Florida wants to endorse christianity?
So Florida is considering a vanity plate with a christian message (’I believe’ and a cross).
Of course, many might not see this as crossing the church/state divide. But those arguments collapse thanks to this telling line:
Sphere: Related Content[Rep. Edward] Bullard, the plate’s sponsor, isn’t sure all groups should be able to express their preference. If atheists came up with an “I Don’t Believe” plate, for example, he would probably oppose it
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3 Comments:
I’m not sure on this one. Granted I’m not sure they should do this in the first case, but the mere fact that one point of view is allowable (endorsed?) by the state vehicle authority does not necessarily mean that the opposing view should automatically be given the same stamp of approval. Think of here in maryland with the bay plates – should there be a plate that depicts a roasted blue heron being carved on the dinner table? Or the farm plates – should we have one that depicts farmers getting tax dollar handouts for growing nothing on their land? Or how about “I love my dog” frames have to be equalled out by frames stating “I love to run over dogs while their young owners watch”? I feel evil for just coming up with that one…
jim
12:18 pm
why shouldn’t there be those things?
DC has a plate that says ‘Taxation Without Representation’, so a little controversy is not unknown in the medium.
If a state is going to allow a plate with a particular viewpoint, it should allow a plate with an opposing viewpoint.
Wouldn’t you think that, if a state had a ‘Support The War In Iraq’ plate that it should allow a ‘Let’s Get Out Of Iraq’ plate?
Or if it had a pro-life plate, it should have a pro-choice plate?
Further, in this particular case, by allowing the christian plate and not any other religious plates, the state is implicitly endorsing one religion over others, which goes against, y’know, the constitution.
Oh, btw, your analogy falls a little short given that you are, unintentionally I assume, comparing atheism with killing puppies.
We only do that on Easter after cannibalizing a baby dressed up as Jesus.
moleboy
12:26 pm
actually, they are not implicitly endorsing one religion over others. They are doing so very explictly.
moleboy
12:29 pm