SC legislature creates discounted ‘I Believe’ license plates.
SC legislature creates discounted ‘I Believe’ license plates.
Yesterday, South Carolina became the first state to offer its drivers vanity license plates featuring a cross over a stained-glass windows and the words “I Believe.” While most of the other 200 specialty plates cost around $70 — with proceeds going to the sponsoring organization — the “I Believe” plates will cost only $4 to $6, “just enough to reimburse the state for the cost to produce the plate.” Dr. T. Jeremey Gunn, director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, said the plates might be unconstitutional:
The whole issue here is that people are trying to get the state to endorse their religion, and that’s wrong. It’s almost as if there’s insufficient support, and they have to go to the state to get it.
Both the ACLU and the American Jewish Congress are considering challenging the plates in court.
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I love our religious wack-jobs. It’s not enough for them for them to worship in their own time, in their own churches, they have to rub our noses in their mythologies all the time.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:41 amIt’s nice to know who the morons are when you’re out driving.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:43 amSoooo, these cars will be up for grabs after the crapture?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:44 amSue ‘em, christo-fascist fux…
or, just key the shit outta any car bearing those plates…
June 6th, 2008 at 10:46 amoooh, I can’t wait until I get my Flying Spaghetti Monster plates!!!
June 6th, 2008 at 10:46 amWill South Carolina Muslims be entitled to the same consideration in celebrating their faith? How about license plates with the Star of David?
If so, great.
If not, I’d say Big Trouble for this program.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:46 amraynman, forgive my oversight… will worshippers of the FSM be able to adorn their plates with images celebrating His Noodly Appendage?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:48 amI wonder how many cars bearing these plates will also be sporting a made in China yellow ribbon and a made in China Bush Cheney 04 sticker…
Maybe it’s just me, but I have a feeling where you find one you’ll probably find the other.
Now I wish I had photoshop on this computer so I could make my own plate endorsing Atheism…use your imagination as to what I would do to THIS plate in order to achieve that…
June 6th, 2008 at 10:49 amHow about getting little stickers of bush with outstretched arms to put on every plate you see. That would bring this full circle.
PEACE
June 6th, 2008 at 10:50 amnow, we want ‘Allah’ plates for Muslims.
we can’t discriminate now, can we?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:50 amrogers:
So, what exactly does that big yellow cross on the license plate signify? That South Carolina is a big fan of the lowercase ‘t’?
Moron.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:51 amHey, it gives a clear indications to other drives of who is delusional.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:51 amIf she lived in SC, this girl I knew in middle school and high school would most definitely be picking one of this up. She had a Jesus bobble-head mounted on her dashboard (with no sense of comedy intended, seriously) and would say while driving “Jesus, tell me where to go,” again with no humor intended…
Scary.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:53 amWhy don’t all the ‘believers’ elect god to a government position so he/she can show up and be a leader. Ha! They would not like what he/she supported,would they! The religious fanatics are simply reinforcing each other in their self-centered attempts to control everyone else.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:53 amSo..can pantheists and Wiccans get earth and ecology related tags for a discount too?
Is there ANY religious plate available for any religion OTHER than Christianity?
If the answer to either of those questions is “no”, it’s probably going to be ruled unconstitutional – after, of course, the taxpayers pay for a long, drawn-out court battle.
They might be able to get by with providing religious tags for OTHER religions – but who gets to decide WHICH religions?
Any way you look at it, I think the state of South Carolina just opened up a very expensive can of worms.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:53 amWe they also be releasing a plate with a little grey alien and the words “I Believe” ?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:54 amI might buy me one of those…
rogers Says: I think “In god we trust” is just, if not more religious endorsing than a cross with “I believe”…
Precisely why it should come off. Congress had no right in 1954 to put it on their in the first place. Ditto for “One nation, under god” in the pledge.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:54 amThe key is not to fight them to stop it. The key is to get them to put your religious symbol on it, too.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:55 amPlates with the Star of David, the Crescent Moon, the Pentagram, etc.
You’d see how fast they stopped this crap!
I live right across the river in GA, so I will get to see them everyday. How much does a paintball gun cost?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:55 amAnd yet it is illegal for me to black out my moronic “Live Free or Die”
June 6th, 2008 at 10:55 ambelac:
You just reminded me of a skit Bill Hicks did once about women priests. Paraphrasing:
“So women want to be priests. Fine. Now they’ll have preachers of both sexes I don’t listen to. Who cares? Have a priest with gills and a trunk for all I care. Actually, I might go to that service.”
June 6th, 2008 at 10:56 amunbelievable Says:
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rogers Says: I think “In god we trust” is just, if not more religious endorsing than a cross with “I believe”…
Precisely why it should come off. Congress had no right in 1954 to put it on their in the first place. Ditto for “One nation, under god” in the pledge.
You can thank the Knights of Columbus for that little gem (the pledge one).
June 6th, 2008 at 10:57 amgus smith Says: Why don’t all the ‘believers’ elect god to a government position so he/she can show up and be a leader. Ha! They would not like what he/she supported,would they! The religious fanatics are simply reinforcing each other in their self-centered attempts to control everyone else.
LOL. Every Christian should be required to read the bible(s) before they are allowed to reference it. I have a feeling that we’d stop hearing about it if they had one clue about what it actually contains.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:57 amThat’s an easy one for the Federal District Judge in that district.
No longer tolerate religion or religious beliefs. See where it has gotten us?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:59 amliberal traitor Says: You can thank the Knights of Columbus for that little gem (the pledge one).
I blame Congress more – they are beholden to the Constitution which is quite clear on the matter. They should have said no.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:01 amtokin librul Says:
Sue ‘em, christo-fascist fux…
or, just key the shit outta any car bearing those plates…
******
Actually, that’s one of the reasons I won’t put the “evolution fish” on my car – I live in the south, and I just KNOW one of the good Christian believers will key my car or flatten my tire or something.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:01 amrogers Says:
I think “In god we trust” is just, if not more religious endorsing than a cross with “I believe”…
This can’t even nessesarly be tied to religion, let alone endorsing one in particular.
A discount of 90% for a license plate with a cross on it? Are you really that stupid, or does the habit of providing excuses for any wingnut behavior just come so naturally you can’t control it?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:01 amralph the wonder llama Says:
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Will South Carolina Muslims be entitled to the same consideration in celebrating their faith? How about license plates with the Star of David?
If so, great.
If not, I’d say Big Trouble for this program.
Bingo. I’d like a Thor’s Hammer on mine though, please.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:02 amWhat bothers me is that these plates aren’t going to be going for the same rate as other specialty plates. That’s favoritism, and clearly wrong.
But the plates themselves?
I think that once a state allows specialty plates (essentially allowing advertising on license plates) in order to grab more money, they open the floodgates to a host of problems.
First, they pretty much have to give all special interest groups who meet the filing requirements the same courtesy — whether it’s a religious group, the KKK, Little League, Save the Whales, or whatever. Some years ago, many North Carolinians weren’t happy when the Daughters of the Confederacy wanted special plates, and NC couldn’t refuse them because they met all the rules.
Second, the state runs the risk of appearing to endorse whatever special interest is displayed on the plate. Even if they DID put a disclaimer on the plate that the state doesn’t necessarily endorse the group or interest represented, who’s going to see it?
Personally, I’d like to see all “special interest” license plates disappear. Surely whatever money a state makes off these is more than offset by the problems they cause. Furthermore, it’s not denying anybody free speech — people could still display all the bumper stickers they want.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:02 amI have no problem with these plates..
June 6th, 2008 at 11:03 amAS LONG AS…
They allow these for the same discount:
“Praise Be to Allah” for Muslims.
“I Don’t Believe” for Atheists.
“I’m Not Sure” for Agnostics.
“Satan Rulz,Dude!” for Slayer fans (snark!)
“It’s NOT a Cult” for Scientologists.
“I’m Really Shirley MacLaine” for believers of reincarnation.
unbelievable:
LOL. Every Christian should be required to read the bible(s) before they are allowed to reference it. I have a feeling that we’d stop hearing about it if they had one clue about what it actually contains.
Actually, I think we’d be fine if they just forgot the rest of the Bible and read the Beatitudes over and over again. Especially that part about “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
You hear that Christians? All you need to do is STFU and go away and you’ll get everything, so sayeth the Jeebus.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:03 amdbadass Says:
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And yet it is illegal for me to black out my moronic “Live Free or Die”
June 6th, 2008 at 10:55 am
“Famous Potatoes”
Oy, just sayin’.
**eyes rolling**
June 6th, 2008 at 11:05 amI am an atheist would be yelling and screaming at the Wisconsin State Capitol if our legislators allowed atheists to buy a discounted specialty license plate that said something along the lines of, “Atheist and Proud” or “Beyond Belief.” It is sad that no member of the South Carolina Legislature could have the decency and respect of other religions to vote against this measure.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:05 amDRxJ Says:
June 6th, 2008 at 11:03 am
**snort**
Well done, DRxJ. :)
June 6th, 2008 at 11:06 amrogers Says:
I don’t know that a cross symbol nessesarly just endorses christianity…but this case has more merrit anyway.
Yeah, those crosses can mean just about anything. That’s why you rarely see them on church steeples, or hanging around the necks of Christians — just too generic.
Why would anyone ever take seriously any opinion of your on any subject, when you write such astonishing tripe?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:06 amJesus Saves – $66 on his license plate!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:07 amI used to be a Christian.
Now, after nearly 8 years of Bush Christofascism…? Not so much.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:07 ammisshusseinmolly:
While I see where you’re coming from, not all “special interest” plates as you call them are bad.
In Maine there is a vanity plate you can get from the state, or there used to be, that instead of the normal state plate of the chick-a-dee (state bird) it was a Loon. The plates were actually quite aesthetically pleasing and the proceeds from the extra costs went to preserve the habitats of Loons, which are some of the coolest birds in existence.
Just sayin’.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:07 am#34 DRxJ Says:
I have no problem with these plates..
AS LONG AS…
They allow these for the same discount:
“Praise Be to Allah” for Muslims.
“I Don’t Believe” for Atheists.
“I’m Not Sure” for Agnostics.
“Satan Rulz,Dude!” for Slayer fans (snark!)
“It’s NOT a Cult” for Scientologists.
“I’m Really Shirley MacLaine” for believers of reincarnation.
Thank you, that is too funny..
June 6th, 2008 at 11:07 amrogers Says: I don’t know that a cross symbol nessesarly just endorses christianity…but this case has more merrit anyway.
Oh, come on. Christ on the cross is synomous with Christianity, and Christianity alone. To suggest otherwise is ridiculous.
Although, the cross itself was actually not the means for capital punishment in those days – it was the stake. The cross was added to try to bring pagans into teh fold through incorporation of their symbology.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:08 amSouth Carolina never ceases with its bad behavior. It must be their only way to be reconized. Just like a screaming child, reconitiion comes when your rebel on the floors of congress by swinging a cane or by flying the battle flag of the confederancy or pasting a cross on a licence plate.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:09 amThere childish ways never cease. This time they are relying on the church do their talking.
Go you rebs!
Just one question, TP –
How come this item is talking about South Carolina plates, and the graphic is of a Florida plate? Is SC planning to issue FL plates? That would be an even bigger news item…
June 6th, 2008 at 11:09 amoh, and for Jews, a plate with a Menorah or Star of David
and a Buddha for Buddhists
Shiva for Hindus
a blank for atheists
did I omit anyone? help me out if I did.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:09 amNah, the cross and stained glass have nothing to do with religion of any specific nature…could be Jewish, Buddist, Muslim, now couln’t it?
Better trolls, please!
“Live Free or Die”
Great flick. :-D
June 6th, 2008 at 11:10 amWe’ve got the same problem here in Indiana. Only worse.
We offer “In God We Trust” specialty license plates at no charge.
And it costs the taxpayers something like $3.60 per plate extra.
The ACLU has filed a lawsuit that has been ongoing for about 15 months.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:12 amBTW- ALL plates for religious affiliation- or lack of are to receive the same discounts of course.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:13 amI want mine without the cross, just a logo saying
“Crom doesn’t give a shit”
June 6th, 2008 at 11:13 am$4-6 just doesn’t make sense… that $70 isn’t just for the
license plate…
even aside from the religious connotations, that “discount” is
June 6th, 2008 at 11:14 amincredibly UNfair…
What’s wrong with bumperstickers if you really need to advertize for Jesus?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:15 amSame price for Jewish, Moslem, and Wiccan plates, right?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:15 amCan I have the state plate with a rainbow flag? (I’m sure they would charge much more than the going rate for that.) Just remember…God gives and gets discounts. Discounts on brains, fur one…
June 6th, 2008 at 11:16 amRepugnant ploy to create a hot button issue for November. Ignore it until after November!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:17 amWhat else in the country of Ned Flanders?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:17 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
Personally, I’d like to see all “special interest” license plates disappear. Surely whatever money a state makes off these is more than offset by the problems they cause. Furthermore, it’s not denying anybody free speech — people could still display all the bumper stickers they want.
In Oregon, the “special interest” license plates are pretty well-defined. Some of the more common plates support salmon recovery, Crater Lake National Park and the Cultural Trust. Less common are plates for vets, plates supporting state colleges and universities, and some non-profit organizations. I’ve never seen any that would be a “problem.”
June 6th, 2008 at 11:18 amHot button issue? Not so much…more like a ‘can you be this dumb?’ issue. However, given all that, I think the plate is fine…it’ll give me the opportunity to steer WAAAAAY away from these peeps.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:18 amIndeedly doodly, Ned Flanders would be SAL-diddly-ALIVATING for a plate like this!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:20 amTue Apr 03, 2007 at 10:15:49 AM EDT
The Terre Haute Tribune-Star reports today that the new “specialty” plates have taken Indiana by storm, and in turn have cost the state $3.69 for each public affirmation of spirituality.
They have subsidized 400,000 license plates at a cost of about $1.5 million and this is only up to April 2007. I don’t know how many have been issued since.
The money comes from the state highway fund.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:23 amJohnboy – you really MUST be from the sticks – please go back to Walton Mountain. The issue is the separation of church and state and equality under the law. Those are not unimportant issues.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:23 amGee, I wonder if they would give a similar discount to a plate that reads “Evolution Rules”?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:24 amjohnboy, (who will be gone momentarily)
When does “considered” legal action equate to “tying up the court system”?
Then again, what the hades is polygyny? A tribe in New Guinea?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:24 amjohnboy:
And you wonder why liberalism is called a mental disorder.
By whom? Wingnuts who really DO have mental disorders like Mann Coulter and You?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:25 amliberal traitor Says
June 6th, 2008 at 11:07 am
misshusseinmolly:
While I see where you’re coming from, not all “special interest” plates as you call them are bad.
_____________________________________________
I heartily agree. Here in NC, there are about 100 different specialty plates to choose from; many of them having to do with preservation of wildlife or the environment. One can also choose a plate with their favorite NC university on it or their favorite NASCAR driver (we ARE in the south, after all). There are military plates for Purple Heart recipients, Vietnam veterans, disabled veterans, and other military interests. And most of these are well-designed, aesthetically pleasing plates.
I don’t have a problem with any of these plates, really. I’m just saying that when a state allows for these specialty plates, they have to accept that somebody will want to establish one for a group that the state might not endorse.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:25 amJohnboy – The only mental disorder I discern is your apparent dislike for anyone that challenges your conceptions on issues. Just because we take a different stance doesn’t make us deranged. Please, if you have a cogent argument to make about this subject, not the polygamy issue…not the Seattle case…please state your reasons.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:26 amMHM:
Exactly. There are plates that actually make sense and the money goes to good causes, and then there are these plates. They are totally different. I figured you and I were on the same page, but felt it needed to be elucidated.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:27 am“Got to love the ACLU for wasting the time of an already crowed judicial system on this crap.”
So you’d have no problem spending $1.5 million taxpayer dollars for an “Allah is Great” license plate.
And it’s Indiana’s legislature that is crowding the judicial system with this crap. After blowing $1.5 million taxpayer dollars on nonsense.
Yeah, I do love the ACLU.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:27 amDRxJ Says:
Then again, what the hades is polygyny? A tribe in New Guinea?
Uh, polygyny is the cultural form of marriage with multiple wives. Polyandry, much less common, is marriage with multiple husbands.
The word was actually the only faintly intelligent component of his comment.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:28 amI can’t wait to receive mine! Right above the words ‘I Believe” I’m attaching my gay flag! The magnetic flag will be as long as the “I Believe” is!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:28 amDo you think the Klan will want a tag, with the cross on fire?
#32 misshusseinmolly Says:
“What bothers me is that these plates aren’t going to be going for the same rate as other specialty plates. That’s favoritism, and clearly wrong.”
i agree. and all those suggestions for other specialty plates are great!
as a resident of SC, i can’t wait to see those cars with those plates exhibiting unChristian behavior — it will be tempting for me to say “some Christian you are!” but i remember that there are many in these parts who have a gun.
(btw, if you are an atheist, you may not run for a public office — it says so in our state constitution Last amended in 2006 from the South Carolina Constitution:
i think the FSM qualifies for a Supreme Being, don’t you?)
June 6th, 2008 at 11:28 amjohnboy Says:
June 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
TP, please shop at the better bridges for your trolls. Sheesh…
Maybe this troll could show where in the Constitution his moronic examples are protected?
While the asinine troll is at it, please show where “liberalism” is listed in the DSM-IV as a mental disorder. Axis 1, Axis II…?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:29 amThe difference, if you had been reading, is the discount they are giving to secure this one plate. God-fearing Christians get a discount because they what…believe in God? I believe in horse-shit, but I don’t see the state bending over backwards to reward my belief in that.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:29 amHaving groups around like the ACLU, who will defend anyone whose case has merit or deals with important precedents, is extremely important to the preservation and maintenence of a fair and impartial justice system.
They’d even defend you johnboy, should you require their services. They’d even defend your right to attack them verbally as much as you want. That’s the sort of case the ACLU salivates over.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:30 am76. Are you serious? That is frightening.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:32 amTell me again why we didn’t let SC, FL, AL and GA secede from the Union in 1860?
Oh, yea, They would now be part of the 3rd World countries begging us for aid and needing the Peace Corps to come in bring their education level up to the minimum standards of , say, Uganda.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:33 amrogers Says:
This can’t even nessesarly be tied to religion, let alone endorsing one in particular.
Blind as well as dumb, I see.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:33 amjohnboy:
So if you lived in an area that was majority muslim, you’d have no problem with some of YOUR tax dollars going to support them having these stupid license plates (except with Allah on it instead of the Christian version)? I find that really hard to believe.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:34 amI’d have less trouble with it if they charged the same rate. Otherwise, I’m going to design my own horse-shit plate. Nice aesthetically rendered piles of poo…
June 6th, 2008 at 11:36 amupside99 Says:
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Tell me again why we didn’t let SC, FL, AL and GA secede from the Union in 1860?
Oh, yea, They would now be part of the 3rd World countries begging us for aid and needing the Peace Corps to come in bring their education level up to the minimum standards of , say, Uganda.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:33 am
The blue states are already supporting them. We probably wouldn’t notice the difference.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:37 amStupid TP and your filters. I can’t post the link because it contains profanity.
http://www.f___thesouth.com
fill in the missing letters yourselves. Read and enjoy, my apologies to all cool people who live in the south.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:37 amall the johnboys – who probably never get to a church – are gonna rush out to get their own discounted license plate,
June 6th, 2008 at 11:38 amjust to save his $70…
and the treasuries just keep emptying…
I guess horse-shit isn’t profanity? What has the world come to???
June 6th, 2008 at 11:39 amI have a cute little Calvin pissing on a cross on my back window and it drives the faithful up a wall.
I really don’t know why, the cross could mean anything couldn’t it?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:39 amHot-cross buns…I’m cross as a cornered snake…cross it off the list?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:40 amI want to know where I can sign up for this.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:41 amPolyandry – me too!!!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:42 amI want to know where I can sign up for this.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:41 am Recommend (0) | Report Abuse
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June 6th, 2008 at 11:43 amtry being a jacana
I suppose you want us to lek as well?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:43 amThanks gunmitch.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:44 amActually, I’ve never really paid much attention to the current news regarding polygyny. I thought it was polygamy.
But, I like my definition much better!
:-)
nanlichi Says:
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I have a cute little Calvin pissing on a cross on my back window and it drives the faithful up a wall.
I really don’t know why, the cross could mean anything couldn’t it?
June 6th, 2008 at 11:39 am Recommend (1) | Report Abuse
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June 6th, 2008 at 11:45 amI am pissed someone recently ripped off my little fish that said chips inside
GeeDubs Says:
I’d have less trouble with it if they charged the same rate.
exactly.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:45 am90. nanlichi Says:
I have a cute little Calvin pissing on a cross on my back window and it drives the faithful up a wall.
Does it say, “I Relieve”?
*rimshot*
ThankyouthankverrymuchI’llbehereallweek…..
June 6th, 2008 at 11:50 amOne little tidbit before I go (to lunch. Greek Fest downtown today!)
June 6th, 2008 at 11:52 amI really am disappointed that the right wing trolls have mimicked the term “Liberalism is a mental disorder”.
As a pharmacist who works for the mental health community, I find the comparison not only juvenile and wrong, but also unsympathetic and bigoted.
Dealing with a family member who is schizophrenic, or even manic compulsive, is quite an ordeal, and requires a life long commitment of patience and treatment.
One should never equate an opponent of political view to illnesses. Ever.
(I also find the use of the word retard equally offensive when debating)
dbadass Says:
I am pissed someone recently ripped off my little fish that said chips inside
June 6th, 2008 at 11:45 am
That’s just wrong!
No one has ever bothered my bumperstickers, until recently when someone scraped off my ACLU sticker.
Touchy, touchy!!!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:57 amDRxJ Says:
Thanks gunmitch.
Actually, I’ve never really paid much attention to the current news regarding polygyny. I thought it was polygamy.
But, I like my definition much better!
:-)
I’ve only encountered the term in anthropology or sociology contexts; the general term, polygamy, is widely used, in part because polyandry is very rare. I do remember reading about a group in India where the women stayed home in the small village, and the men were virtually all forced to live in big cities in order to earn a living. Several of these husbands support the woman, in turn for the right to live with her while they are visiting the home village — presumably, one at a time.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:58 am#87
as Thom Hartmann says — get involved! so i did when i moved to this state a few years ago. i joined the Dem party and hold a position that allows me to try to get things done at the state level. i’m working on it!! ;-)
June 6th, 2008 at 11:58 amDRxJ, do you think Christians should start marketing the fact that Mary was a virgin? They might get some Muslin converts that way.
June 6th, 2008 at 11:58 amZooey Says:
Soooo, these cars will be up for grabs after the crapture?
Absolutely frickin hilarious :)~
June 6th, 2008 at 11:59 amExit Stage Left,
Thank you, thankyouverymuch. I’ll be here all week. :)
June 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pmSC seems like a good place to live if you want to be subject to religious persecution. Atheists are barred from holding office by law? States’ rights are one thing, but doesn’t that violate the First Amendment?
Who was it that advocated separation of church and state by saying something like, “Give unto Rome what is Rome’s and give unto God what is God’s.”?
June 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pmHanshiro, Does it say, “I Relieve”?
That is funny! Thanks for that.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pm______
tokin librul Says:
Sue ‘em, christo-fascist fux…
or, just key the shit outta any car bearing those plates…
June 6th, 2008 at 10:46 am
MonkeyMan Says:
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I live right across the river in GA, so I will get to see them everyday. How much does a paintball gun cost?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:55 am
______
Advocating causing damaging to the property of those whose beliefs are different than yours? Progressive? ;)
June 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pmsc mom Says:
…
(btw, if you are an atheist, you may not run for a public office — it says so in our state constitution Last amended in 2006 from the South Carolina Constitution:
SECTION 2. Person denying existence of Supreme Being not to hold office.
No person who denies the existence of the Supreme Being shall hold any office under this Constitution.
________
I wonder how this fits in with the 3rd paragraph of Article VI of the US Constitution?
June 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pmeveryone has the right to preach and practice as they see fit. However, monetarily speaking… this sounds fishy to me.
I’m all for the fish magnets and bumper stickers. And people could put all the flying spaghetti monster stuff they want on their cars, but, yeah, the whole $4.oo thing, is like, hmmm…zzzzz…
June 6th, 2008 at 12:08 pm.
Can you say State sponsored religion?
.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:08 pmthese are official state tags, that’s the deal, that’s what makes it smell like a fish!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm#107 Bob
yeah, but these people are very religious. many of those thathold office are preachers – both parties. when i moved down here, i was told the Dem party lost many members when they took prayer out of the schools.
now — i tell the kids ( i volunteer w/ kids) they CAN pray in school if they wish — no one has to know you are praying. i then site Matthew 6:6
(yeah, i had to brush up the Bible since moving here!)
June 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pmCan I have a “I’m not fooled” plate?
June 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pmSaint Augustine Says
June 6th, 2008 at 11:58 am
DRxJ, do you think Christians should start marketing the fact that Mary was a virgin? They might get some Muslin converts that way.
_____________________________________________
Eh — probably not. Muslims are already keenly aware that Mary, the mother of Jesus (called Maryam in Arabic) was a virgin, yet gave birth to one who Muslims see as one of God’s greatest prophets (and the only one to result from a virgin birth). Maryam is quite revered in the Muslim faith, and I bet most Christians would be surprised to learn that she is mentioned more times in the Quran than she is in the New Testament!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm9/10. (Would have been a perfect 10 if not for the ‘crapture’ bit. Mocking the rapture with a name change is unnecessary as it is an independantly funny belief.)
Free stationwagons! woot!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:15 pm______
DRxJ Says:
One should never equate an opponent of political view to illnesses. Ever.
(I also find the use of the word retard equally offensive when debating)
June 6th, 2008 at 11:52 am
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Yes, such tactics and slurs are certainly offensive coming from either side of the political spectrum.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm#110 LiberalVoter
i REALLY wish i knew how that happened! and how they got around that. states rights? (that is why Ron Paul really frightened me as a president — i knw he didn’t have a chance – states rights are great for NY or CA but not some of these southern states.)
June 6th, 2008 at 12:18 pmsc mom says:
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
oh wow, I happen to like that verse a lot. It pretty much tells me people should not to brag and be a bible thumper. This verse expresses how Jesus truly despised Hipocrisy.
I hate when people try to shove the bible down other people’s throats. Or better yet, when they try to convert those of a different culture and belief. Maybe God wants to be prayed to in more way than one! Maybe God likes being called all the different names from all cultures, not just God.
btw, this is from Wikipedia:
Hypocrisy (or the state of being a hypocrite) is the act of preaching a certain belief or way of life, but not, in fact, holding these same virtues oneself. (Example: The United States Government does not allow God to be taught in school, and yet “In God We Trust” is on the back of the United States Dollar and other coins.) Hypocrisy is frequently invoked as an accusation in debates, in politics, and in life in general.
funny, ain’t it?
June 6th, 2008 at 12:20 pmZooey Says:
Thank you, thankyouverymuch. I’ll be here all week. :)
….and don’t forget to tip your server :)~
June 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pmwill somebody please help rogers with his grammar and spelling? “Your an idiot”, “nessesarly”, for god sakes what kind of an inbred ‘tards are they sending over here these day?!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pmoh, God, rogers is here? that’s my cute to exit, he’s so annoying.. laters, kiddies
June 6th, 2008 at 12:27 pmhaha.. I meant cue.. I’m such a dork!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm#120 ninique
“God is too big for one religion.”
someone said that; i don’t know who. ;-)
June 6th, 2008 at 12:29 pmi was gonna order an “I believe in Yahweh” plate, but there’s really no point. the “crapture” is next week, June 12th.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5008225
at least i got to see the redwings take home another cup!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:31 pm______
ninique Says:
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sc mom says:
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
oh wow, I happen to like that verse a lot. It pretty much tells me people should not to brag and be a bible thumper. This verse expresses how Jesus truly despised Hipocrisy.
I hate when people try to shove the bible down other people’s throats. Or better yet, when they try to convert those of a different culture and belief. Maybe God wants to be prayed to in more way than one! Maybe God likes being called all the different names from all cultures, not just God.
btw, this is from Wikipedia:
Hypocrisy (or the state of being a hypocrite) is the act of preaching a certain belief or way of life, but not, in fact, holding these same virtues oneself. (Example: The United States Government does not allow God to be taught in school, and yet “In God We Trust” is on the back of the United States Dollar and other coins.) Hypocrisy is frequently invoked as an accusation in debates, in politics, and in life in general.
funny, ain’t it?
June 6th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
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Had sc mom brushed up on the meaning as well as the words she wouldn’t be giving you and others a distorted view. The verses she refers to were a rebuke of hypocrites who were seeking attention for themselves with public prayers. They were not a condemnation of public prayers offered out of reverence.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:32 pmIs that really the best you can do?
Sheesh. I gave you more credit than that. I thought you were at least one pay grade above johnboy and rogers.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:35 pmHi sc mom. Sorry, I wasn’t asking for you to explain/defend it. I was just wondering.
I am all for people being able to worship, or not, as they wish. I am also all for my being able to not have someone else’s faith being forced upon me. I am not religious but have read the bible and know there are a lot of good pieces in it. I guess my favorite is Matthew 5:9, which a lot of the supposed Christians who start and support illegal wars somehow missed.
To me, state supported religion is not an intelligent move – much less being unconstitutional. Our founding fathers would be upset.
PAX
June 6th, 2008 at 12:35 pmDaryll, why should they be discounted by a government agency?
June 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pmIsn’t that giving preferential treatment to one religion over others? Isn’t that a violation of the Constitution?
I am all against this BS license plate thing, being an atheist, but find it discouraging that there are well over a hundred responses to this, and few about more important subjects, like the housing problem and Bush hijacking the Iraqi govt to push through a multi-year agreement to stay forever.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pmupright left.
The verses she refers to were a rebuke of hypocrites who were seeking attention for themselves with public prayers.
And having a cross on your license plate isn’t the exact same thing?
Why is your god so insecure that he needs this constant stream of reassurance? Or is it his insecure believers that need the reassurance. Whichever it is, either you or your Christ needs to get some counseling.
That low level of self esteem makes you both look cheap.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm______
ralph the wonder llama Says:
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upright left Says:
Advocating causing damaging to the property of those whose beliefs are different than yours? Progressive? ;)
Is that really the best you can do?
Sheesh. I gave you more credit than that. I thought you were at least one pay grade above johnboy and rogers.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
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Sorry, ralph, I was thrown by all the lib talk about justice. I thought that was supposed to be for everyone. My mistake.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:42 pmOh, sorry. It’s just that this is the first time I’ve ever heard a right-winger lean on an “interpretive reading” of the Bible rather than the literal meaning.
But SC mom’s point still stands, since most public worship in our culture these days seems designed to draw attention to itself (such as adorning one’s vehicle with special license plates) and at the same time to draw a contrast with those less pious of us who believe that the power of the Beatitudes takes precedence over the demands of the Pentateuch.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:42 pmHad sc mom brushed up on the meaning as well as the words she wouldn’t be giving you and others a distorted view. The verses she refers to were a rebuke of hypocrites who were seeking attention for themselves with public prayers. They were not a condemnation of public prayers offered out of reverence.
we are not talking public prayers here.. I was commenting on the fact that to truly be in the Spirit, there is a certain way to pray and it ain’t a public affair. You can pray together with others, but there is a specific prayer I’m talking about that the verse is referring to!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:42 pmsorry, upright left’s quote above
June 6th, 2008 at 12:43 pmWhere do you park Daryll? I have a box of bumper stickers that has a picture of a huge screw. I never miss an opportunity to slap one beside the W04 stickers.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pmupright left, justice is for everyone.
been to gitmo lately?
*
June 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pmWe appreciate that you hold us to a higher standard than you hold yourself. Actually, we hold ourselves to a higher standard than we hold you, too. Experience has taught us the wisdom of this approach.
Thanks for your concern.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm#127 upright left
the verse i used was to tell the kids that they can pray in silence — God will hear it. Prayer doesn’t have to be out loud and it doesn’t have to be of the school curriculum.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pmjohnboy meet daryll.
address your comments to him. unless, of course, you are a hypocrite.
*
June 6th, 2008 at 12:49 pmanyway, enough about that, people shouldn’t advertise God anyway. I always thought the whole marketing in stickers and magnets was a cheesey thing to do to one’s precious belief. It makes it an institution and not a belief. that’s why religions weird. Spirituality should be kept spiritual, not equal to the prize of a crackerjack box or a bumper sticker on the boot of your car.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:50 pmChristians are not supposed to have or use such idolotry as it is supposed to be against their religion. The fish, the crosses, all of it, are forbidden in the Bible by Moses and by Jesus.
Christians are exhorted in the Bible to pray in private, and not to go around flouting graven images. If they truly believe, then they wouldn’t have anything such thing on their cars, because it is a sin, in the Christian religion. People are supposed to recognize Christians by their love and their acts, not by their cute little signs. I have to question exactly what it is they believe when I see these things, because it isn’t what is in the Bible.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm“Moving mankind out of the caveman mindset, huh?”
johnboy, read your bible. no “i believe” license plate for you.
*
June 6th, 2008 at 12:52 pmJesus thinks Darryll is an annoying little pisher.
He told me so.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:53 pmupright left Says:
The verses she refers to were a rebuke of hypocrites who were seeking attention for themselves with public prayers. They were not a condemnation of public prayers offered out of reverence.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
There is no difference.
Of course, “christians” like you will always excuse yourselves for anything you do — because y’all aren’t perfect, just “forgiven.”
**eyes rolling**
June 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pmno, I think they were talking about a golden calf, were they not? we aren’t supposed to idolize but it’s because they used to use idols to pray to. I don’t see anything wrong with someone wearing a cross around their neck, although it kinda also has just become a fashion statement and not a symbol to remember anymore.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pmAmazing to me that the wingnuts (johnboy) think it is OK to tax us so they can print religious slogans on license plates.
Try this one johnnyboy. You want a religious slogan on your license plate?
Pay for it yourself. Pretty simple, huh.
No wonder our country is in such dire circumstances. Friggin state legislatures taking up time and tax dollars to put religious slogans on license plates.
Really putting your priorities in good order there’ Carolinians.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:56 pm______
nanlichi Says:
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upright left.
The verses she refers to were a rebuke of hypocrites who were seeking attention for themselves with public prayers.
And having a cross on your license plate isn’t the exact same thing?
Why is your god so insecure that he needs this constant stream of reassurance? Or is it his insecure believers that need the reassurance. Whichever it is, either you or your Christ needs to get some counseling.
That low level of self esteem makes you both look cheap.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
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I’m almost certain this wasn’t God’s doing, so it doesn’t make since to question whether He is insecure. Since you aren’t sure, no He isn’t insecure. Displaying a sign of Christianity is only hypocritical if one doesn’t live as a Christian. While I don’t doubt there are Christians who are not secure in their faith, mine is good, thanks. You make the usual unbeliever mistake that the goal is to bring attention to the bearer of the sign rather than God.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:56 pmthat is just directed at Christian faiths. Some other faiths require an Idol or statue and I ain’t even gonna go there because that is their belief, their right, and what makes them happy.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:57 pm______
ralph the wonder llama Says:
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upright left Says:
Sorry, ralph, I was thrown by all the lib talk about justice. I thought that was supposed to be for everyone. My mistake.
We appreciate that you hold us to a higher standard than you hold yourself. Actually, we hold ourselves to a higher standard than we hold you, too. Experience has taught us the wisdom of this approach.
Thanks for your concern.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I don’t advocate damaging the property of those with whom I disagree, bud. You failed to include a statement about how it’s ok because of the nuance of something or other. ;)
June 6th, 2008 at 1:00 pmupright left Says:
You make the usual unbeliever mistake that the goal is to bring attention to the bearer of the sign rather than God.
Ah, Bull. They don’t call them vanity plates for nothing.
I mean seriously – you think these license plates have nothing to do with individuals showing off their supposed piety? What a crock.
I cannot imagine that anyone could seriously believe that someone is going to see one of these stupid plates and go “Oh, I should think about God more.” Absurd.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pmI think Jesus might have a problem with people wearing crosses around their necks and plastering them up everywhere.
Paraphrasing Bill Hicks again:
Do you think when Jesus comes back he ever wants to see a f—ing cross? That’s like walking up to Jackie Onassis with a rifle pendant on. “Just thinkin’ of John, Jackie, just thinkin’ of John.”
June 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pmAh, I see. Much of uptight’s difficulties stem from reading comprehension, apparently. He missed nanlichi’s sarcasm and attributed the “insecurity” to God (literal reading) instead of to the Faithful, where an astute reading of context would have placed it. Explains a lot.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:05 pm______
Zooey Says:
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upright left Says:
The verses she refers to were a rebuke of hypocrites who were seeking attention for themselves with public prayers. They were not a condemnation of public prayers offered out of reverence.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
There is no difference.
Of course, “christians” like you will always excuse yourselves for anything you do — because y’all aren’t perfect, just “forgiven.”
**eyes rolling**
June 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
You have some close family members who are Christians, don’t you zoo? Do they think there’s any difference? Do they excuse themselves for everything? Or does that just apply to all the Christians to whom you have no personal connection?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pmKeltoi Says:
I mean seriously – you think these license plates have nothing to do with individuals showing off their supposed piety? What a crock.
I cannot imagine that anyone could seriously believe that someone is going to see one of these stupid plates and go “Oh, I should think about God more.” Absurd.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Damn, you’re starting to grow on me, Keltoi. I hate that. ;)
How’s the weather in our fair state?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:08 pm______
ralph the wonder llama Says:
Ah, I see. Much of uptight’s difficulties stem from reading comprehension, apparently. He missed nanlichi’s sarcasm and attributed the “insecurity” to God (literal reading) instead of to the Faithful, where an astute reading of context would have placed it. Explains a lot.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
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Hey, ralphie? Oh, never mind, bud. You didn’t miss a thing!;)
June 6th, 2008 at 1:09 pmjohnboy, daryll called. he’d like his abstinence pants back. please don’t borrow them again without permission.
*
June 6th, 2008 at 1:12 pmKeltoi Says:
I cannot imagine that anyone could seriously believe that someone is going to see one of these stupid plates and go “Oh, I should think about God more.” Absurd.
Heh. Nice one.
Of course, the other possibility is that these drivers are afraid the rapture will happen and they’ll get passed up. “Yo, God! Over here!”
June 6th, 2008 at 1:12 pmZooey Says:
Damn, you’re starting to grow on me, Keltoi. I hate that. ;)
Trolls do that. We are kinda like mold.
How’s the weather in our fair state?
Weather only mold could love! Summer has been cancelled thus far, highs in the low 60’s, lows in the low 40’s, clouds and rain with “sunbreaks”, my favorite weather euphemism. Are you out of state? Somewhere warm, I hope?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:14 pmupright left Says:
You have some close family members who are Christians, don’t you zoo? Do they think there’s any difference? Do they excuse themselves for everything? Or does that just apply to all the Christians to whom you have no personal connection?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Read closely, I said “christians” like you. Not all christians are like you.
I don’t have a separate set of standards for family.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:14 pmKeltoi do you have any christian relatives?
uppie, do you have any christian relatives?
yes/no?
*
June 6th, 2008 at 1:15 pmuppie, read before you write.
k?
*
June 6th, 2008 at 1:16 pmGiven the current state of the economy, the fact that these are so much cheaper than the regular plate could insure that everyone buys one. It’s a financial punishment not to get one.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:17 pmKeltoi Says:
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Weather only mold could love! Summer has been cancelled thus far, highs in the low 60’s, lows in the low 40’s, clouds and rain with “sunbreaks”, my favorite weather euphemism. Are you out of state? Somewhere warm, I hope?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I could deal with that weather right about now. I’m in Illinois — stuck here almost three weeks now. Long story. Hot, humid, tornadoes on their way — again. Hopefully, I’ll be back soon. *fingers crossed!*
June 6th, 2008 at 1:21 pmZooey, rebuke those tornadoes in the name of the Flying Spaghetti (or Rotini) Monster!
June 6th, 2008 at 1:24 pmDamn, you’re starting to grow on me, Keltoi. I hate that. ;)
I always said Keltoi was a good blogger. You may not agree with the words all the time, but the thoughtfulness is usually right there. Well done.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:25 pmjoe cantwell Says:
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Keltoi do you have any christian relatives?
Largely lapsed Irish Catholics, one Born Again brother but he is not in your face about it. Religion never comes up when my family gathers. I have two Methodist ministers on my wifes side, but we don’t talk much, never about religion.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:26 pmKeltoiomg, we could be related.
irish catholic here.
but it’s my cross to bear.
*
June 6th, 2008 at 1:29 pmMy bad. I just thought it was an odd thing to focus on — hyperbolic threats of property damage in a thread that dealt with the separation of church and state.
Seemed a pretty bizarre (perhaps even desperate) attempt at misdirection. I didn’t realize you were actually placing yourself above progressives because — if I have this correct — some of us fantasized about misdemeanor property crimes while decrying what appears to be blatant favoritism of a governmental agency toward a particular religious tradition.
Silly me.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:29 pmI’ll second that.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:29 pmKeltoi
forgot the link. sorry.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:30 pmdull-witted superstitionists. good times.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:31 pmLet’s not be so hasty and close minded. SC is letting their people have a choice. There is no state endorsement of religion implied here and this is an optional, vanity plate. Who cares, relax. No one is forcing anyone to buy it. Typical knee-jerking here.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:39 pmOkay, so why is the example plate a FLORIDA plate, and not S. Carolina????
I realize that I am surrounded by the bible-thumpers in the Sunshine state (Recall our Choose Life plates), but let’s not pass this one off on Florida!
I agree with the sentiments about additional stickers. My kids and I have a running joke about hitting the trifecta: Bush sticker, Jesus Fish, Choose Life license plate all on the same car. Amazing how common that is…
June 6th, 2008 at 1:41 pmNo, they’re not forcing anyone to buy it, just offering it at a discount, relative to STANDARD plates. How is that not against the separation of church and state?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:42 pmgunclinger Says:
Let’s not be so hasty and close minded. SC is letting their people have a choice. There is no state endorsement of religion implied here and this is an optional, vanity plate. Who cares, relax. No one is forcing anyone to buy it. Typical knee-jerking here.
so it’s like owning a pair of abstinence paints, you have a pair but that doesn’t mean everyone else has to have a pair, correct?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:46 pmRUCerious Says:
No, they’re not forcing anyone to buy it, just offering it at a discount, relative to STANDARD plates. How is that not against the separation of church and state?
it is and i believe gc would agree with you.
*
June 6th, 2008 at 1:47 pmThose who were instrumental in the founding of South Carolina must surely be turning over in the graves as we speak.
Please consider the following factoids, taken from wikipedia:
1) The charter of the Carolina Colony, drawn up by John Locke in 1669, granted liberty of conscience to all settlers, expressly mentioning “Jews, heathens, and dissenters.”
2) The Jewish community at Charleston received a substantial addition during the years 1740-41, when the illiberal policy of the trustees of Georgia induced both Jews and Christians to leave that colony and to flock to South Carolina.
3) By 1800 there were about 2,000 Jews in South Carolina (overwhelmingly Sephardic and settled in Charleston), which was more than in any other U.S. state at that time [1], and more than any other town, city, or place in North America.
4) Charleston remained the unofficial capital of North American Jewry until about 1830 [3], when the increasing number of Ashkenazi German Jews emigrating to America largely settled in the north-east (particularly in New York City), eventually surpassing the mostly Sephardic Jewish community in Charleston.
5) South Carolina was the first place in the western world to elect a Jew to public office and was the birthplace of Reform Judaism in the Americas.
If you’d like to know more, the site can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Charleston,_South_Carolina
June 6th, 2008 at 1:48 pmRUCerious Says:
No, they’re not forcing anyone to buy it, just offering it at a discount, relative to STANDARD plates. How is that not against the separation of church and state?
They are offering a HUGE financial incentive to buy these plates. Want to say people have a choice? Make them all cost the same.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:49 pmcurmudgeon,
please don’t confuse the issue with facts.
*
June 6th, 2008 at 1:50 pmAfaik, no one is stopping you concerned SC folks from introducing a “I don’t believe” plate. Go for it!
June 6th, 2008 at 1:53 pmIs the next step to offer govenment subsidized gasoline to anyone who can show their “I took Communion” voucher after Sunday Service?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:58 pmgunclinger Says:
Afaik, no one is stopping you concerned SC folks from introducing a “I don’t believe” plate. Go for it!
is that what you believe jesus would want?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:59 pmNo, I believe the discount applies to standard VANITY plates. So these plates would be $4-6 more than standard plates while other vanity plates are usually an extra $70.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:01 pmTeleMan, you’re right. it’s not fair.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:05 pmWould South Carolina be willing to offer plates for other religions at a similar price, including those who are Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Wiccan, etc.?
Perhaps South Carolina would be willing to do so, because their Christofascists would one by one exterminate those whose automobiles were designated as such. Quite predictably, the KKK would probably be willing to lend a hand. Look for stores in South Carolina to do a land office business in white sheets and rope.
Having a non-Christian plate would be tantamount to driving around South Carolina with a license plate depicting a Confederate flag with a circle and diagonal line superimposed upon it.
Or rather, is this a thinly disguised attempt at ethnic cleansing in the state, encouraging those of the Islamic faith to leave the state and for Jews to return to Israel to hasten the Rapture?
June 6th, 2008 at 2:10 pmIrreverance towards a symbol is a good thing in my mind, and I practice what I preach.
Jesus was over last week for a BBQ, steaks, shish-ke-bob and yes, pork chops. Gasp! After the second bottle of Nickel & Nickel, Tench vineyard cabernet He told me that He was a little upset about the group of freaks that are going around using His name as a club to bludgeon people into following their lead. He was especially pissed at Bush and Cheney and Rove for their abuse of His name to start an un-Godly war (His words, not mine) and said He has a very special place for those kind of folk.
He admired my steak turner. It’s a 12 inch crucifix. The skinny legs dissipate the heat before you burn your hands, the cross fits perfectly under a slab of pork chop, and the crown of thorns grabs just enough to flip the meat.
I was worried that He might be pissed off but He just laughed and said that He is bigger than a bunch of silly ass symbols and anyone who claims to know Him is flat out lying to you.
I felt better about that Nativity scene my kids rearranged last Christmas.
Lighten up Jesus freaks. You don’t have the answer, and it’s annoying that you have to shove your religion in our face. If you were secure in your beliefs, you wouldn’t have the need for public display.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:14 pmWill any of the sock puppets working for the Corporate News Media ask Holy Joe Lie-berman (aka Kissyface) to share his thoughts about this?
June 6th, 2008 at 2:16 pmSo, our little Daryll of parodyll has become quite the one hit wonder, ever since we “caught” him on his lies of ethnicity, and his time frame of marriage.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:19 pmWhere’s his alter ego, Darylll, the extra “l” is for love???
or lethargy.
whichever.
curmudgeon,
maybe will find out on july 21st.
*
June 6th, 2008 at 2:23 pmWow some people seem kind of unfriendly here.. I hope its just morning grouchiness.
Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about “I believe” plates. However, I would absolutely be concerned if I saw something like “Repent Now Sinner!” or something similar aimed at others.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:27 pmLighten up Jesus freaks. You don’t have the answer, and it’s annoying that you have to shove your religion in our face. If you were secure in your beliefs, you wouldn’t have the need for public display.
If this isn’t a perfect statement, then I don’t know what is. Excellent point. If you are confident, why push it in my face?
June 6th, 2008 at 2:34 pmgunclinger Says:
Wow some people seem kind of unfriendly here.. I hope its just morning grouchiness.
It’s not unfriendly to explain why the meshing of church and state are a problem. These plates do just that; they highlight a particular religion over others. That is not what the founding fathers had in mind. Instead of putting emotion into your responses (grouchiness), try to understand why this is a concern to thinking people everywhere. Can I have a Jewish license plate? Wiccan? Satanist? Well, can I?
June 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pmWell StratRat, I’d imagine that you could theoretically have whatever license plate you wanted that didn’t violate standards of decency. I’m all about choice and I think we should let others have choices and decide for themselves what plate they want to pay extra money for. No one is forcing us to believe in anything. These people are saying that *they* believe. Well ok, good for them. I don’t really care what they believe but its not really a big deal to me. Sometimes the rhetoric of separation of church and state goes too far and and comes off as mean-spirited. Seriously, live and let live. Its just a vanity license plate. Its not to my taste but whatever. I’m not all excited about it.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:00 pmIf you are confident, why push it in my face?
Haven’t you heard that being a Christian means encouraging other Christians in their daily walk and…
encouraging nonbelievers to become a Christians – proselytizing.
BTW, do you know someone who does have the answer. Most on TP don’t even seem to know the question. This is how it seems to bit.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:05 pm______
Zooey Says:
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upright left Says:
You have some close family members who are Christians, don’t you zoo? Do they think there’s any difference? Do they excuse themselves for everything? Or does that just apply to all the Christians to whom you have no personal connection?
June 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Read closely, I said “christians” like you. Not all christians are like you.
I don’t have a separate set of standards for family.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
____
Yeah, I noticed that. I sounds kind of like the way racial bigots used to say, “Well, the blacks that I know are ok. It’s all those other bad ones that I don’t like.” Different issue, same bigotry and excuse. ;)
June 6th, 2008 at 3:13 pmI’d like a Raelien plate.
Hey, it’s more plausible than most religions.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pmbitblt Says:
BTW, do you know someone who does have the answer. Most on TP don’t even seem to know the question. This is how it seems to bit.
The answer is 42. Moving on.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:17 pmSeriously, live and let live. Its just a vanity license plate. Its not to my taste but whatever. I’m not all excited about it.
And that loose interpretation of our laws is what was responsible for Bush tearing up our Constitution. We have a law and a belief that our government is neutral to religion – all religions. It is truly that simple. Do I care of they have that on their plates? No, I don’t. Did the founding fathers care? Yes they did; and I follow that position. A law is the law. No, it is not merely a ‘vanity plate’. It is a statement – sanctioned by our government – which is holding one religion up over the others. We are a secular government; at least before the dry drunk stumbled into our White House.
Live and let live also means not alienating your fellow citizens, no?
June 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pm___
joe cantwell Says:
——————————————————————————–
uppie, read before you write.
k?
*
June 6th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
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Joey, not the most discerning of posters, eh bud?;)
June 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pmupright left Says:
___
joe cantwell Says:
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Joey, not the most discerning of posters, eh bud?;)
no, i guess you’re not. big of you to admit it.
btw – do you own a pair of abstinence pants? i’m sure you do so i’d like to ask
you, as an “intellectual” conservative, is it a commitment for you or just a fashion statement?
;)
June 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pmTeleMan Says:
bitblt Says:
BTW, do you know someone who does have the answer. Most on TP don’t even seem to know the question. This is how it seems to bit.
The answer is 42. Moving on.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Thanks! bit likes to the point answers.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:34 pmStratRat, we may just have to agree to disagree. I just think you are too to worried about what *other* people believe. They are paying for this plate and its more revenue for the state. Big whoop. Its quite a stretch to say that offering a vanity license plate stating a personal belief amounts to a government endorsement of religion. I don’t buy that at all. We need to be tolerant of religious folks if we expect the same in return.
By the way, I’m most interested to know where in our US Constitution or Bill of Rights that you read anything about a “separation of church and state”. The closest you could come is the first amendment which allows for freedom of religion. It simply says that congress won’t pass laws respecting establishment of state religion, that’s it. Pretty clear to me. Let people buy their “I believe” license plates, its not your business to tell them what plates that they can have.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:35 pmgunclinger Says:
its not your business to tell them what plates that they can have.
it is when it’s paid for with my tax dollars.
sorry, you lose. again.
*
btw – would you wear your “i believe” license plate on the back of your abstinence pants?
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what would jesus do? or don’t you care?
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June 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pmJoe,
June 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pmI Lose? What is it with this adversarial, sarcastic, confrontational attitude from some of you. Sheesh.. I’m just discussing my point of view. I’m not trying to convince you or to win any arguments. Take it easy. Be less concerned with what other people want to believe or what license plates they enjoy and focus on what you believe.
I see no reason to prevent other people from expressing their own personal beliefs on their license plates. Really, its not a big deal. This is a free country, let people be free.
Joe Cantwell’s point is the crux of the arguement. If the ordinary vanity plates cost $70 and the faith-based plates cost $6, something’s wrong with this picture. Why have two sets of costs for the same products? Also, if the government is offering vanity plates for one faith and not another, that’s reilgous discrimination. If you do for one faith, you’ve got to do for all faiths, and logically for the atheists as well. The South Carolina government should have anticipated these arguements and been prepared to offer an even handed, fair availability of vanity plates for peoples of all and no faiths.
June 6th, 2008 at 4:14 pmImpeach Cheney and Bush and Save the Constitution!
gunclinger Says:
i don’t support their religion with my money.
and they don’t have to support mine.
it’s called freedom baby!
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do what jesus would do…? he’d get a fu*king bumper sticker and pay for it with money he earned himself. why can’t you be more christ-like in your beliefs? that is of course, if you really do believe.
*
hmmm, was i being “adversarial, sarcastic, confrontational attitude”? sheesh why so sensitive?
*
June 6th, 2008 at 4:14 pmIn the interest of freedom of expression, can I get mine with the cross upside down?
June 6th, 2008 at 5:34 pmI see no reason to prevent other people from expressing their own personal beliefs on their license plates. Really, its not a big deal. This is a free country, let people be free.
This one is done; toast. Nothing to be gained from trying to explain what our country stands for and against.
Hey stoooopid! It is NOT a personal belief it it comes on a government sanctioned product. Why can you not understand that perfectly reasonable explanation? Put a cross on your lawn; no problem. Put a cross on you roof; no problem. Put a cross on you abstinence shorts; no problem. Put the fu(king cross on a government produced item IS THE PROBLEM. Geez, what a dunce.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:34 pmnanlichi, I ran into JC last week, he was under a bridge with some homeless vets. I remember him showing this guy the scars on his hands from the cross, unfortunately the vet didn’t have any hands, just hooks.
June 6th, 2008 at 7:19 pm______
Abu Ben Hussein Leporello Says:
Joe Cantwell’s point is the crux of the arguement. If the ordinary vanity plates cost $70 and the faith-based plates cost $6, something’s wrong with this picture. Why have two sets of costs for the same products?
June 6th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
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The excess from the $70 plates goes to the sponsoring organization. I’m sure those ordering the “I Believe” plates would be happy to pay $70 and have the excess go to the church of their choice. Same cost for the same product. Better?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:06 pm______
nanlichi Says:
Lighten up Jesus freaks. You don’t have the answer, and it’s annoying that you have to shove your religion in our face. If you were secure in your beliefs, you wouldn’t have the need for public display.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
June 6th, 2008 at 10:23 pm______
That’s an odd statement, nan. If you don’t believe we have the answer, why get so bothered about it? Displaying a religious symbol is hardly having it shoved in your face. Unless you think the Constitution somehow promises you will be protected from any exposure to the fact that the majority of the people in this country are Christians. That’s some twisted logic that tells you believers display symbols because they are insecure in their faith. They are actually quite secure in their faith and want others to know that.
Christians in some countries have to hide their Christianity. Sounds like a lot of posters here would like the same for the U.S. ;)
Nan, they’re not shoving anything in anyone’s face; they’re just advertising their love for God. What are you shoving in their faces but your beliefs, which has nothing to do with love.
You speak like a racist; angry, confused, and lost. You’re preaching your values of denying others the freedoms you have. Kinda selfish, don’t you think? Maybe you should try having a nice calm conversation with some of those Christians. Might learn something. “Might” is the operative word.
Been studying US history from things the founding fathers wrote. I am now convinced that Chistians founded this country on the Bible principles. Seems to have worked better than any other government. Now there are enemies trying to tear our meathouse down and know what? A very healthy percentage of our troops are Christians.
Have you served the country that gave you your freedoms? I have, several times in several ways. I contribute to the solutions, not the problems.
Do you even know what our freedoms are?
I do. Boy, what an education I’m getting from the founders. These guys had guts and put it all on the line, many hunted down and killed after we won the Revolutionary War. Many of these wealthy farmers, lawyers, engineers, etc. lost everything, including families, for something they believed in and we enjoy today. Of the 55 who signed the Declaration of Independence, an act of Treason against the Crown, 52 were Christians. Before we cut down on them, maybe we should know what they’re about?
This COBRA is not a snake.
June 14th, 2008 at 5:03 pmI must say the southern Nazi Christian fanatic loons are at it again. These self congratulating, buch of ego maniac lunatics are constantly spending hours on end inside these Evangelist lunatic asylums or (churches as they call them), screaming and hollering, dancing and chanting, spreading their hatred and anger among one another. Then, at the conclusion of these insane gatherings, these wonderful individuals leave these asylums and spread their hatred and anger among others who may not want to buy into their madness. The most shameful part is that they teach this madness to their young. These are the very same folks who believe they have the right to make decisions for the rest of us particulary when it comes to abortion. Keep that fetus alive. But totally disregard its existance until it becomes of age to go off and be slaughtered in a useless war that fills their pockets with money and keeps their loved ones safe and sound in the safety of their own homes. What cowards. Screw them and their cross.
July 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pmI think that these license plates are a great idea for any one who believes in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. No one is trying to shove Christianity down anyones throat and we are not trying to make anyone buy these plates if you do not want to. You are entitled to believe what you will, but for those of us who are Christians and are proud of it, we have the right to have a plate that expresses our views. God is what this country needs, and I pray that all will find Him and accept Him before it is too late. God loves each of us and just because you have given up on Him does not mean that He has given up on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 1st, 2009 at 8:34 pm