 100% like the rest of Conservative Republican extremists
Hope that helps, Crispian
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
75x55 (anonymous) says…
Now, who's the communist, and when did they start putting "In God We Trust" on paper money?
beatrice (anonymous) says…
"The meek shall inheret the earth."
I think the nut job far left wacked out liberal hippie freak who said that should be crucified.
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Oba, you seriously are stupid. I will say this one more time, because you keep changing what it is exactly you are targeting me for.....
You said I said I was a Communist and referenced my 2:37 post initially, then my 2:28 post. you said i said i was a Communist. Now you are saying I am saying I did not use the word. I DID use the word Communist, but did NOT say I WAS a Communist. You really are an idiot.
If you want to bash me, read what I wrote and comment on that. Not on what you think you should read into what I am saying. Neither post shows me admitting to being a Communist.
Whose Bill? Did you maybe mean bull?
Here it is again:
Posted by Crispian (anonymous) on March 13, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oba and R_T, I think it's funny that you both still go on about how angry and hateful liberals are, yet each of your first posts here are just that. What's the word I'm looking for? Oh, yeah, hypocrit.
Actually, Ms. Beckner, you are not right that "In God we Trust" has ALWAYS been on money. It HAS NOT.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/nat_mo...
Around the civil war, it was added to the 2 cent coin. It was not added to paper money or "mandated" to be on all money until 1956-57, at the height of McCarthyism. The whole idea was, you could weed out the supposed Communists by seeing which people had an aversion to this. So really, this whole "In God We Trust" thing really did have little to do with God and more to do with politics. Just like it does today. So if you want to get down to it, "In God We Trust" has actually only been on money for 50 years, quite a BIT less time than not having it on our money. So I supposed, R_T, technically you may be right that this doesn't have to do with God. It has to do with whether or not you are (or were in 1957) on the "right" side of politics.
Posted by Crispian (anonymous) on March 13, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oba, Are you calling me a communist? That's fine if you are, although innaccurate. I would much rather be referred to as a communist than a conservative.
do either of these have me saying i am a communist? no.
do any of my subsequent posts deny mentioning the word? no.
can obamillary comprehend what he reads? no.
New keyboard: $15
Coca cola that is getting me through this: $1
Proving to myself and any others that carefully read this that Obamillary haz zero reading comprehension: priceless
Crispian (Crispian Paul) says…
Posted by beatrice (anonymous) on March 13, 2007 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"The meek shall inheret the earth."
I think the nut job far left wacked out liberal hippie freak who said that should be crucified.
Terrific, Bea, terrific. Love it.
werekoala (anonymous) says…
=====
"I would like to know whose stupid idea it was to take "In God We Trust" off our new dollar coins.
Yes, it is still on there, but why bother?"
---
Contradicting oneself within 2 sentences is a rare feat indeed.
====
" You can no longer see it unless one happens to look on the edge of the coin, which eventually wears off and becomes smooth. Then you won't be able to see it at all."
---
As opposed to the images on all previous coins, which have never worn off or shown signs of age in the past -- heck, if it's that worn, the coin needs to be taken out of circulation anyway.
I guess I'm just amazed that out of poverty, hunger, homelessness, mentally shattered veterans, a health care crisis, good old Dot decides that the biggest problem facing America today is the failure of the US Mint to produce hundreds of thousands of completely immaliable metal slugs for less than a dollar.
Oh, and for the record, "In God We Trust" wasn't added until the Civil War, and the new dollar coins actually have the letters of the phrase bigger than any previously-issued coin.
werekoala (anonymous) says…
"Because some liberal is offended....
I say it's time we quit getting our rights taken away and be heard....
They have taken the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer out of our schools. What next? Are they going to make us close our churches and pray in the dark corners of our basement, not to be seen or heard?"
----
Look at this! 80% of the population feels persecuted by the other 20% -- it's ridiculous on the face of it, but certain religious and political leaders have made a great deal of hay convincing the insecure that they are in danger-- that there is some great evil force trying to attack them.
It's silly-- all there is is a mass movement to treat all people and faiths as equal under the law, and the historically-powerful majority resents giving up the privilidges it has long enjoyed, and being forced to include others as equals.
It's a movement that preys of fear, xenophobia, racisim, and gullibility, as quite capably evidenced by Dot. She's allowed demagauges to convince her that there are some very evil sinister forces out to attack her way of life -- nothing could be further from the truth.
It's sad, in a way. It's often commented that extremists, especially right-wingers of late, tend to construct imaginary persecution complexes, as a method of subconsciously reinforcing their beliefs. If you feel like you are constantly under attack, it makes you feel like your percieved enemies are really afraid of the truth you carry, and helps you buy into it more and more with little or no critical thinking required, because you're too busy fighting these imaginary battles. Case in point, Dot.
werekoala (anonymous) says…
Crispian -
Some friendly advice?
Don't wrestle a pig; you both get dirty and the pig likes it.
And don't argue with an idiot; he'll drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
paladin (anonymous) says…
If Jesus Christ, Son of God, was to come back to the world today, walk the streets, gather crowds, and try to teach the things he taught, like loving your neighbor as yourself, the communal spirit of God, more blessed to give than to receive, the communal nature of the Christian family, all men (and women) are brothers (and sister's), the greatest rewards are not things of this earth, but of the sprit, get quiet, get humble, and go and sin no more, he probably would not be crucified but would likely be arrested, spend some time in county jail and end up in a treatment center, Osawatomie, or some other mental facility. Nobody who is anybody wants some dirty, scruffy, un-employed, shiftless, homeless, know-it-all do-gooder trying to tell him that his lifestyle is all fouled-up and he is mis-guided and believes in the wrong things. We have all worked too hard for that and have way too much invested in who we are, for good ar bad, right or wrong, for better or worse. Get the troublemaker off the street, shut him up, and lets get on with Life as we know it, have always known it, and, God willing, will keep on knowing it. Saviors be damned.
werekoala (anonymous) says…
"Some day all people who are responsible for these changes will have to face the "one and only God." What will you have to say about your freedom of speech then? Because "my God" will have something to say to you."
---
Well, if the LORD God Jehovah Adonai wants me to face him regarding the changes, he doesn't have to wait. He could kill me right now, if he chose. Or failing that, I could answer him now:
"Oh God, creator of atoms and quarks, billions of stars to light the heavens, black holes, quasars, and the intricate dance of DNA. He who has designed the eye, the ear, the Krebs cycle, and the semi-permiable lipid barrier, as well as giant whales and microscopic plankton. He who maintains galaxies and planets untold, with shapes, structures, and life forms beyond all human imagination. He who knows each and every member of the human race who has ever lived and died. He who has a great great and personal love for us all, and has been with us throughout history, through pharoahs, kings, plagues, fires, comets, earthquakes, dynasties, and famines...
Sorry about leaving your name off of some coins on accident. And sorry about treating the Buddhists as equals, I'm sure you'd have rather us ripped their unborn babies from their mothers wombs as your people did to the Canaanites. And sorry about creating a nation where all people's dignities and rights were protected; we really should have only given those privilidges to the Christians.
I now know that despite the entire universe you have created and that glorifies you, all you really care about is keeping buttsex illegal and getting your name on the $$$. I guess I should have realized you're every bit as petty and vindictive as your fan club makes you out to be.
I guess I'll go burn in Hellfire with Ghandi and Schweitzer and the victims of the Holocaust.
My Bad,
Werekoala.
Tychoman (anonymous) says…
Paladin, are you trying to make a point?
Porter (anonymous) says…
"I now know that despite the entire universe you have created and that glorifies you, all you really care about is keeping buttsex illegal and getting your name on the $$$. "
That was my favorite line of the day, werekoala. Thanks for the laugh!
budwhysir (anonymous) says…
I could comment but it I did, someone would be upset and someone would agree. Just another debate topic up for debate
paladin (anonymous) says…
I'm almost afraid to say this, for fear of rancorous, vindictive, hysterical recompense and verbal attempts at requital, but I fear that Jesus Christ was a communist. He may well have been the original. He certainly was very far left and a liberal, as well. I certainly don't think that He would be welcome in the homes of many of you. Probably too radical and disruptive, disturbing. As well as appearing unkempt.
budwhysir (anonymous) says…
RT,
Politicaly speaking on my thoughts, I believe you are very correct in pointing out the hysteria. The other debatable fact is that of making change and peoples control over changes not to mention that the topic of this change turns on another view point.
Thanks for your political support
jonas (anonymous) says…
Bwahahahahaha! Of all the threads to net over a 100 posts in a day, this one is priceless. Especially when both Ragingbear and 75X55 both pointed out how fallacious the whole thing is in the first place, early in the morning.
You guys make me laugh. Nimen bie wo xiao!
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
right_hater, this is either "good news" for you, or bad. Take your pick.
About an hour ago, I had you pegged as perhaps the most extreme, irrational, addle-brained Conservative Republican extremist crackpot on the LJW forums.
You are now #2, IMHO.
Kansasman is clearly the most extreme, irrational, addle-brained Conservative Republican extremist crackpot on the LJW forums, based on what little bit of slop (s)he's managed to drool out onto the keyboard this evening.
So tell me, "muh man": If all the "libs" worship Marx, as you claim... I guess that means you and the rest of your crowd worship Stalin, right? I mean, do I figure that out for myself, or should I just wait for some "icon" or "provocateur" to spoonfeed me this pablum, the way you obviously have the psychotic feeding tube running between your head and your AM "hate radio?"
Time to pull out the tube, "Teri!"
Extremism is dying out. So long, Dino!
http://static.flickr.com/70/210045036...
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
JSDAD (anonymous) says…
Wow, 19 hours of debating and name calling over a simple mistake, better than t.v.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
We aim to please! Behold, the power of WEB 2.0!!! :p
Better than two cats fighting a monkey over on YouTube...
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
I guess it would only be fair to offer up some sort of comparison regarding my last claim...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EWWmx...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQpGX7...
Brought to you with pride by the friendly folks at Viacom...
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
I was told a couple of days ago to "update my reading list." Here's a good start for you:
http://www.prospect.org/print/V14/8/l...
As to your claim of "Re-distribution of wealth," there's not even a remote connection between socialism and modern liberalism.
The socialist believes that everything--wealth, capital, infrastructure, *everything*--should be owned by the state, or the government.
Liberals would never think this. Liberals (unlike Conservative extremists) actually *thrive* on dissent, especially political dissent. Such dissent--moral, philosophical, or otherwise--could never exist in a society where everything is owned by the state. It'd be like expecting a fire to burn in a vacuum, without oxygen.
Modern liberals *do* place a higher value on the worker, and the compensation that worker is/should be entitled to. Think about that: Who fights minimum wage, liberals or conservatives? Who champions cheap labor at the expense of border security: Liberals, or big conservative-friendly corporations?
That's just one of your "points," right_pigeonholer.
I'll take on another in a few minutes, assuming this one hasn't dawned on you, yet.
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
Marion, that's actually a good point. Judas' silver came from the Pharisee hypocrites... and the soldiers gambling under the cross were Romans. All of this occurred before The Resurrection.
Best illustration of "Render unto Caesar" I've seen yet. :)
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
sourpuss (anonymous) says…
dorothyhr: No problem at all ;) Sorry for the long delay
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
"Plagiarism?" That's not only a laugh, but a grasp from you.
Stalin the Communist oppressed dissenting views through intimidation, and control of the media.
Which is exactly what conservative republican extremists like you do every day, Kansasman.
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
jonas (anonymous) says…
"Posted by Tychoman (anonymous) on March 13, 2007 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This thread is another priceless example of how the LJWorld should eliminate the public forum, or at least restrict it so the general public can't see it without registering. I can't imagine how many people are being offended and get the wrong idea about Lawrence because of several moronic trolls who do nothing but make obscene personal attacks against one another ALL F'ing day."
must. . . maintain. . . straight. . . face. . . . . . . . .
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
Oh yeah, "liar." Right.
You know, if you turned on Mr. Letterman once in a while, you'd recognize those things a bit more. But it's understandable that you need a stainless steel pancake spatula to pry your eyeballs off of Faux News.
Especially in the wake of this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWOGMK...
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
mike_blur (Mike Blur) says…
Now that the furor has subsided for a couple hours--I have to inform you all, including the original letter writer, Dot Beckner, that the US Mint has offered up a "make-good."
Here you go--a new US Dollar Coin, no heads, no tails, just the edge inscription (including "In God We Trust!")
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/13/face...
So there--everything is all an good in the world, and Dot and her ilk can find something else to fume over. (Undoubtedly, they'll find something.)
Crossfire (anonymous) says…
As a dyslexic atheist, I do not trust your dog.
prioress (anonymous) says…
Look at this! 80% of the population feels persecuted by the other 20% -- it's ridiculous on the face of it, but certain religious and political leaders have made a great deal of hay convincing the insecure that they are in danger-- that there is some great evil force trying to attack them.
========
If the christian god is, as they say, omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, she/he/it has nothing to worry about, let alone empty phrases on coins.
ksmoderate (anonymous) says…
R_T,
Your favorite boogeyman Jon Stewart just spent a lot of time on The Daily Show last night making fun of Democrats, so I guess that makes your 7:19am post a steamy pile of BS.
prioress (anonymous) says…
Well, it's cheap; I'll grant you that.
staff04 (anonymous) says…
"He has to maintain some modicum of credibility..."
Hmmmm...
Why does he have to pick on both sides to be credible but FNC doesn't? And no, Alan Colmes doesn't count...
Godisdead (anonymous) says…
Does it matter what is on the money? It all spends the same. I dont see how anyone is harmed by taking it off of the money anyway. Its only a symbol used for trade. It is not sacred or even important to religion. Get over it.
JSDAD (anonymous) says…
Just checked back to see if ya"ll were still at it.
Yep!
Cool
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
"Why does he have to pick on both sides to be credible but FNC doesn't? And no, Alan Colmes doesn't count..."
Hehehe... Alan Colmes...
God love him, he just might be the world's first political porch monkey!
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
I'm very well of the connotations, Marion. Hence, my qualifying with the word "political."
It's quite obvious to anyone who's watched even a glimmer of Faux News that Alan Colmes is nothing but a mere token. And yes, I mean "token" in that sense. He's merely there to serve as a whipping boy, a lightning rod, an excuse for Ailes and Murdoch to say "Bias? What conservative bias? Hey, we got a liberal Democrat here! Come on out here, Al, and tell us about welfare reform, and immigration rights. Do a little dance for us, Al!"
Once in a great while, I catch his late-night radio show. I love it. Colmes is smart, funny, insightful. He just needs better self-awareness of all these wonderful things, so he can push out on his own, maybe get his own radio gig, or at least get with a more-credible news organization, like CNN... or... that other five-letter network that hardly anyone watches.
Dang, Marion. You of all people.
What an ULTRA-maroon!
;)
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
P.S. Tennis, anyone?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0614958/
jcantspell (anonymous) says…
Nature created wars and made humans ignorant greedy and hard headed.
To control the population or eradicate the parasite called man if need be!
Tychoman (anonymous) says…
No I'm not advocating censorship. I believe that the message boards should be visible to just the registered users and not the general public who happen to read the LJWorld online.
Yes, I used the word trolls. Because that's what you all are. We're all guilty of it. We care nothing about the content of the articles and only about making vicious personal attacks against the other and deciding that you win when no one posts on the thread anymore, then you move on to another one. I don't know why my proposal was deleted, I can't think of any policy it violated. I stand by what I said. I formally request (AGAIN) that the LJWorld close the message boards to the general public and leave it open only for registered users due to the obscene, offensive content that is almost constantly left unpoliced on the Web site.
Tychoman (anonymous) says…
Try reading what I write. If it's ony open to registered users (i.e. YOU and ME and the others), then the general public who comes to read the newspaper online won't have to see the obscene comments that you and other users post ceaselessly day in and day out.
Tychoman (anonymous) says…
Try reading what I write. If it's only open to registered users (i.e. YOU and ME and the others), then the general public who comes to read the newspaper online won't have to see the obscene comments that you and other users post ceaselessly day in and day out.
drewdun (anonymous) says…
This is possibly the dumbest LTE in the history of the LJW. Once again, when it suits them [always], wingnuts just make s*** up. Like this little gem...
"This nation was built under "One God," and as far as I know "In God We Trust" has always been on our currency. Why change it now? Because some liberal is offended"
Why even bother trying to teach history to a person with such little intelligence and such great incuriosity? Its pointless. Personal attacks on right-wing nuts is the way to go, if you ask me, because they sure as hell don't deal in facts, logic, or reality.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
I think I would be more inclined to agree with your proposal, Tycho, if users were somehow "forced" to read through all the comments, just to get to the article.
But they're not.
Maybe comments on a separate page? User forums in a completely separate area, segregated away from the main articles?
As it is, when you click on the headline to an article, the article itself appears at the top of the page; to get to us "trolls" , you have to scroll down a little past the article. People can close the window or click somewhere else, at will, at *any time*.
Want me to behave better?
Fine, I'll behave better... as long as they do, too! ;)
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
ksmoderate (anonymous) says…
"I don't think 'far-left' or 'secular-progressive' is offensive." - R_T
HA!
But you use those terms in a derogatory manner all the time, buddy (just like O'Reilly...).
Those words were not offensive in their own right, but after you jumped on the O'Reilly Train with your vitriol, the offensiveness "factor" skyrocketed...thus contributing to the dumbing down of America.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
And then there's the biggie of 'em all, ksmoderate:
"Liberal."
The way this is spat out by right_fascist, Obamillary, bearded_gnome and the rest, it's become an epithet. Almost the same as the other two, "nig**r" and "fa**ot"
It's even shortened to "lib" sometimes, like "n*g" or "f*g." Extremists are lazy like that, I guess--hate to waste the effort on an extra syllable or two.
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrists.org
ksmoderate (anonymous) says…
Agno:
Don't forget "Traditionalist" as a self-righteous term used by O'Reilly and others...although I can't help but snicker every time I think of O'Reilly as a "traditionalist"...evidently it's traditional to commit sexual harrassment? Hee hee!
Whatever makes them feel justified within, I suppose.
Tychoman (anonymous) says…
RT you're such a two-faced liar. You bring out the hurt card when you're successfully called out on the BS you continually post on these boards.
I don't care where they put the message boards. Just as long as I delete my account in the near future, I won't have to see the comments below the article. They should be closed to the general public due to their obscenity and the moderators' lack of substantial moderation.
shirinisb (anonymous) says…
yay dot!!! I agree :)
TomPaine (anonymous) says…
I wondered if anything could be as fractured, benighted, and buffoonishly stereotypical as this Dot's original letter.
Yes - the peurile parody of a conversation that has ensued here far surpasses Dot's simple, bewildered reasonings, both for its grim predictability and near-perfect uselessness. Behold the web's chief contribution to our grand discourse: ritualized, quotidian, commedia dell'artlessness and clumsy slapstick pantomime, with stock characters arrayed and howling their parts as if in a zombie trance; a smelly, stale, fly-specked and moth-gnawed Punch and Judy antic, hammily hammered out by and on those variously misshapen unfortunates cursed with too much bandwidth (and too few books, one supposes).
And this same cavalcade of clowns graces every other news item or opinion piece on this site with their madcap family feud reruns, for our cringing entertainment. You boys take the cake, ya know? Are you all that underemployed?
LJWorld needs to retire this "comment" forum, as it did once before, but permanently this time, in the interest of cleaning up the rhetorical environment and eschewing its current role as enabler. The ratio of insight to insult is just too far out of kilter, too darned always, and stinks up the joint somethin' awful. The rolling repertory crew of wool-gathering, spluttering, feckless, snarling and snickering posters who habituate this backwater - "right," "left," and "moderate" (as if flavors of social dysfunction matter) - need to get real group therapy, instead of badly simulating it daily at one another's expense, sans benefit of constructive, professional guidance and a firm purpose of self-improvement.
In short: Bleeeccccchhhh! A pox on all your mouses. I'm off to find the bromo fizz and forget I wandered down this dark alley again.
Exit to the clouds....
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
G'night Dr. Crane!
TomPaine (anonymous) says…
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Dracul (Bill Chapman) says…
I just love it! One simple little mistake at the US mint turns into a raging argument about "GOD". This little argument only serves one purpose - to prove to ANYONE reading it just how close - minded people are about "GOD".
"GOD" is whatever, whoever, anything, etc. the speaker wishes to mean.
I prefer the Flying Spaghetti Monster myself.