Your morning jolt: Georgia car tags and ‘In God We Trust’
This post has been updated below.
Original: Georgia car tags may be about to get a dose of religion. The state Department of Revenue on Friday posted images of the eight semi-finalist entries in its competition to design a new look for your back bumper.
Three of those eight incorporate “In God We Trust” – the same motto found on U.S. currency:
Online voting concludes July 8. The three license plates garnering the most votes will be presented to Gov. Nathan Deal. There the selection process gets foggy – the press release merely says the winner will be announced July 15.
But if a car tag bearing the word “God” makes it to the finals, it’s hard to imagine a Republican politician who would want to be seen rejecting it.
Still, if a declaration of faith is inevitable, we would at least suggest adding an asterisk, followed in small print with this:
“*All others must provide proof of legal U.S. residency.”
Updated at 5:05 p.m.: The rules for Georgia’s license tag contest mandated that entries must include “the county name or ‘In God We Trust’ label in black at the bottom.’
But my AJC colleague Aaron Gould Sheinin passes along the following note from Karen Lashley-Lucas, the Department of Revenue’s marketing coordinator:
The “In God We Trust” phrase is there simply to demonstrate what the optional sticker that is already available would look like on that entry.
Confusing, to say the least.
***
My monthly letter from state Sen. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, arrived over the weekend, giving me his take on doings in the state Capitol. It included this line on the cost of HB 87 to Georgia farmers:
”The agricultural community is estimating millions of dollars in losses to various crops such as blueberries, cucumbers and watermelons due to the shortage of workers.”
But the current issue of Time magazine puts the cost far higher:
The labor shortage could result in as much as $9 billion in lost farm production annually. “This is the magnitude of the risk to the sector, if we can’t get the labor we need,” says Paul Schlegel, director of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation, in Washington. “It’s an extremely important issue.”
In other words, when it comes to the cost of Georgia’s illegal immigration law, there’s a vast gulf of opinion. And we’ve been told that it’s far too early to really know. You can’t assess damage during the train wreck, one agricultural economist told us. You must wait for the dust to settle.
Then again, just think how quickly we’re offered financial estimates of damage after a tornado or flood.
But here’s the point: So far, we have heard very little talk within the state Capitol about actually assessing the financial losses to Georgia agriculture. And one has to wonder whether lawmakers and other state officials really want that hard, government-backed cipher out there.
***
Today’s AJC Politifact Georgia takes a look at Gov. Nathan Deal’s claim that a “substantial” number of probationers have performed well as substitutes for Hispanic labor in Georgia’s fruit and vegetable fields.
***
It appears that U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss wants an amnesty on the taxation of offshore profits to be part of the formula for a compromise on the U.S. deficit. From a Q&A with the Georgia Republican in today’s Wall Street Journal:
SEN. CHAMBLISS: If any taxes are truly raised in the pure sense, then the answer to your question is no, that’s not going to sell. It won’t sell on the Senate side, nor the House side.
You’ve got to approach it from three standpoints. Sure, we’ve got to cut spending. Second, you’ve got to look at entitlement reform. Third, you’ve got to look at revenues.
As Mark [Warner] said, we’ve got this 10½-point gap that we’ve got to start closing. There’s only one way to do that, and that’s figure out a way to get our revenues up.
We get our revenues up by enticing [CFOs] to get some of that $2.5 trillion off your balance sheet and reinvest it in your company and create jobs, and spread out that tax base by putting people back to work. We do it by energizing the economy, whether it’s through taxes or whether it’s through allowing you to bring some of your money back from offshore.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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268 comments Add your comment
professional skeptic
June 27th, 2011
9:18 am
What guarantee is there that any repatriated offshore corporate profits will be invested in job creation?
SpaceyG on Twitter
June 27th, 2011
9:19 am
My submission, with Trust In The Goddesses verbiage, was rejected. http://bit.ly/jT69xp My lawyer’s gonna get a call now. Sexist, anti-pagan, bigoted, biased jerks at the DofRev.
heartofdarkness
June 27th, 2011
9:21 am
I thought Republicans were opposed to amnesty.
Meh
June 27th, 2011
9:24 am
MEH…
Just Nasty & Mean
June 27th, 2011
9:30 am
Farmers are going to b-itch all the way to the bank, but they WILL find the labor needed to collect their crops. There is no reason the H2A visa won’t work, they’re just too lazy and cheap to use it.
Farmers need to get over it, and adjust to the business of farming LEGALLY!
yellowdog
June 27th, 2011
9:31 am
blah blah blah! its tiring this US and THEM back and forth. HB 87 will be deal’s Waterloo.
Aquagirl
June 27th, 2011
9:37 am
Spacy G, relax, take two vials of frogtail potion and call your priestess in the morning. Blessed be.
amazing
June 27th, 2011
9:37 am
Sen. Chambliss is right that all 3 issues must be looked at. However, some of the tax credits issued to favored industries should not be thought of as tax increases. they should be view as entitlements as very few of the industries receiving the benefits are actually reinvesteing the savings back into the US.
Ga Values
June 27th, 2011
9:39 am
As usual Saxby is working for the LOBBYIST, nothing new here.. He claims he is going to run for reelection, let’s hope the GOP can find someone to run aginst this RINO.
Phil W
June 27th, 2011
9:40 am
Georgia farmers need to face reality and stop whining about the fact that the rule of law will no longer allow them a free ride.
Edward
June 27th, 2011
9:42 am
So when the farmers have to pay higher wages to harvest the crops, thus demand a higher price for those crops, which makes their crops more expensive than the crops from farmers in other states… yeah, it is all gonna work out great, isn’t it? Keep buying that cheap imported produce from Walmart while complaining about the lack of jobs and bad economy here.
Cobb Woman of Color
June 27th, 2011
9:43 am
Many people don’t realize yet, but will when they receive their tag renawal form, special interest such as Breast Cancer Awareness, etc. will require an additional “annual” special tag fee. We paid the special tag fee upon receiving the tag. So now, we have to pay an additional $35.00 a year to keep it? Everyone should just turn their special interest tags in and get a regular tag. This is just another way to get more money and their hoping most people won’t notice the now “annual” fee.
Cobb Woman of Color
June 27th, 2011
9:45 am
Meant “they are hoping most people won’t notice the now “annual” fee” . Typing too fast this morn…
findog
June 27th, 2011
9:45 am
Jim,
It would be hard for any Georgian Governor to pass on any state property that proclaimed GAWD is GOOD; not just for republicans
Mr. Schlegel sounds like an ENRON accountant asking his manager what he wants the number to be
catlady
June 27th, 2011
9:45 am
If chuckled for quite a while on the “savior” brought in to be Richardson’s replacement. Folks up here KNOW about Ralston’s troubles with taxes for many years (it is always someone else’s fault) and other things.
findog
June 27th, 2011
9:48 am
Cobb lady, that annual fee goes to your save the ta-ta’s charity
Brenda
June 27th, 2011
9:56 am
Findog-a very small PORTION of the annual fee goes to the charity. You don’t really think Ga. would let the entire fee get away from them do you?
Ric
June 27th, 2011
10:04 am
Anyone who says “there is no reason the H2A visa won’t work” admits that he or she has no knowledge of the H2A visa program or what it’s like to be a small farmer.
Please tell us, Just Mean & Nasty, how much time you’ve spent on a real farm.
Michael
June 27th, 2011
10:04 am
I’m sure they will just give them a tax break, or a subsidy, or its all really just a ruse to allow giant farms like ConAgra and Monsanto to swoop in and buy bankrupt farms cheap. It’s all about the money. Everything!
Aquagirl
June 27th, 2011
10:05 am
Cobb woman, I’ve never been confused about the $35 annual fee being charged every year. And for god’s sake, it’s an OPTIONAL fee. If your reading comprehension and math skills aren’t up for the challenge, don’t overextend yourself. Problem solved.
jimmy
June 27th, 2011
10:05 am
No Jobs For Illegals should be displayed on the new Georgia tag.We will pick our own peaches.See what a problem was caused by not picking your own cotton.
Michael
June 27th, 2011
10:10 am
The special interest fees as we discovered last year all go into the General Fund for the legislative thieves and thugs to spend any way they wish. Remember the “tire disposal fee” that has nothing to do with disposing of tires. AND, along with the $35, now annual tag fee, the thieves and thugs aforementioned raised “fees” on everything this past session from fishing licenses to feed stores. Listen up Restupids, they always raise taxes, they just call them User Fees! Your Repuklican hero Zell Miller started that. D in name only.
Doug
June 27th, 2011
10:13 am
@Cobb Woman of Color: A lot of folks have already noticed and have turned in their special tags. Many of the non-profits that the tags are supposed to help have been noting a distinct drop in income from those tags.
I was hoping we could just go back to the 1960’s version — a dark yellow tag that just says “GEORGIA” at the top and the year. That’s it.
At least we’re loosing the county designation. That’s a good thing.
blue_moon
June 27th, 2011
10:16 am
“In God we trust” should NOT be on car tags because a lot of people are non-believers who have rights that must be respected. It’s bad enough that phrase is on our currency. I don’t want it on my tag and I’m a believer. But my religious views are personal and I don’t want the government making money off the promotion of people’s religious beliefs. By the way, all the tag designed sucked–especially the one that looks like a horse’s azz…though it may be appropriate. What happened to “Georgia on my mind…..”
As I see em
June 27th, 2011
10:25 am
Seems like a lot of resistance to change for the better on the farmers’ part. Perhaps they should have prepared for this in the first place. The excuses and whining need to stop now. Basically, what you need to know is that the law is good and you just need to deal with it! My uncle is a big time farmer and he’s loaded- comes from paying Mexicans to do the work cheap. He’ll figure it out and so will you!
What we need to do is import that Sheriff out in Arizona to set up a system where the inmates are used to work the fields. The money for thier wages could be paid to the state to counter the wasted taxpayers’ money that is used to feed them while they are incarcerated. Perhaps when they are forced to get out there and work their behinds off like the rest of us and earn thier keep, they will think twice about committing the stupid offense that put them there in the first place. It’s a whole lot better idea than coddling them in air conditioned jails while they scheme with each other how to get over when they get out. Think about it.
jd
June 27th, 2011
10:25 am
What happened to Georgia on my mind? Where are the marketing people? Why are we spending money on new tags when we can’t afford HOPE?
Oh Intown Writer...
June 27th, 2011
10:26 am
People forget that this country was founded as much on the need for freedom FROM religion as freedom OF religion…
I just learned that an early settlement group in Natchez, Miss. in the 1700s were fleeing from the state imposed religion of New Jersey.
I knew that c.1776 the celebration of Christmas in any fashion would land you in jail for three days in NY, CT and other Puritan colonies, but not about NJ’s intolerance of non-sanctioned religions.
I too vote for the State motto~
jd
June 27th, 2011
10:26 am
If legislators want zero based budgeting analysis — they should perform such on HB 87!
Road Scholar
June 27th, 2011
10:26 am
Putting “In God WE Trust” on the tags is as stupid as listing the Mayor, County Commission Chair, County Commissioners and City Council members on signs on buildings and at the airport. Each time there is an election, they must be changed. With IGWT some are not Christians; Will we have ones that say In Allah we trust, or In Druids We Trust? Keep it Generic, but make the tag a compliment to Georgia.
Road Scholar
June 27th, 2011
10:29 am
As I and jd @ 10:25: Right on!
As I see em
June 27th, 2011
10:32 am
Oh Michael, you make yourself look ignorant by trying to make this a party issue. Haven’t you figured it out yet? All politicians are crooks, my friend. It doesn’t matter what party they pledge, they all want to stick it to you!
Gov. Nathan (don't call me Shady) Deal
June 27th, 2011
10:32 am
Sonny had “Go Fish” so I will have “Go Jesus”. All the fine Chistians in Gooberstan will be so proud!
Big Hat
June 27th, 2011
10:34 am
Non-Christians can go pound sand and move out of GA if they don’t like it.
As I see em
June 27th, 2011
10:39 am
I pay the extra fees to proudly display Auburn Club tags on my vehicles. So what? $35 is about like a five dollar bill these days. The government is going to get your money anyway… I also purchased several of the “In God We Trust” stickers and trimmed them in order to alter them to say “In Gene We Trust.” Anyone, Christian or atheist, that doesn’t like it can pound sand as well!
War Eagle!
Road Scholar
June 27th, 2011
10:40 am
I’ve tried to vote 4 different times, and when I click on those who do not have IGWT, it reponds by not being able to find that page! Stacking the deck?
Did anyone see the special report Ch 2 did on Go Fish? No crowds…let alone visitors… and the management of Go Fish responded to questions by saying they are just now getting their children tour organization underway. What? Didn’t you anticipate the need to market? I guess they are the same legislators who now realize the illegal alien law needs to have work permits added?!!!!
Refugee from Dikkksie (Thank God We Escaped)
June 27th, 2011
10:41 am
Wow… Looks like a theocracy tightens its grip on the White Trash Wasteland. Maybe it will be a call for all the illiterate Bible-thumpers to head on down to the sweat-bucket South to get some of that fine Dikkksie weather and culture and enjoy some of that old-time religion, while celebating the love of ignorance and violence that makes Dikksie so special.
In Dikkksie We Trust!
Tommy Jones
June 27th, 2011
10:47 am
If there was a god, there would be no religion. Enough with the attempts to force ancient superstitions onto thinking people!
Aquagirl
June 27th, 2011
10:48 am
Did anyone see the special report Ch 2 did on Go Fish?
I did. Anyone voting Republican because they think they’ll get smaller government should be dunked repeatedly in one of those expensive fish tanks.
Clinton "Skink" Tyree
June 27th, 2011
10:51 am
As far as I’m concerned, this tag business is just tit for tat.
Tom
June 27th, 2011
10:59 am
I think the “In God We Trust” options are simply being shown as examples of how the optional “IGWT” sticker (which is already available) on that plate. None of the plates would automatically come with that sticker.
Jim, can you confirm this with the DOR?
Clinton "Skink" Tyree
June 27th, 2011
11:01 am
I think Saxby may have had a small stroke — he’s making a little sense on this proposal.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
11:03 am
Nothing exclusionary about “In God We Trust.” That the license selection webpage is poorly coded shows someone on the state’s “dime” isn’t close enough to the “human perfection” for which we all are called to strive, which comes with grace and “election.” As “Annuit Coeptis” Americans we must work to be asymptotic with G-d. How else can we show our gratitude for the infinite blessings bestowed upon us as sovereign citizens in this Promised Land; and we of Georgia in its best State? How else can Truth and Justice reign supreme in Our Land? btw: America’s King, G-d, has nothing to do with Christmas – a fabrication of that which Our Founder and Prophet of G-d, Th. Jefferson, identified as the Roman “Anti-Christ.” There is only one Creator, G-d of the universe. Thomas Jefferson is It’s prophet…the rest is sectarian factionalism, the bane of liberty…an abomination before G-d.
No tax amnesty for the traitor corporations who off-shore their profits to subvert “E Pluribus Unum.” Chambliss’ discussing the issue shows the fascist plutocrats know they’re becoming identified as the tories they are, vulnerable to complete and total expropriation by the People, outraged at the crimes and treasons against the Constitution countenanced by those from whom G-d expects the most. The reward for the soulless is only Mammon.
yuzeyurbrane
June 27th, 2011
11:05 am
I have read that past capital repatriation programs did very poorly in creating new jobs but quite well in increasing bonuses to execs and dividends to shareholders. So Saxby’s argument is alluring but incorrect. We will get jobs when the middle class starts buying again. Why throw money into production increases when there is no demand? And continuing to throw money at the top 5% will not trickle down to any meaningful degree. Been there, done that and it failed. The country, like any household, can balance its budget in 2 ways: tighten its belt or make more money. There is only so much you can cut back on before you begin to hurt your ability to earn money (e.g. it would be foolish to eliminate transportation costs to and from work). And people in a family earn different amounts. It seems reasonable that the family member who makes the most (top 5%) contributes the most to balance that household budget. And if he has to go to the bank for that education loan that will help his kid earn twice as much then some long term debt is OK, too. It’s an investment and is usually just too much for the average Joe to manage without long-term financing. If we do this with our families, why is it so hard for Saxby and his chums to figure it out?
John K
June 27th, 2011
11:05 am
Great, another way for some Christians to showboat and get their reward here on earth!
Road Scholar
June 27th, 2011
11:09 am
Tom: Then where does the county of residence sticker go? I believe the law states that each tag owners county must be shown!
Dr. Feelgood,
June 27th, 2011
11:11 am
Enter your comments here
As I see em
June 27th, 2011
11:12 am
The government should set up a little table out in the field and let the inmates that are tired of picking vegetables take a break and pound out and paint some car tags for a while. If the country would get retro on a lot of things such as this we wouldn’t have some of the problems we have now. Perhaps if people would pull that smart phone from in front of their faces and look around for a bit, start using their brains to THINK again, and quit acting like zombies, a lot of this wouldn’t be an issue at all.
Honestly, all the tag really needs is a number, a state, and a sticker. I think all the designs are ugly anyway- including the current- but who really cares? Think about that.
Dr. Will Feelgood,
June 27th, 2011
11:13 am
@Will Jones — Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis: You’re not taking the medicine I gave you.
As I see em
June 27th, 2011
11:17 am
Will, you shouldn’t hit the bong so early in the day, bro…
Cobb Woman of Color
June 27th, 2011
11:21 am
Aquagirl, let’s just agree to disagree…for the most part, we don’t agree on “anything”! Thank you!
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
11:28 am
I am rubber you are glue. It bounces of me and sticks on you. Grow up. Grow a soul. Read the writings of Mr. Jefferson. Try to become a credal Americans. The Fourth approaches. Our posterity is at stake. I want my children to be neither slaves nor slave masters. Only by G-d’s grace shall Our Nation be saved.
As I see em
June 27th, 2011
11:30 am
Here’s an idea: Maybe they should just do the same as the credit card companies and let everyone design their own tag. Credit cards have numbers on them too, right? It would work like a charm.
Tom
June 27th, 2011
11:30 am
Road, the G.A. amended a bill last year (2010) to include the ability to obtain/display the IGWT sticker in place of the county sticker. (HB 1005, 2010)
Katie
June 27th, 2011
11:31 am
When you go to the website to vote, only 4 of the tag designs are fully shown, the other 4, you can only see about a third of them?????????????
Tom
June 27th, 2011
11:33 am
“Religions are all alike – founded upon fables and mythologies.” – Thomas Jefferson
Kevin
June 27th, 2011
11:35 am
When I start to think that Republicans finally get it– and they are focusing on economics versus divisive religious/social issues– they screw themselves with things like this tag issue.
Why on Earth was it necessary to include that language– knowing that a lot of people (including believers, like me)– will oppose it? I’ll answer my own question– they do it to pander to the idiots in their base think they’re bad believers if they don’t support things like this.
Stupid Republican leadership will never learn.
Rand Paul in ‘12
Tom
June 27th, 2011
11:37 am
Again, I am almost positive that the sticker is (and will be) OPTIONAL on whatever plate is chosen, to go in place of the county sticker.
td
June 27th, 2011
11:39 am
Looks like the farmers are going to have to go back to having large families to get the slave labor they want.
Country Hick
June 27th, 2011
11:40 am
In Lord Satan I Trust! So where got god-d*mn licence plate?
Aquagirl
June 27th, 2011
11:40 am
let’s just agree to disagree…for the most part, we don’t agree on “anything”!
But we agree on that, yes? See, that’s a start, lol.
Whacks Eloquent
June 27th, 2011
11:42 am
I kinda like the county stickers…let’s me know which drivers to be more cautious of!
Ashley
June 27th, 2011
11:42 am
Instead of worrying about making new Georgia Tags(which I think is a waste) why don’t you go after all the out of state tags who don’t have Georgia stickers on them. I thought this was against the law. Aren’t you suppose to get new tags after a certain about of time when you reside in a new state? And no the majority are not students. Just wondering how much money is being lost? If my facts aren’t correct I apologize.
As I see em
June 27th, 2011
11:43 am
Great point, Tom. Perhaps Mr. Jones should take his own advice and read about Thomas Jefferson before he babbles a contradicting rant…
Michael
June 27th, 2011
11:46 am
I miss my wildlife tags. ;-(
Tom
June 27th, 2011
11:47 am
And go after all the cheats who use an old or a relative’s address to avoid getting having to get emissions checked.
ALOTOFIGNORANTPEOPLE
June 27th, 2011
11:48 am
First, In God we Trust does not just represent Christians but a lot of religions and some people who do not have a religion but believe in God. Second, if it offends you that much, just hand me all of your money that already says In God We Trust. People these days are way too sensitive. This country was founded on religious beliefs. If you do not like it, move to another country.
Matt
June 27th, 2011
11:49 am
All I know is, everyone from “In god we trust” county is an awful driver.
ricardus
June 27th, 2011
11:50 am
God forbid that this degenerate society should be exposed to a little truth (religion). They won’t wake up…at least not now…’til it is much too late.
IN KIMMER WE TRUST
June 27th, 2011
11:52 am
Will Jones – Don’t make KIMMER come back here.
Cobb Woman – If you are so displeased with how we do things here, take your overinflated self-opinion & derriere back to Clayton.
AJC – Yes, I’d like to cancel my subscription, please. Yes, again.
Darko
June 27th, 2011
11:52 am
At least the peaches don’t look like butts this time around.
Every single day our legislature does something to P%% me off
June 27th, 2011
11:52 am
First the Billboard lunacy, giving the billboard companies the right to clear-cut a forest if it blocks their sign.
Now they want to put their religion on my tag? What the heck does God have to do with my government issued license plate? God does not want his name associated with the sad pathetic excuse for governance and leadership we have in Georgia.
I have faith, and a person’s faith should be a personal thing. The word God has no place on a license plate.
The county of residence belongs on the plate. If I see an unknown car driving around my subdivision, and it’s got a tag from Dekalb, Cobb, or Forsyth county, I know they don’t live here. If I see a new car from Troop county, I know it’s a rental, because the rental companies pick the county with the cheapest tag fees.
George Washington
June 27th, 2011
11:53 am
In God we Trust is what AMERICA the GREAT was founded on. If you want to know why AMERICA the GREAT is lossing ground to the rest of the world, it’s because it’s trying to be more like the rest of the world. Stop trying to change & be more like the original AMERICA the GREAT & it will BE GREAT. For those who wish for AMERICA to be more like the rest of the world, leave & go to another country.
Dick
June 27th, 2011
11:54 am
Jane, I told you this morning that you had better have the bathrooms clean and the living room vacuumed and dusted before I get home tonight! Now get off the computer and get back to work!
Bettman the Moron
June 27th, 2011
11:55 am
Atheists, get over it. Liek you tell us all the time concerning the debauchery on TV, if you don’t like it, look the other way.
Also, this is a country that was founded by and for a Christian people. In God We Trust is on our money for a reason and there should be NO problem having it on our tags as well. In fact, it would probably be good for some of the heathens out there to see this message more often, as it is indeed God We Trust and God that sustains us.
MiddleMan
June 27th, 2011
11:55 am
I’d like to see an optional sticker for the county area of the tag that says “MYOB”
hsgrad
June 27th, 2011
11:56 am
WHO SAID IT? THE CORRECT ANSWER WILL COME AT 5PM TODAY
“It is evident that a large part of the people of Georgia have vagrant and hopeless habits. They are still coarse and irrestrainable in appetite and temper; with perverted, eccentric and intemperate impulses; faithless in the value of their
own labor, and almost imbecile for personal elevation.”
Yes
June 27th, 2011
11:57 am
I love the new tags. I will choose the winner when it’s time to renew my tags.
joe in tucker
June 27th, 2011
11:57 am
my ‘Trout Unlimited’ tag goes back to the state this year, I’ll use the cheapest tag they have and donate my dollars directly to Trout Unlimited and cut out the middle man!!
http://www.georgiatu.org/
It's arrogant
June 27th, 2011
11:57 am
Conservative Christians seem to have this need to sell others on their vision of God. Other Christians, seem to understand that your faith is something personal and private, not something you put on license plates, billboards, or paint on the side of a barn.
God has no place on a license plate. It’s offensive to people of faith, it’s offensive to God, and it’s just plain wrong.
Ted
June 27th, 2011
11:59 am
I heard that the “In God We Trust” is an optional sticker you place?
JM
June 27th, 2011
11:59 am
I’d rather keep the tags I have. I don’t want to pay for a new tag design.
Politi Cal
June 27th, 2011
12:00 pm
Why do we have to agree on anything? Isn’t that whaty politics is all about? Take a rest.
As I see em
June 27th, 2011
12:00 pm
@ It’s Arrogant- AMEN!
Ben
June 27th, 2011
12:01 pm
This seems unconstitutional. If they’re going to do this, seems like they should HAVE to offer a tag with no religious connotations.
I’m a non-practicing Methodist but if I were an athiest, and had to PAY to put that on my car (my property) I’d have a major issue with it.
Bob from Accounttemps
June 27th, 2011
12:01 pm
Friggin’ religous nut jobs. Nobody says you can’t worship when and where you want — even during rush hour. But why do you feel it necessary to impose religion on everyone else? Religion has no place on a car tag. While the same could be said about our currency, that’s a question of removal of something that’s been for along time with arguable historical significance. If it’s not on the plates and never has been, why the need to add it now?
You missed the point
June 27th, 2011
12:02 pm
Dude… the “In God We Trust” stickers have been available since January as an option instead of the county stickers. I don’t think these tag designers were actively trying to “boast Religion” or give anyone a dose of anything other than car tag designs. This is a salacious headline designed to stir the pot.
JT
June 27th, 2011
12:04 pm
I wish you could pick elements of each one. I like the skyline but not the rest of the tag. I always thought we should do something like New Yorks, outline of Atlanta skyline on one side, then mountains or silos on the other.
Dick
June 27th, 2011
12:05 pm
Sweetheart, please stop telling everyone our personal business… what we do in our own bedroom is no one’s business but our own. Now, like I said, you need to get back to your chores, Jane. Five o’clock is coming fast and dinner had better be on the table when I get home!
Ashley
June 27th, 2011
12:06 pm
I trust in GOD so I am hoping he gives the Georgia congress wisdom to see that there are more pressing issue that need to be resolve in this state. In these economic times I don’t have a whole lot of “In God We Trust” money.
Tom
June 27th, 2011
12:06 pm
Treaty of Tripoli (1797), Article 11:
As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,- as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen,- and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
According to Frank Lambert, Professor of History at Purdue University, the assurances in Article 11 were “intended to allay the fears of the Muslim state by insisting that religion would not govern how the treaty was interpreted and enforced. John Adams and the Senate made clear that the pact was between two sovereign states, not between two religious powers.” Lambert writes,
“By their actions, the Founding Fathers made clear that their primary concern was religious freedom, not the advancement of a state religion. Individuals, not the government, would define religious faith and practice in the United States. Thus the Founders ensured that in no official sense would America be a Christian Republic. Ten years after the Constitutional Convention ended its work, the country assured the world that the United States was a secular state, and that its negotiations would adhere to the rule of law, not the dictates of the Christian faith. The assurances were contained in the Treaty of Tripoli of 1797 and were intended to allay the fears of the Muslim state by insisting that religion would not govern how the treaty was interpreted and enforced. John Adams and the Senate made clear that the pact was between two sovereign states, not between two religious powers.”
John K
June 27th, 2011
12:06 pm
The religious far right is the GOP’s dream. Just tell the blind sheep that Christianity is under attack and they’ll gleefully give up their votes without a thought!
Only in America can a 85% majority claim to be victimized!
The Heart Of Liberalism « Chamblee54
June 27th, 2011
12:07 pm
[...] This is not the proper use of a sacred name. Update There is a proposal in Georgia to add In G-d We Trust, without the hyphen, to automobile license tags. This is not an appropriate use of a sacred [...]
Designer from Decatur
June 27th, 2011
12:09 pm
Why are four of the six finalists basically the same design, peaches on a light blue background? Is this the only thing people could think of or is it the only thing the DOR will allow on car tags? Why even have a contest?
Also, maybe they can provide stickers (like the ones for your birth month) with your choice of deity, if the “In _____ we trust” is the winner. Or just leave a blank if you no longer trust anyone.
Chamblee54
June 27th, 2011
12:11 pm
The Third Commandment is about the proper use of sacred names. It is much more than G-d’s last name.
Is a trite slogan on an automobile license tag a good use for the word G-d?
chamblee54
freidenker
June 27th, 2011
12:11 pm
Tom, i hope you are correct about the ‘option’ for tag sticker. do you think i’ll be able to get an “i don’t trust god” sticker? could we also not have a darwin option? fair is fair.
Tom
June 27th, 2011
12:12 pm
Good idea, Designer. I believe I read somewhere recently that, in the time since the first writings were created by the Sumerians, there have been over 3,000 uniquely-identifiable supernatural beings named…..2,780 of which fit into the definition of “deity”.
Can we get a “In _____ We Trust” version for each one?
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
12:13 pm
Tom
June 27th, 2011
11:33 am
“Religions are all alike – founded upon fables and mythologies.” – Thomas Jefferson
That is why we all came together, from all denominations, both Jew and Gentile, to found in covenant the NEW SECULAR ORDER, under G-d, direct, by each sovereign individual…displacing, wishfully, the Old Sectarian Order of king and pope, with their mystery, pedophile and false aristoi hierarchies for eternity. Let’s get back to work and go from the blueprint instead of letting caesaropapism’s agents enslave us. All America’s problems can be laid at the feet of Earthy Evil, identified by the prophet anointed by G-d to author Our Declaration.
Let us celebrate Our Independence next week free once again of toryism’s king and pope: giving thanks as “E Pluribus Unum” to “that Infinite Power which controls the destinies of the universe,” and no other.
hsgrad: Georgia and Atlanta have come a long way. Meriwether Lewis, martyred by Rome on the Natchez Trace, became the man Mr. Jefferson trusted to safeguard his expedition growing up in Georgia. Mr. Jefferson appreciated the stronger, more animal demands made here on his development, and the cultural advantages he gained as a Georgian on America’s frontier…where Rome was repelled at Bloody Marsh.
Michael Adams
June 27th, 2011
12:13 pm
I hope my new UGA plate will say “In DAWGS We Trust”
Real Athens
June 27th, 2011
12:13 pm
G. Washington:
The motto In God We Trust “was first used as a motto on coinage on the 1864 two-cent coin, followed in 1866 by the 5 cent nickel (1866–1883), quarter dollar, half dollar, silver dollar and gold dollars. Since 1938, all coins have borne the motto. On July 11, 1954, just one month after the phrase “under God” was incorporated into the Pledge of Allegiance, the U.S. Congress enacted Public Law 84-140, which required the motto on all coins and currency. The law was approved by President Eisenhower on July 30, 1956, and the motto was progressively added to paper money over a period from 1957 to 1966.
You need to read the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution.
The motto, truthfully has as much to do with the founding of this country as this does with your life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7iVsdRbhnc&feature=related
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
12:14 pm
“rules the destinies”
Matt
June 27th, 2011
12:15 pm
I am offended by all of these designs. They are horrid. They need to hire a graphic designer to do these instead of doing a contest.
Tom
June 27th, 2011
12:15 pm
Dr. Adams, I get the impression many dawgs would like to see your next plate issued by another state.
jconservative
June 27th, 2011
12:15 pm
“We will get jobs when the middle class starts buying again.”
I could ask “what middle class?” but will not do so.
I could point out that retail sales are not really off that much, people are spending but on cheap goods made overseas and food grown overseas. But I will not do that.
And yeah, corporations could invest reinvest that $2.5 trillion & create jobs, but jobs doing what?
DJ30
June 27th, 2011
12:17 pm
The “In God We Trust” is just there to show where either the county sticker or “IGWT” sticker goes. The default sticker is the county sticker, but the “IGWT” sticker can be requested and purchased for $1.00 as a substitute at any tag office. It’s already in effect.
Tom
June 27th, 2011
12:18 pm
“The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason.” – Benjamin Franklin
td
June 27th, 2011
12:19 pm
I want my confederate battle flag background with the “In God we trust” motto. Where is that option?
Bettman is confused
June 27th, 2011
12:19 pm
Thomas Jefferson was violently opposed to organized religion, as was Benjamin Franklin.
The whole “God We Trust” on our currency thing happened at two points in history:
First, it had to do with the Civil War, as the Union was trying to promote the fact that it was morally wrong to own slaves. Therefore by putting “In God We Trust” on coins, the Union was saying that it was morally superior to the Confederates.
Second, it was during the height of the cold war, during the McCarthy witch hunts that “In God We Trust” was added to paper currency as a response to the Communist belief of Atheism.
Theodore Roosevelt disapproved of the motto. In a letter to William Boldly in 1907, he wrote:
“My own feeling in the matter is due to my very firm conviction that to put such a motto on coins, or to use it in any kindred manner, not only does no good but does positive harm, and is in effect irreverence, which comes dangerously close to sacrilege…It is a motto which it is indeed well to have inscribed on our great national monuments, in our temples of justice, in our legislative halls, and in building such as those at West Point and Annapolis — in short, wherever it will tend to arouse and inspire a lofty emotion in those who look thereon. But it seems to me eminently unwise to cheapen such a motto by use on coins, just as it would be to cheapen it by use on postage stamps, or in advertisements.”
Or License Plates
Knock knock
June 27th, 2011
12:19 pm
It’s about redemption and trust.
VOL
June 27th, 2011
12:20 pm
If a tag with God in it makes it to the final it should be hard imagining a Democrat wanting to rejest it as well. To bad it’s not. That’s just one of their many problems!
MrLiberty
June 27th, 2011
12:21 pm
I would prefer “IN GOLD WE TRUST.” That’s something I could get behind.
The behavior of those who claim to be Christian in this state and its contrast with the documented behavior of Jesus make it clear that such a statement as “in god we trust” has no place in this state.
Further, what hipocracy it is to put “in god we trust” on a badge that is mandated by the all-powerful state. In this state and in this country we have elevated the state to the status of god, worshiped in government schools, the media, and in the case of military praise, even in the churches. What a sad state of affairs.
Knock knock
June 27th, 2011
12:21 pm
How about one that says: The South Shall Rise Again
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
12:22 pm
And TR was such a righteous man. lol
Can I design and purchase my own sticker?
June 27th, 2011
12:22 pm
There is no gravity, the earth sucks.
If you can read this, you’re too close
Go ahead and hit me, I’ve got a good lawyer.
Keep honking, I’m reloading.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
12:23 pm
“documented behavior” lol
Knock knock
June 27th, 2011
12:23 pm
Need to focus in on the crime in Atlanta etc. Break ins, smash and grabs, home invasions, and general larceny are accepted as normal. Need to arm up and take back the streets from the criminals. We do not nee to spend time and money on car tags.
Buckhead
June 27th, 2011
12:27 pm
Hopefully whatever license plate is picked still has the county on it. Otherwise, how will I know what DeKalb drivers to avoid in my morning commute?
Ryan2White
June 27th, 2011
12:27 pm
I will black out the “In God we Trust” crap on my tag. Who is this God person and what has he done for anyone lately? How far behind must Georgia fall? I thought we were supposed to seperate religion and state???
td
June 27th, 2011
12:28 pm
“Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God … What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be.”
–Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.
Tom
June 27th, 2011
12:28 pm
← would’ve loved to party with Ben Franklin
Whacks Eloquent
June 27th, 2011
12:28 pm
Isn’t Georgia also the Goober state? Where are the peanut plates? Why aren’t peanut farmers protesting?
Kurt in Atlanta
June 27th, 2011
12:29 pm
Yet another example of people forcing their particular fantasy and imaginary friends on those of us who can think. The government obviously has no place in this, irrespective of political party. Republicans, particularly in the south, continue this relentless pandering to people who think they have the right to preach in every imaginable public setting. Enough.
downsouth
June 27th, 2011
12:29 pm
those are pretty fugly tags. and what’s with the www. one? don’t we all know that by now? i really don’t understand the reasoning why we must change tags every few years, seems like a huge waste. sombody’s brother in law musta owned the shop that the prisoners made the tags in or something.
Only in an AJC Forum
June 27th, 2011
12:29 pm
Do I find myself defending Teddy Roosevelt.
There are no righteous politicians, and Roosevelt was no saint.
But he said it was irreverent and sacrilegious to put statements about God on currency or stamps.
Jay
June 27th, 2011
12:30 pm
Surprised they didn’t go whole hog and say “In Jesus we Trust”.
td
June 27th, 2011
12:30 pm
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever; That a revolution of the wheel of fortune, a change of situation, is among possible events; that it may become probable by Supernatural influence! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in that event.”
–Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237. Thomas Jefferson
V8 VOL
June 27th, 2011
12:31 pm
For the love of GOD, please do not make any of those the choice. These are the ugliest designs I have seen and surely dont want those on my car. What is wrong with the current one besides nothing…..good grief
td
June 27th, 2011
12:32 pm
“I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.”
–The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385
Good luck with that td
June 27th, 2011
12:32 pm
Ever hear of the Spanish Inquisition? Spain’s failed attempt to use the bible as rule of law? Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
Brian Hunt
June 27th, 2011
12:32 pm
I’m against anything mandated by the government that requires me to display a religious message.
Anonymous
June 27th, 2011
12:34 pm
The “In God We Trust” is a decal, just like all the county names, that the State of Georgia offers. They were signed into law last year and people have the option of purchasing them for $1. The idea was that if you were “unhappy” with your county government, you could get this label instead. Otherwise, the county name is required on all the other tags (most specialty plates don’t have them.)
I don’t think this is a case of these tags being printed up with that on the bottom like you suggest. If that was true, then what about the one that says “Fulton” on the bottom? I believe the designer was showing the possibilities of that label. Perhaps they have that label on their own car.
Charlie S.
June 27th, 2011
12:34 pm
Why are we getting yet another tag design? Talk about waste of tax money. If you look closely now, you can see three different designs out there now.
jconservative
June 27th, 2011
12:34 pm
I am a big admirer of Jeffrerson. He always said what he thought and was not afraid to change his opinion on any subject.
“But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.”
“Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting “Jesus Christ,” so that it would read “A departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion;” the insertion was rejected by the great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination.” Speaking on the Virginia Act for Religious Freedom
” Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between church and State.”
” It is between fifty and sixty years since I read it [the Apocalypse of John], and I then considered it merely the ravings of a maniac, no more worthy nor capable of explanation than the incoherences of our own nightly dreams.”
Thomas Jefferson.
Mike
June 27th, 2011
12:35 pm
I think it’s BS if every plate has “In God We Trust”. It should be an option, not mandatory on every plate. What the hell is wrong with people in this state?
Thomas Jefferson
June 27th, 2011
12:35 pm
Following the Revolution, Jefferson played a leading role in the disestablishment of religion in Virginia. Previously the Anglican Church had tax support. As he wrote in his Notes on Virginia, a law was in effect in Virginia that “if a person brought up a Christian denies the being of a God, or the Trinity …he is punishable on the first offense by incapacity to hold any office …; on the second by a disability to sue, to take any gift or legacy …, and by three year’ imprisonment.” Prospective officer-holders were required to swear that they did not believe in the central Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation.
MiddleMan
June 27th, 2011
12:36 pm
I predict a large increase in rear-end collisions by people trying to figure out what any of these tag examples are. How about a Salvador Dali theme to simplify the background?
ckgator
June 27th, 2011
12:36 pm
These are all busy / messy designs. Will stick with my wildlife tag or maybe the best of the lot… the GATOR tag.
Peggy
June 27th, 2011
12:37 pm
I love #5
td
June 27th, 2011
12:38 pm
“Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ.”
–America’s Providential History, p. 93. James Madison
kevin
June 27th, 2011
12:41 pm
All of those license plates are pretty awful and no “In God we Trust” for christ’s sake (pun intended).
MrLiberty
June 27th, 2011
12:43 pm
Is it just me or does that last one in the gallery (the one with the peach and leaves made up of little circles) look like the color-blindness test images? All that is missing is a contrasting number to identify.
td
June 27th, 2011
12:44 pm
I have carefully examined the evidences of the Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man.”
–Famous American Statesmen, p. 126. Alexander Hamilton
doc
June 27th, 2011
12:44 pm
I’m sure they will take the ‘voting’ seriously. What a joke this miserable state is. The politicians and their cronies start banks solely designed for them to drain of assets and let tax payers pay to clean up when they bfail, take hand out after unbridled handout from lobbyets, and then give a sop to the jesus yokels so they shut up and get us to fight about this and ignore the corruption and cruelty that really runs this dump.
John K
June 27th, 2011
12:50 pm
Congrats td, you spent the weekend learning to cut & paste.
Now where is it established in The Constitution that this is a Christian nation?
Joe Mama
June 27th, 2011
12:51 pm
CAPITALLETTERS — “Second, if it offends you that much, just hand me all of your money that already says In God We Trust.”
Okay.
And I’ll take all your credit cards and your house, because they DON’T say IGWT on them. Fair trade.
“People these days are way too sensitive. This country was founded on religious beliefs. If you do not like it, move to another country.”
Actually, this country was founded on religious FREEDOM, not the ability of a shrill group to demand that everyone else fall in line behind them and their imaginary friend.
If you don’t like it, then move to another country. You may find Iran to be more to your liking.
td
June 27th, 2011
12:51 pm
doc
June 27th, 2011
12:44 pm
If you do not like what is going on in this state then there are 49 others to choose from. I am not telling you to leave but just saying that this state has always been conservative and will be for the foreseeable future. Vermont is an Liberal state and I am sure make you more happy.
Ghostrider
June 27th, 2011
12:52 pm
How about a sticker that says “Ya’ll Kiss My Azz”
Mark
June 27th, 2011
12:53 pm
There is no God and I will be the first to sue the State if they make me put that on my car.
td
June 27th, 2011
12:54 pm
John K
June 27th, 2011
12:50 pm
Congrats td, you spent the weekend learning to cut & paste.
Now where is it established in The Constitution that this is a Christian nation?
Just like you Libs like to say. It is not expressly written in the Constitution but one can clearly see the intent was clearly established. Sort of like the most of the made up rights the ACLU has fought for during the past 100 years.
Joe Mama
June 27th, 2011
12:58 pm
td — “Sort of like the most of the made up rights the ACLU has fought for during the past 100 years.”
Please elaborate. To what “made up rights” do you refer? Also, please demonstrate where the ACLU has defended or fought for some of these “made up rights.”
Tom
June 27th, 2011
12:59 pm
Actually, td, I can clearly see where the intent was not to have the United States established as a Christian nation.
Gee. I guess we each have our vision skewed by our own agenda?
Aquagirl
June 27th, 2011
1:00 pm
“It is not expressly written in the Constitution but one can clearly see the intent was clearly established?” Why in the world do you think they futzed around instead of writing “this is a Christian nation?” They suddenly ran short of ink?
John K
June 27th, 2011
1:00 pm
Aw, c’mon td, you can do better than that! Where is it implied? Where it says “there shall be no religious test?”
Tom
June 27th, 2011
1:00 pm
Oh, btw, I’ve been voting almost-exclusively GOP for over 30 years. Just an fyi.
Intown
June 27th, 2011
1:04 pm
Keep your religion off my car!
Jon Lester
June 27th, 2011
1:06 pm
Looks like Zaxby is still on the side of rewarding those companies that outsource jobs overseas.
As for the car tags; Thomas Paine would be chagrined to see that even in the year 2011, his envisioned Age of Reason is still centuries away.
Disappointed
June 27th, 2011
1:08 pm
It truly saddens me to read so very many negative, resentful, vendictive comments regarding the use of “In God We Trust” on new tags. While I do try hard to respect others views (as difficult as some others make it), it always appears as though Christian views/beliefs are the ones that always come under attack. I do have one of the stickers displayed on my vehicles cover the county.
Maybe the state should choose two tags instead of one. Give Christians/believers an option of a tag or sticker, and those who have issues with these tags a choice without the saying. Everyone will get their way-a win/win situation. Oh, but that’s right. Non-believers will still be offended and place all bad driving blame on those of us displaying “In God We Trust”. Guess there will never be any pleasing everyone on here. You would probably complain that eternal life is not good enough. Sad, really sad.
JW
June 27th, 2011
1:08 pm
Look, all you extremely left leaning liberal Democrats out there. There are many moderate and very conservative Democrats that also reside in our state. I, too, am a Democrat and would say that I am a moderate. But, for you who belong to the liberal segment of the Democratic Party, I want you to know that there are 2 political issues that you do not speak for me on, and probably not the majority of other state Democrats either:
1. Immigration. You are on the wrong side of the wrong side of this issue. You do not ignore and reward an illegal and unlawful act. Had Deal not signed HB87 he would have had the majority of voters turn on him in the same manner that the state’s voters turned on Roy Barnes with the flag issue.
2. Same-sex marriage. You do not speak for me when you advocate and think that same-sex marriage is perfectly okay. Being raised as a Southern Baptist means that I can never accept same-sex marriage because it is against my religious beliefs. I also do not believe that a small segment of the populace should be able to impose their beliefs on the majority that do not subscribe to their lifestyle.
Ilene
June 27th, 2011
1:08 pm
No RELIGIOUS STATEMENTS ON LICENSE PLATES. Shame on all of you. How about our website like other states do – oh, I forgot, we’re behind the times and backwards here.
Sam I Am
June 27th, 2011
1:14 pm
JW, you got it half right.
Rob L.
June 27th, 2011
1:15 pm
I don’t know about others, but I think that in my religion you’re not supposed to just print the name of the lord on a piece of metal and slap it on the back of a car. Possilbly something about the third of the ten commandments I would think.
John K
June 27th, 2011
1:16 pm
JW, if you think same sex marriage is wrong, keep on believing it; knock yourself out. But don’t use your personal belief to keep someone from doing something that will have no affect on you in any way, shape, or form.
pcBobby
June 27th, 2011
1:19 pm
I would like my own personalized plate: Godless F#*@er.
deegee
June 27th, 2011
1:20 pm
No religious statements on license plates! I kinda like New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die”. That’s taking a stand. For Georgia maybe we should say something like, “Aw Shucks” or “Live Free or Go Fish”
Shan
June 27th, 2011
1:21 pm
What part of separation of church and state is so hard to comprehend?! Not all of us are Christian, nevermind religious! Why couldn’t the tag have simply read “The Peach State”?
Joe Mama
June 27th, 2011
1:22 pm
Disappointed — “While I do try hard to respect others views (as difficult as some others make it), it always appears as though Christian views/beliefs are the ones that always come under attack.”
That’s not what’s at issue here. The issue is the possibility of the state FORCING people to put a religious message on their cars (though it appears that this might be optional). Frankly, I think you’d be just as upset if the state required you to put something like “. . . and Mohammed is his Prophet” on your license plate (and I’d be angry, too).
“I do have one of the stickers displayed on my vehicles cover the county.”
I don’t have a problem with that, so long as it’s your personal choice.
“Maybe the state should choose two tags instead of one. Give Christians/believers an option of a tag or sticker, and those who have issues with these tags a choice without the saying. Everyone will get their way-a win/win situation.”
That’s actually a pretty fair idea, and I don’t have a problem with it.
“Oh, but that’s right. Non-believers will still be offended and place all bad driving blame on those of us displaying “In God We Trust”. Guess there will never be any pleasing everyone on here. You would probably complain that eternal life is not good enough. Sad, really sad.”
Well, you got off to a good start, and then you started putting words in others’ mouths. I guess a little Christian charity and turn-the-other-cheekism was too much to expect — after all, you haven’t been to church since yesterday. :p
Dr. Will Feelgood,
June 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
@td: Thomas Jefferson was a believer in the Almighty, and an admirer of Jesus and his teachings as best he could discern them — but not a believer in the diety of Jesus, the Holy Trinity, the attoning death of Jesus or his resurrection and return.
In other words, Mr. Jefferson was a devout Deist along with B. Franklin.
td
June 27th, 2011
1:25 pm
John K
June 27th, 2011
1:16 pm
“But don’t use your personal belief to keep someone from doing something that will have no affect on you in any way, shape, or form”
Unless, we as a nation, decide to go to a true libertarian form of government where we do not pay for the choices others make, then everyone’s decisions will effect the whole. Every decision a person makes has consequences and since you Libs want this nanny state form of government then we all have to pa for those consequences.
CaT
June 27th, 2011
1:27 pm
What does immigration and sam sex marriage have to do with religious statements on license plates? Stick to the issue at hand!
It's just a license plate
June 27th, 2011
1:27 pm
Your lifestyle – not your license plate – is what shows others who you put your trust in.
Droc
June 27th, 2011
1:27 pm
After the last repatriation in 1994, 85% of the money went to shareholders, and most of the rest to CEOs. Then, they cut tens of thousands of their workers.
John K
June 27th, 2011
1:29 pm
td, I just love it. Complaining about the nanny state while at the same time trying to control what goes on in the bedroom and personal lives of consenting adults.
I’m beginning to believe some conservatives don’t realize words have actual meaning.
GAPolitics
June 27th, 2011
1:30 pm
All of those designs are pathetic. Ugly!
outlawgod
June 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
Religion will be the death of this country – all references to God (esp thos put in the 50’s to “fight communism”) must be removed – i.e. – the pledge, money, etc
Shan
June 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
Once again, Georgia never fails to disappoint. Is it any wonder that we are 49th in education? I hope the ACLU sues the state if that plate passes. The neocons in this state need to stop shoving religion down our throats!
Clinton "Skink" Tyree
June 27th, 2011
1:32 pm
What I don’t understand is why the state is in the business of transforming auto tags into billboards or bulletin boards for any kind of message — but especially religious messages.
In the total scheme of things, the proceeds are small when compared to the philosophical issues at stake — the state’s breach of the separation of church and state.
If a person wants to turn their automobile into a rolling billboard for Jesus, that’s fine with me. Cover your car with bumper stickers, but the state shouldn’t get involved in the propagation of religious messages via the state mandated auto tag.
td
June 27th, 2011
1:32 pm
Dr. Will Feelgood,
June 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
Than why would Jefferson say:
“I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.”
–The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385
Sounds like a Christian to me? I think you may be confusing a Christian with a person believing in a certain sect of Christianity. I am pretty sure that Jefferson believed in the teachings of Jesus Christ totally but did not believe in the interpretation of Jesus teachings as interpreted by man.
Freida
June 27th, 2011
1:32 pm
Vote? Yeah, right. The DOR website for the tag competition has not been working all day!!
kevin
June 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
Mark
June 27th, 2011
12:53 pm
“There is no God and I will be the first to sue the State if they make me put that on my car.”
Amen to that!
Bob
June 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
Aren’t we all tired of the PEACH? Surely they can come up with a better design than these same old recycled designs that doesn’t have a peach on it.
pcBobby
June 27th, 2011
1:35 pm
Only in this state where we have a bunch of fat doltish SUV-driving lemmings who have no problem with a corrupt Stepford Husband reigning over a theocracy. This state is a complete embarrassment.
td
June 27th, 2011
1:39 pm
John K
June 27th, 2011
1:29 pm
I personally believe that a person should do whatever they want to as long as it does not effect me. Ex: If you want to ride a motorcycle without a helmet then fine but if you have a wreck, smash your brain, and not have insurance then the hospital should not keep you alive at the expense of the taxpayer.
But alas, my views are not going to pass the liberal test and we will have to keep the person alive, so since your decision is going to effect me then I have to support legislation (helmet laws) that effect me the least amount.
Keep doing this GOP
June 27th, 2011
1:40 pm
ITTTTTTTTTT’S UNCONSTITUTIONAL. For Christ’s sake, i wish this state would quit promoting religion.
Larry Edgar
June 27th, 2011
1:41 pm
Boy, some of you so-called christians want to tell everyone to pound sand if they don’t agree with you. Very christian like. This should be a Georgia car tag, nowhere should there be any reference to religion.
td
June 27th, 2011
1:42 pm
Keep doing this GOP
June 27th, 2011
1:40 pm
ITTTTTTTTTT’S UNCONSTITUTIONAL. For Christ’s sake, i wish this state would quit promoting religion
Would you like to make a bet right now that it passes the Supreme court religious test? If I am not mistaken the same saying is above the heads of the Justices.
Trey
June 27th, 2011
1:43 pm
I’d like to take a tag with “In God We Trust” on it.
Trey
June 27th, 2011
1:44 pm
td, only thing that would be unconstitutional would be a state sponsored religion. Why do you b*tch about this being unconstitutional when there are a lot of other unconstitutional things going on in our country?
pcBobby
June 27th, 2011
1:45 pm
@JW
“In God We Trust” on a state-issued plate is imposing your superstitious beliefs on me. If this is what you and Michele Bachmann wish for, create your own country called Bubbastan.
Trey
June 27th, 2011
1:45 pm
Sorry, td. I didn’t realize you were doing a response until I saw it again. That was for Keep Doing This GOP.
Indy
June 27th, 2011
1:46 pm
“We get our revenues up by enticing [CFOs] to get some of that $2.5 trillion off your balance sheet and reinvest it in your company and create jobs, and spread out that tax base by putting people back to work.”
Well I generally disagree with almost anything Saxby says and does but that to me makes eminent good sense. If the Dems can’t see the utility of that idea they’re just damn fools.
No Teabagging
June 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
Just replace “In God We Trust” with our new government motto “No Ethics, No Problem” .
#4 looks like a big butt, perhaps we should be “The Booty Call” state.
Did anyone consult public safety officers on the designs? i.e. Which of these are legible when getting a tag# during a fast chase?
Yes we Cain!
June 27th, 2011
1:49 pm
Who cares?
kevin
June 27th, 2011
1:50 pm
td
June 27th, 2011
1:39 pm
I am not sure that the helmet example you use works, because I can easily see where the motorcyclist’s not wearing a helmet would effect me. For example, let’s say the motorcyclist runs a light, I hit him and he dies as a result of head trauma that could have been prevented had he been wearing a helmet. Though not my fault, having a man lie dead after a collision I was involved in would assuredly have an effect on me. Therefore, not only for his own protection, but the protection of others, he should have to wear a helmet–just like people have to wear seatbelts, which incidentally have saved countless millions of lives.
Joe Mama
June 27th, 2011
1:51 pm
Suggestion — “In James Brown we Trust”
(shriek)
Queen Nerfballteedi
June 27th, 2011
1:51 pm
I don’t care about the “In God We Trust” stuff, the only thing I would like them to keep is the County designation. I like to know what county the idiot that is driving in front of me resides in. It helps me with my in-car insults. For instance: Gwinnett County: Horrible 3rd-World Drivers; White/Pike/Mountain Counties: Hillbilly Trash Drivers; Fulton: Hard one to pin down since it encompasses so many areas. Look inside car..then make appropriate slur. Chatham: They are probably drunk and lost; Clayton: Criminals driving in a stolen car. Please Keep the Counties!!!
John K
June 27th, 2011
1:51 pm
I would love an explanation from anyone on how same-sex marriage would negatively affect them.
dre
June 27th, 2011
1:51 pm
deegee, that was funny
catlady
June 27th, 2011
1:51 pm
I want a tag that says, “I may be slow, but I’m ahead of ya’ll.”
Seriously, how about a plain white (or even peach colored) tag that says GEORGIA on it. Period.
Or, if we are really into promoting our state, have a lighthouse, a peach, and a chicken with its head cut off.
Has anyone looked into the money behind car tags? I mean, who has the contract to provide the metal, etc? Could someone follow the money?
John K
June 27th, 2011
1:54 pm
Maybe it should just say “Waffle House”
catlady
June 27th, 2011
1:56 pm
How about, “I may be slow, but I’m ahead of ya’ll”. Or a picture of a chicken with its head cut off (peaches aren’t our only business.)
dre
June 27th, 2011
1:58 pm
John K – Any weird amendments to the Birds and the Bees discussion I just had with my 12-year-old would annoy me.
dre
June 27th, 2011
1:59 pm
Waffle House, now that’s good. Or, Strip Shopping Center Capital of the World
td
June 27th, 2011
2:03 pm
kevin
June 27th, 2011
1:50 pm
td
June 27th, 2011
1:39 pm
I am not sure that the helmet example you use works
I was trying to make an intellectual argument in as much a non-controversial manner as possible but here is another couple examples for you:
If a person choices to become a drunk or drug addict then the libertarian in me says fine but if he has children then those children should fend for themselves and we (the state) should not give out welfare or pay for foster care. The problem is the liberals have to have those programs to allow people to make bad choices and we (the state) will pay for those bad decisions. Therefore, I have to support anti drug laws and anti drinking laws to control the behavior of the person.
Second example: If a person wants to live in a city that is in a hurricane or flooding zone and they get flooded out then they should have to start all over on their own but we (the state) help re-locate and rebuild these peoples places at my expense. I now have to support laws that mandate that these people but flooding insurance or pay into a special fund.
Mark
June 27th, 2011
2:04 pm
Why? There is no urging need to put “In God We Trust” on any of the plates, and nobody–Christian or not–was clamoring for that statement to be on there. The state could have avoided all controversy by just not having any references to God on the plates. By the way, where is the name of the county going to go on those IGWT tags?
Also, why is this vote being held online? Hopefully I’m not giving anybody any ideas but a hacker might infiltrate the system and skew the vote count. Or people may hop on different computers/phones and vote more than once. Then you have those who aren’t tech savvy and won’t have the chance to have their say. It wouldn’t have been a bad idea to come up with new tag designs around the time of a general election and put them on the ballot. The new tag design wouldn’t have to be implemented right away so doing it during an election wouldn’t be the worst thing.
Larry
June 27th, 2011
2:04 pm
Queen, you hit the nail on the head. Tell it like it is. Keep the county tags.
hsgrad
June 27th, 2011
2:07 pm
The clock is ticking to enter the contest (see 11:56am post). The winner will travel to Bonaire, Georgia to join Governor
Sonny Perdue, Last Man Standing, and td on a quail hunting excursion.
Donald Rose
June 27th, 2011
2:12 pm
This Country was founded on the FREEDOM OF RELIGION and SEPARATION OF CHRUCH and STATE. People came to AMERICA to be FREE of the BS were doing now!!
MiddleMan
June 27th, 2011
2:28 pm
Who is John Galt?
kevin
June 27th, 2011
2:36 pm
td,
So, rather than support programs designed to assist people with addictions (or, what you call “people who make bad choices”), you prefer to support laws against drug use despite the fact that enforcement of such laws costs far more money? That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Over 60% of persons in jail were arrested on drug related charges.
ugadawg2005
June 27th, 2011
2:51 pm
I am a staunch supporter in the separation of church and state, but the AJC has been incredibly misleading in this article. The blueprint of the plates has “In God We Trust” in place of the County name because that is an option (the most popular option) that Georgia residents can pay to use on their tags instead of using the County. The designers probably used that as a generic plate instead of inserting a random County name.
Even if the State wanted to, our legislature knows that it cannot mandate that “In God We Trust” be on all plates.
“New Hampshire’s statute in effect requires that appellees use their private property as a “mobile billboard” for the State’s ideological message—or suffer a penalty, as Maynard already has. As a condition to driving an automobile—a virtual necessity for most Americans—the Maynards must display “Live Free or Die” to hundreds of people each day. The fact that most individuals agree with the thrust of New Hampshire’s motto is not the test; most Americans also find the flag salute acceptable. The First Amendment protects the right of individuals to hold a point of view different from the majority and to refuse to foster, in the way New Hampshire commands, an idea they find morally objectionable.”
Wooley v. Maynard, 430 US 705 (1977) (holding that New Hampshire cannot force residents to display a motto on their license plate).
fsj@oalc.om
June 27th, 2011
2:56 pm
the AJC always trying to make trouble and hype things that shouldnt matter. they are the BOB UECKER of newspapers.
Fleabass
June 27th, 2011
2:58 pm
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians around here were taught in the church that if you do not believe the same exact things they do, you’re going to he- double hockey sticks. They are also taught that if they do not forcibly spew their dogma on every person they encounter, they will end up in the same place. Meanwhile, their preacher is tooling around town in a $50,000 Mercedes and stalking little boys on the congregation’s dime. It’s rampant and unfortunately will never change.
Sure I believe in God; but how I choose to have that relationship in my life is my own personal business; not anyone else’s. The other day I stopped to push a lady and her child’s disabled car out of a busy intersection to a safe place. When she thanked me I asked her to pay the good deed forward. You lie, cheat, and steal all week and think showing up to church on Sunday morning wipes the slate all clean for the week- that’s why you’ll never see me in church. And you won’t see me advertising my personal beliefs on the back of my car. But that should be everyone’s choice.
Meanwhile, it’s disappointing that the people in charge of this change can’t be creative enough to come up with something a little different than a stupid peach. I pride how my cars look and I have never seen a car that looks good with a peach colored tag. It’s ugly and they should be ashamed that they can’t be a little more creative.
Have a nice day and do something nice for someone else. Action always speaks louder than words- remember that regardless of your beliefs.
Poke 'Em With A Stick
June 27th, 2011
3:02 pm
Whether it says “COBB” or “In god We Thrust”…Same azshole, different day behind the wheel.
Fleabass
June 27th, 2011
3:08 pm
PS. Jim Galloway, your reporting is irresponsible. The tags shown are just examples and the generic “In God We Trust” (as opposed to using a specific county name) was used just for the examples. The laws regarding this designation have not changed and you should have reported that accurately. If you weren’t sure, you should have contacted the state and inquired before publishing this article. I’m sure your JM101 instructor would be proud of your basic, rookie mistake.
Misinformation is the root of 9 out of 10 conflicts and you, sir, and the media in general should be ashamed of creating something out of absolutely NOTHING- over and over and over.
Mike
June 27th, 2011
3:09 pm
Is there anyone in this state with one ounce of imagination? Every one of these tags has a peach on it – let’s hire someone from Alabama or South Carolina to design us a new tag. I’ve lived in GA for over forty years and every ‘new tag’ has a peach on it! Let’s change things up, people!
kevin
June 27th, 2011
3:12 pm
I am with Mike. Goodbye to the peach.
dre
June 27th, 2011
3:18 pm
Poke ‘Em With A Stick – Dude, THAT was the best response all day!!
MiddleMan
June 27th, 2011
3:20 pm
I’d prefer to use “Leo”, my astrological sign. That’s the only thing I can truly have faith in. Leo has never failed me; my birthday comes every year, just like clockwork. And, if Leo should ever fail to come, I won’t even be around to notice it. You can’t imagine how what a sense of unburdened relief that gives me.
MiddleMan
June 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
kevin and mike – Be afraid, be very afraid. If they do away with the Peach, it will be replaced by Chick-fil-A, mark my words.
#3
June 27th, 2011
3:24 pm
I don’t give a crap about any of those tags. I’m keeping my NASCAR plate.
d
June 27th, 2011
3:29 pm
I have to say the first tag pictured (the one with the county decal) is my favorite. I like seeing where in Georgia people are from when I am traveling and, for those who want it, it can be an “IGWT” decal instead. I personally will stick with my county name though.
Newsp. Seq. '79
June 27th, 2011
3:29 pm
Hey, “Fleabass,” don’t know what JM 101 is, but at UGA (whence Mr Galloway comes), it would be Jrl 101. And, as it’s not a general reporting class, the prof. wouldn’t even get a chance to flunk someone on a “journalistic” mistake. I suggest that you substitute Newswriting and Reporting 260 in your example.
d
June 27th, 2011
3:31 pm
Oh, and I am so glad the website isn’t on the plate I chose!
lxd
June 27th, 2011
3:46 pm
Keep religion off my car tag!!
Randy
June 27th, 2011
3:53 pm
I am a PROUD Athiest and I refuse to have a plate with ‘In God we Trust’ so if it happens expect lots of lawsuits…Just Saying
Fleabass
June 27th, 2011
4:23 pm
Hello Class of ‘79. I suppose I wouldn’t know the class abbreviations at the University of Georgia but that explains a lot. Regardless of what ‘class’ you choose to cite as an example; you get the basic idea of what I was trying to convey from the looks of your post. In Journalism of any form, talking out of the side of your neck is irresponsible and a basic but major no-no if you consider yourself a credible writer. Any intelligent person could use basic reasoning, an understanding of how the law works and what it takes to alter it, and common sense to decipher this. If not, my UGA friend, you could have called your local tag office and if they couldn’t clarify certainly they could have pointed you in the right direction. Especially if you stated that you were reporting from the AJC.
Now you know why I would never subscribe to that rag. I’ve seen kids with high school papers use more sound reporting and writing technique. Good luck in the future.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
4:24 pm
Those claiming Mr. Jefferson quotes “in the front of his Bible” and in an alleged letter to “Henry Fry” must supply corroboration or remain anonymous in your attempted fraud…like the Mother of Lies claiming a priest stopped Roman Catholic Sherman’s troops from burning Atlanta’s downtown churches: made up, whole cloth…but not as “grand” as the Donation of Constantine. Mr. Jefferson was correct: “They” are “the real Anti-Christ,” and “they” know who “they” are.
Fleabass
June 27th, 2011
4:33 pm
I certainly hope that didn’t rub you the wrong way, my friend. You do, in my opinion, deserve to be criticized for this article and any semi-intelligent person would agree. Your segment on the tags as well the headline you used looks exactly like that of a gossip columnist. No “insider” information here today. No “facts” that are backed up by the truth as far as I can tell. It pays to back up your assessment with a little research, doesn’t it? Just sayin’…
Brock
June 27th, 2011
4:34 pm
I question whether people who would want In God We Trust really do trust their supreme being. I mean, why do people with the fish emblem on their car drive so slow? It’s like that slow-moving vehicle symbol they put on tractors. As far as I’m concerned, you can have your sticker if you’ll just move it!
Fleabass
June 27th, 2011
4:50 pm
@ Will… People like you are the same types that walk in and shoot up malls and post offices. Please get yourself evaluated as soon as possible. There are people that can help.
Fleabass
June 27th, 2011
5:06 pm
You can stop by your county tag office Monday through Friday, show them your driver’s license, and purchase an “In God We Trust” sticker for your license plate for one dollar. When you are renewing your tag (in my county at least) they do not solicit you to purchase one nor do they make any mention of it at all. You must ask and pay the dollar should you desire.
I would be interested in a follow up with anything different; i.e. if, in fact, the State intends to make the “In God We Trust” standard on the new design, how they intend to progress with making that happen, and when the State will tackle the current law to completely change it. Certainly anyone with common sense would not expect them to just print it on the new tag and pass it out to residents. If you have any factual information regarding this please share it with the readers. There are some ignorant people holding seats in our government but I don’t think anyone would be so crass as to attempt such a feat without doing their homework first. Of course, Governor Barnes pulled a similar stunt with the flag so it wouldn’t totally shock me but it is doubtful in this economic climate. Please do share if you know something to the contrary.
Knock knock
June 27th, 2011
5:10 pm
How about one that says “God and Guns”
hsgrad
June 27th, 2011
5:15 pm
TIMES UP!
“It is evident that a large part of the people of Georgia have vagrant and hopeless habits. They are still coarse and irrestrainable in appetite and temper; with perverted, eccentric and intemperate spiritual impulses; faithless in the value
of their own labor, and almost imbecile for personal elevation.”
Frederick Law Olmsted
from “A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States” 1856
Note that Mr. Olmsted was speaking of poor whites, but this description of Georgian’s is still applicable today.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
5:17 pm
Fleabass
June 27th, 2011
4:50 pm
Actually all presidential assassinations and vitually all maas murders in America, and Europe (Hitler & Staln) have been committed by your fellow Roman Catholics, interestingly enough.
MiddleMan
June 27th, 2011
5:20 pm
How about one that simply says “Goddess”. That would be a huge revenue producer, even at a dollar apiece.
Billy
June 27th, 2011
5:44 pm
Hey, let’s put some much crap on the tag that you can’t read the numbers. Oops, they already do that…
Martha Gates
June 27th, 2011
6:33 pm
June 27, 2011
I am glad that I trusted in GOD to get our Trillions and Trillions of Dollars until Doomsday from the government, the GAY community and PETA. You can start with your apologies to Michael Vick and GOD’s Righteous people. GOD told us that our wealth was in the hands of the wicked. Jeremiah Wright 17:5.
Happy birthday Calhoun, Uncle Bob, Bill Cosby, O. J. Simpson, Michael Vick, and Michael Jackson.
mgates–We are going to laugh at the rich, the powerful, and the traitors.
God is my copilot
June 27th, 2011
6:50 pm
If I trust in god to hell with road rules. God will take care of me if I drive drunk, run stop signs, etc. Who would have thunk I little sticker on a license plate is better than a seat belt
BeenThereDoneThat
June 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
I’m glad someone at DOR set you straight on the tags. As par for the course the AJC does a lot of pot stirring and very little fact finding. Georgia law mandates the tag to have the county name at the bottom of the tag unless an “In God We Trust” decal is purchase or with some specialty tag is purchased with something else is at the bottom. Did you really think that all the tags in one designed was proposed to say “Fulton” or another have “Reg” on every tag. This is a vote for the basic overall design and most people could tell this. At least most people that realize that the AJC should be taking with a grain of salt and understand it as the bottom of the bird cage it should be.
BeenThereDoneThat
June 27th, 2011
7:08 pm
Sorry Fleabass, I should have read your comments first. You said it very well and I’m afraid I just repeated the same. This was just on my mind since I saw the article at work but had to wait until I got home to comment.
Deepdiver
June 27th, 2011
7:18 pm
Some American christians are unbelievable. Jesus was not about putting signs up to brag about someone’s Christianity. He was about helping the needy. Many Christians in the U.S. are foolish and selfish. Spend that money on helping others, not showboating or making yourself like a better Christian.
alan
June 27th, 2011
7:47 pm
I live in Florida and there is over 100 speciality plates ranging from college and professional sport teams to causes such as adoption.
damn peach
June 27th, 2011
8:03 pm
God!!! Im sick of the damn peach thing. Can’t we get a few designs without it? Pick the top 4 plates and then let the consumer choose when they go to pick it up.
Nate
June 27th, 2011
8:21 pm
If the State of Georgia issues a tag with “In God We Trust” on it, then they can “trust” that I will be doing a little creative adjustment, such as putting a big black mark through it…
jd
June 27th, 2011
8:34 pm
We shouldn’t be in the business of picking winners and losers
Vote for Pedro
June 27th, 2011
9:31 pm
I want a county sticker that says “I can’t read”
brian
June 27th, 2011
10:18 pm
Which god though? There are so many that have been invented over the eons. The Judeo-Christian god is just a complete a$$hole. I have much more trust in the Flying Spaghetti Monster. All hail the FSM!
Bill Orvis White
June 27th, 2011
10:43 pm
Amen to all of those who support a much-needed “In God We Trust” plate that is integral to our way of life in this once-free nation. If seculars and illegals don’t like this plate, then get out of here and don’t return. This nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles whereby we follow a strict code where WE THE PEOPLE act in a pro-life humane manner. Again, teenagers are on the drug, drink and the pill. Taxes for Godless social experiment projects are at all time high. The Socialist-Democrat Party has torn down the institution of man-woman marriage which is essential fo rthe survival of this once-free nation.
Amen,
Bill
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 27th, 2011
11:03 pm
All Atlantans, itp and otp, let’s vote for choice #2 so the skyline of our best city in the world will be displayed wherever Georgia plates are seen!
brian
June 27th, 2011
11:38 pm
Bill Orvis White, you’re parroting the same tired ignorant lies you’ve heard from other Christians. The Constitution doesn’t mention any god(s) at all. Furthermore, where it does mention religion, it does so in the context of total separation – freedom of religion and freedom FROM religion. You may wish to familiarize yourself with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. You should also familiarize yourself with the secular, godless writings of Madison and Jefferson… something Christians mysteriously won’t do, preferring instead to live in a fantasy world where their god created the USA as a bastion of Jesus-worship.
And if you think the Ten Commandments were relevant to our nation’s founding, I’d like to understand the relevance of such idiotic commandments as not working on the “sabbath”, which is regularly flouted, as well as the garbled nonsense about idols, graven images, etc. Guess what, all countries have laws about stealing and murder.
As for your comment that ” If seculars and illegals don’t like this plate, then get out of here and don’t return”, that only reflects an all too typical hateful and intolerant Christian attitude. Keep your stupid stone age religion to yourself.
David Meadows
June 27th, 2011
11:52 pm
Unless an alternative name on the tag is: “The Billboard State,” I refuse to pay for anything other than a regular tag.
Columbus
June 27th, 2011
11:58 pm
@Blue Moon: You have been misled. This country was founded for God and based on God’s laws and forefathers clearly stated that if this country EVER strays from these principles that our country will certainly perish. You have been deceived and brainwashed like the others who think like you and believe that there is not place in society for God Almighty. Let me shed some wisdom and light on your darkness. God , the church and the Bible were ALWAYS the CENTER, the foundation of our society. The people who wrote the Constitution and the ones who signed it, ALL promoted PUBLIC PRAYER and in schools and in ALL government meetings. Church services were held in and at the White House at LEAST monthly. Bible verses are on every Federal Government building including the FIRST ones. They re still all over in Washington D.C. They dont want yo uto walk the stairs of the Washington Monument anymore they say so no one has a heart attach but the truth is they do NOT want the public to know the truth about the stairwell being inscribed the entire way with BIBLE verses. Also on top, the tip, there is a biblical symbol or inscription. All courts posted the 10 commandments. Public prayer services were held. national prayer services were held. The separation of church and state is in and will NEVER be in any legal document nor is it in any passed law. It was in a letter to a friend ONLY and it also was stated as a comment on KEEPING the government out of religion. OUR GREAT NATION THE USA, has a foundation that is rooted in God, to do his will around the world. You can practice free religion on this country. We will not persecute you, but our government is founded on and for God no matter who likes it or is a Christian or Jew. Other countries will kill you or persecute you for practicing any religion except the national one but here we do not. The words of our Constitution clearly states “Under God” Now they want to replace our constitution because it tells the truth and is in the way. They want to say it is outdated etc. as a way to get God out of this country. But people have been deceived into believing that there is NO PLACE in Government, on TV, Radio or anywhere for God to be evident. It boils down to a battle of good vs Evil folks. you can argue and debate but that is the root. You are for God and goodness or you are for the removal of God from everything possible and on the side of Evil. Same thing with Christianity and Judaism and Muslims. See it is simple but people are blinded and convicted by the way they live their lives and they want God to be in the dark instead of in the light. it is in conflict with the way they live and it also is powerful and the enemy wants it destroyed and minimized. believed to be a myth. Christians and Jews believe in God. Muslims believe that Christian and jews are the enemy and that they will have to kill all the Christians at some point and some are already doing so all around the world. If you are against Christianity and Judaism then you are against them and God. Satan is also an enemy of God and wants your soul. So in the battle of Good VS Evil, Christians and Jews are on God’s side and Muslims, Democrats, Progressives, the ACLU are all blindly(or not)doing the work of the enemy Satan. If you hate Christians and Jews, you are are their enemy as is Satan. you are on his army. It is that black and white and ignorance is not a good excuse. God says “my people perish due to lack of knowledge” and Ephesians 6:14 “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Whose side are you on? you shall know them by their fruit. Are you trying to take God out of America? Ak yourself why and is it in line with God’s word? This nation was founded on God’s word to promote peace and do His will around the world. Just like the family unit, God must be at the foundation and center and his word applied with the government or it will CRUMBLE! There is NO middle ground, you support God and Israel or you are blindly following and working for the Evil One…..God Bless America! Please God shake these blind masses who have probably never even read your Bible but have strong opinions against what you say is good an devil. Bring them light and conviction and the 1st Commandment: And showing mercy to thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” is that what Democrats, the ACLU, Progressives, ETC are doing? And they are brain-washing the heathens and the unknowing in this nation before they have a foundation in God. That is WHY we must TEACH our children the TRUTH or they could end up BELIEVING ANYTHING! and cursed for 3 or 4 generations. The world has shown through history what happens when a country turns from God. It MUST happen as a WITNESS to the rest of the world. We became so powerful so fast as a nation because of the foundation for the dedication of this country to God for His will and to His glory nd His Kingdom. We WILL SURELY CRUMBLE IF WE EVER STRAY FROM THE PRINCIPLES IN THE BIBLE….Benjamin Franklin? Jefferson? They never did ANYTHING without PRAYER. Thay also fasted. They read scriptures in Congress….the movement of the Devil has came A LONG way the last 20 years! Whose side are you going to be on? Will God tell you “well done my faithful servant” What will you say when you meet your maker. Hell does not end and you were given ALL OPPURTUNITY to know HIM and His TRUTHS in this FREE COUNTRY. FREE because of HIM and his servants…Well done…now lets not tear it down! We OWE a DEBT!
rooster
June 27th, 2011
11:59 pm
The tag policy is not at all confusing. Drivers can already opt to have an “In God We Trust” in place of the county name on the current tags. Have you not seen those? Do you not drive much? The spokesperson for the DOT could have made it clearer that some of the samples had IGWT instead of county names because the option already exists. But this is a non-story. There is no new policy concerning car tags. This is either haphazard reporting or an attempt to create controversy where there is none.
Nate
June 28th, 2011
1:54 am
Columbus, dude…
Take a breath, will ya?
TJ
June 28th, 2011
2:40 am
Redesigning the tags…again. While the state bemoans expenses and lays off teachers, they somehow find the money to make pointless new car tags. Georgia isn’t even number one in Peach production anyway, and hasn’t been for a long time.
TJ
June 28th, 2011
2:53 am
Columbus, the words “Under God” appear no where in the Constitution (perhaps you should try reading it before quoting it). With misinformation like that, you should consider running for president.
NUTZ @ U
June 28th, 2011
8:52 am
In god YOU trust, A$$H0LES!!!
jj
June 28th, 2011
9:35 am
This is Georgia. I’m surprised the god promo isn’t in large font, and the tag # in small. After all, this is the state that twisted the ’support wildlife’ tag by turning it into an ‘eagle and flag’ political statement!
Just because it’s on the dollar doesn’t mean it has a place on my tag. Except in Georgia…
jj
June 28th, 2011
9:39 am
And why does Georgia always have bland plates? So many states do it better – even Alabama and Mississippi! And this isn’t 1940. Isn’t it time we require a front plate, too???
Fleabass
June 28th, 2011
10:29 am
Wow, Jim. You actually followed your story up by researching the facts and finding out the truth about the “In God We Trust” decal! A little late but we’ll give you a cookie for fixing your screw up after the fact. Just remember, a little leg work goes a long way in reporting, scoop! Carry on…
John
June 28th, 2011
10:53 am
License Plates
I’m offended by the use of “God” in any government posters. This is a slap in the face of every atheist – who have the right to **NOT** practice religion just as much as other do. Our government should not support any religions.
Most of the license plate designs can’t easily be read. Seems that public safety should be involved in the selection criteria.
Believer
June 28th, 2011
11:24 am
I think there should be an option for your tag.
1 In God We Trust
2 Non Believer we Trust
Believer
June 28th, 2011
11:27 am
Get a lif e John. Your welcome move to the middle east any time. Oh i forgot they would cut your head off if express yourself.
Washington
June 28th, 2011
1:01 pm
“… it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes …”
1st President
Washington
June 28th, 2011
1:03 pm
Columbus
Matthew 22: 34-40 Read it. Live it.
Washington
June 28th, 2011
1:08 pm
Oh, and Jefferson? Here’s a link on Deism. I am not saying one way or the other, but you may want to research the subject, C.
http://www.deism.com/deistamerica.htm
Tom
June 28th, 2011
1:32 pm
Actually, Believer, it appears that moving to the Middle East is exactly the type of thing ‘John’ would want to avoud, as many of the countries there operate as de facto theocracies…..where religious dogma is codified into the law of the land.
….which is what he (and I and most Americans) don’t want here.
RealChange
June 28th, 2011
4:40 pm
JJ – A front plate was required in 1940 up until the 60’s I think. More modern thinking only require a rear plate. 2 plates just cost more money. As to the redesign, the design process was open to anyone willing to submit a design. I doubt any of the haters bothered to submit anything.
Bobbie
July 2nd, 2011
10:37 am
I miss my spay/neuter tag. Will donate to my favorite animal charity and drive with a plain o’ Georgia tag from now on.