'In God We Trust'

***So, I work in the Indiana House of Representatives. For the record, my views are my own, and while they may be shaped by those I work for and around, they reflect only the thoughts of this lonely mind and are in no way representative of any Representative or staffer thereof.***


I'm sorry, I don't really like to single people out, but sometimes I am simple incapable of letting people spread misinformation in a way that is hurtful.


Perhaps you have heard about the controversy surrounding the new-ish Indiana license plates (picture left). They are very patriotic-looking and display the motto "In God We Trust.' Of course anytime there is a connection between the words 'God" and a government, be it local, state, or federal, there is a backlash from the secular elements of society followed by a counter-backlash by social conservatives.


What has happened here is slightly different. The ACLU, on behalf of an Indiana man, has sued. The grounds, however, are not religious. The suit charges, correctly, that drivers wishing to purchase this plate may do so as any they do the standard Indiana plate. Unlike other 'vanity' license plates, such as ones available for the Colts, the Environment, Riley Hospital, or Breast Cancer, the 'God' plate has no administration fees. Therefore, people are being allowed to express their advocacy for this more or less on the State's dime. Other groups must pay a $15 fee to do the same.


The argument here is not about God. The argument is about having to pay for what should be free speech. If one group is allowed to express itself freely, all groups should be permitted to do likewise. The alternative is that all groups should have to pay. It is not fair for one group to be given an opportunity to express itself in a manner that is clearly unavailable to other groups.


http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070423/LOCAL/704230439


http://evansville.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2407370802&ref=nf

Not Red & Blue, but Red, White & Blue - and GREEN

I found this article in the New York Times Magazine. It is by The World Is Flat author Thomas Freidman. Here's the link (it's also in the title):

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/magazine/15green.t.html

Global Climate Change is real. No one will convince me otherwise. Even if you disagree, the article is worth reading. It examines how the US can overcome a slip in our perceived international standing by embracing things Green. We can lead the way, and Freidman argues, even coerce China, India, and Brazil - the leaders in the post-developing world - to do likewise.

All in all, a well reasoned argument with a proposed solution. I'm sure it's not perfect, but it is better than anything that anyone else is trying right now.

Update

***So I work in the Indiana House of Representatives। For the record, my views are my own, and while they may be shaped by those I work for and around, they reflect only the thoughts of this lonely mind and are in no way representative of any Representative or staffer thereof.***


I thought you all should know that the Amendment was defeated! Five brave legislators took a stand against codifying hate into the Indiana Constitution. At the risk of exposing these brave lawmakers, I want to single each of them out for congratulations:

• Rep. Scott Pelath
  
• Rep. Terri Austin
• Rep. Earl Harris
• Rep. Russ Stillwell
• Rep. Bob Kuzman

Maybe think about sending them an e-mail or a letter to let them know that you support the stand they took last night in the House Rules and Legislative Procedures committee. I know I have thanked them as I've seen them.