Christian Coalition Upset About Dollar Coins

Image from Wikipedia.org

I somehow ended up on the email list from the Christian Coalition of America. So, I receive regular updates about the latest outrages that have their collective panties in a bunch. This week, it is the new presidential dollar coins. This one falls under "faux outrage" in my view, and is just a red meat item to secure more donations. . .probably not in coins.

The new coins, you see, do not have "In God We Trust" on the face. Instead, the motto is stamped along the edge of the coin, along with "E. Pluribus Unum" and the year of issue. Holy crap, they're trying to obscure the year of issue! I can't see this as much more than a design choice, but the CCA is convinced it is a plot to remove the motto altogether.

Fueling this outrage is an urban legend, an email that was sent out to "everyone you know" saying the motto was gone altogether. This was due to an error in minting that resulted in whole batches of coins leaving the mint with nothing stamped along the edge. Anybody who can type "Snopes.com" can find out that it was just a mistake. CCA members ought to try that next time one of these fishy issues comes up.

In God We Trust has not always been on our money. It is my understanding that the motto was added to coins (in 1864) and on bills (in 1957), at times when religious fervor was stirring, sort of as a consolation prize. It was a half-step to prevent Christianity from having an even stronger influence in government. Throwing them a bone, if you will.

But if the CCA and other organizations make too big a stink over this, they may find themselves in something of a bind. I can't think of a single reason, given the first amendment of the Constitution, that the motto should be allowed to remain. Impartial legislators and judges would be forced to remove it altogether if the issue were pushed. If you find the motto to be that important, you might be wise to calm down, and just leave it as it is.

And, psst, CCA. . .nobody uses these coins for money anyway! They're essentially collectibles.

[Excerpt from the letter]

Congressman Dan Burton, R-IN, was quoted saying that America is "moving in a very, very wrong direction. Congressman Burton said he will introduce legislation mandating that "In God We Trust" be retained in a prominent place on U.S. currency and coinage.

"Recently, there were thousands of coins minted without 'In God We Trust' on them, and now they're talking about putting 'In God We Trust' in an obscure place on coins to that people can't read them, right on the edge of the coin," the Republican complains.

Practically preaching from the pulpit, the congressman warns that "once you start turning your back on the good Lord, I think you are going to reap the whirlwind, and this is something this nation cannot afford to do right now."

Disgracefully, it was the Republican-led 109th Congress which -- for the first time in some 70 years -- took American's national motto -- In God We Trust -- off the face of some American coins in a bill called "The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005." The legislation allowed "In God We Trust" to be hidden on the edge of the new presidential $1 coins. As Americans discover this outrageous travesty, they are demanding the United States Mint change their design. . ."

It goes on an on, but that is the gist.

For a little history on the motto, go here: Wikipedia.org

For a little history on the coin, go here: Wikipedia.org

For information on the urban legend, go here: Snopes.com