"I Believe" Tag Causes Religious Controversy In South Carolina

WSPA-TV ^ | May 7,2008 | WSPA

[Clear Rivers]

First Florida, now South Carolina. Legislators talk about "I Believe" tags.

A South Carolina House subcommittee is discussing a bill that would create a new license plate for Christians. It would have a cross with the words "I believe" on the tag.

The same tag stirred quite a controversy in Florida legislature.

If such a license plate is approved, it would be the first to feature a religious symbol. Opponents say it violates separation of church and state, and makes it seem as if the state encourages a particular religion. Supporters say not allowing the plate is a violation of free speech.

[Clear Rivers]

Well, who's it going to hurt? Not me. We already have this. I have one for my car.

[Califreak]

In a related story, several atheists were recently blinded for life.

[Paleo Conservative]

[republicanequestrian]

This is only part of the campaign to make Christianity illegal or “not okay” in the U.S. All other religions? Sure. Christianity? How dare we!

Ridiculous. If I can choose to support my alma matter on a license plate, why not my faith??

[Homer1]

In my view you would be able to support neither your alma mater nor your faith on a license plate. Get a bumper sticker.

[Amendment10]

Regarding these religion-related license plate themes, note that Thomas Jefferson, Mr. "wall of separation" himself, not only attended worship services held in the hall of the House of Representatives at the nation's capital, but also didn't object when the US Marine band provided music for these services. So based on Jefferson's actions, and lack thereof, it's only because of modern, anti-religious expression perversions of the 1st A. that some people regard South Carolina's proposed optional "I Believe" license plate design as a state endorsement of Christianity anyway.

In fact, when you consider that the states have the 10th A. power to address religious issues, power now limited by the honest interpretation of the 14th A., such a plate is all the more appropriate.

Indeed, given that South Carolina vehicle owners themselves will be paying for this optional plate design, there are no 14 A. problems that I can see with the plate.

Finally, this post (<-click), while addressing a 10 Commandments issue, gives an idea how FDR's disdain for 10th A. protected state powers arguably led to this South Carolina license plate controversy.

[the invisib1e hand]

these license plates are like all the "Martin Luther King, Jr. Streets" that pop up in black areas.

They're tokens. Don't be fooled into thinking their existence is any kind of progress in the moral realm of government.

[Clear Rivers]