My way nobody pays for anything other than a piece of metal with a number stamped on it.

But, if you want to get down to it, here in VA we have personalized plates. You can have mountains, a beach scene, military/patriotic regalia......there is a large assortment of themes to choose from, including religion base symbols and what-not. But you pay extra for it. And that is how it should be. I don't see why everyone should have to have someone elses superstitions, delusions or hobbies displayed on their plates, then have to pay to have it masked.

I'm thinking it's just another pathetic, immature effort on the part of some people to protect dying mythologies and press their beliefs on others.:p

Dave

Ah yes, the wall that has writing by the wall writer on a wall built by public funds on public property?

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?"

(Quote enscribed on the Jefferson Memorial) (not bad eh? ;))

Pete

And that problem can be corrected. Everywhere except on personal/private property. At that point is where you violate the "...impeding free excercise of religon..." part of the 1st.:)

Dave

Nope, sorry. The phrase officially became the national motto in 1956 and began appearing on paper currency in 1957. In fact, it was affirmed in the House earlier this month as the national motto by an overwhelming margin: only 9 "no" votes and 2 "abstain" votes.

Therefore, it is an icon of culture in this country. You don't want it on your license plate, you can get out a Sharpie and cross it out....right after you move to Georgia.

"I can think of no society, ridden with priests, that did not end in tyranny."

"The wall of separation between church and state should remain high and impenetrable."

Both from Jefferson.

So, the words on his memorial are words originated from him. It's a quote on a grave, basically. That is not an indication that he believed his beliefs should be shove onto other people.

"It is of no concern to me, if my neighbor worships twenty Gods or none at all. It neither taxes my pocket, nor breaks my leg." ----also Jefferson

We can go on like this all day, Pete.

Why can't some people just come to grips with knowing they have no right to press their religion on others? Unless they are afraid it will eventually be invalidated by lack of popular demand?

Dave

If it has become nothing more than a cultural icon, then religious people should object to the use of the phrase on license plates. The overuse of a religious phrase by government has deprived it of its religious meaning. It simply shows how intermingling religion and government perverts both of them.

Regards,

D-Ray

Ahhhh, the 1950s. Interesting period. Some of our most interesting propaganda comes from that era, doesn't it? "Commies" in every closet and so on,.......oh, there's lots of it. Government sponsored conformity, followed by the counter-culture revolution of the 1960s. Action-reaction. Tyranny, followed by rebellion. Kind of like the rise of organized labor following the industrial revolution.

Last I heard, Church attendence continues to decline. How does that make you feel, Mike?

Personally, I couldn't care less if more people do go back to church. It's really none of my business, how others choose to worship. And as long as no one tries to make it my business, there will be no trouble.

Dave

Excellent post. On AUs website, one of the Clergy who runs the organization, Rev. Barry Lynn* said, "Intertwining governent and religion reduces religion to politics and elevates politicians to the status of holymen."

One of my favorite quotes. In one sentence, it illustrates the evil of theocracy.

*AU is NOT an Atheist organization.

Dave

I enjoy pointing out that their actions don't support the current view, including Jeffersons :p

Pete

While I don't necessarily disagree with you, I also find the vehement opposition to occasional religious imagery or slogans to be tiresome and non-productive. We could debate the establishment clause all day but suffice to say that on this topic, like so many others, the polarization of views is doing more damage than otherwise.