The Age Of Foolishness

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." - Charles Dickens, A Tale Of Two Cities.

Isn't it wonderful how a thought published almost a century and a half ago can so aptly describe the age in which we live? Yesterday, it was reported that the Department of Veterans Affairs must recognize religious diversity by allowing a Wiccan symbol on the memorial marker of a soldier who died in Afghanistan. Evidently the Americans United for Separation of Church and State made an impression on some government official. The five pointed Wiccan pentacle, a black magic symbol, is now an appropriate decoration for ground which has been hallowed with the blood of patriots. However, this entry is about license plates and the Indiana branch of the ACLU.

For those who have been on another planet, State Representative, Woody Burton, R-Greenwood, led the effort in 2006 that created the popular In God We Trust license plate. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not promote the "IGWT" plate, which generally is available only through license branches. It is so popular that over half a million of these plates have been issued since the beginning of the year. In fact, it is the number one plate in the state. It seems it is popular with just about everyone but the ACLU.

"In God We Trust" is the current national motto of the United States. It was declared as such by an act of Congress in 1956. One possible origin of the national motto is the final stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Written in 1814, the song contains one of the earliest references to a variation of the phrase: "...And this be our motto: "In God is our trust." Don't think that Indiana is so innovative as to adopt our national motto for state use. "In God We Trust" is also the official state motto of Florida, and is found on the flag of Georgia as well. The ACLU stated, that they were not complaining about the message. "This isn't about religion." Yeah, right.

So if it's not about religion and the plate is so popular, why not make the In God We Trust license plate the standard issue for Indiana. That way, we can honor our national motto as a state, and for those who, since this isn't about religion, don't feel very patriotic, make available (for a nominal fee of course) another tag. Perhaps one with a five pointed Wiccan pentacle.