Jesus on my license plate!

from JoeUser Forums

Gotta love those crazy Floridians.

It seems as though there's a motion being put forward to make a new specialty license plate that you can purchase in the 'great' state of Florida.  Yes, that's right - rather than plastering another in your fleet of Jesus fish on the back of your car, you can slap a cross on your actual license plate.

Wanna see what they're considering?  It's just glorious, let me tell you.

Wow.  That's just . . . special.

My issue with this, however, runs deeper than my distaste for gaudy crosses.  The problem?  What happens to the other religions?  Are we going to offer a nice Buddhist license plate with a silhouette of the Buddha or perhaps a nice wheel with eight spokes?  Or one with the moon and star of Islam?  Or one with a big, gold Angel Moroni for us Mormons?

And where's my Flying Spaghetti Monster one?

Frankly, I think that Florida may have opened a can of worms it won't know how to close if this is actually created.  Offering from a state office certain religious symbols without making equal consolations for all other faiths will be a mess, and the creator of this initiative will be crucified in court.

The ACLU has made a statement about it, saying,

The problem with the state manufacturing the plate is that it “sends a message that Florida is essentially a Christian state” and, second, gives the “appearance that the state is endorsing a particular religious preference,” said Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.

I agree with them completely.  This is wholly inappropriate in just about every way you can slice it.  You've got to love this quote, though, from Rep. Kelly Skidmore about this situation:

“It’s not a road I want to go down. I don’t want to see the Star of David next. I don’t want to see a Torah next. None of [those other religions that I am not a part of] are appropriate to me,” said Skidmore, a Democrat who voted against the plate in committee. “I just believe that.”

I wonder if this passes, will Atheists be offered one that says "I DON'T BELIEVE"?

This is the one I'd go for . . .

 

PS I know I promised my murder story next, but it's taking a long time for me to write it.  Longer than I thought.  I guess I still haven't completely processed what happened that night.  I'll get it done soon, I hope.

108,930 views 48 replies
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I like it. If I'm ever in Florida, I'll know which drivers to avoid (Jesus-fish drivers are notoriously inconsiderate and angsty on the road).
Start11 - Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10/11.
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

 Um, who cares what people want on their license plates?

I think there should be a plethora of choices...including this one, a spaghetti monster one, whatever.

If people want to pay EXTRA for these types of things, then let them.  Me?  I'm not giving the DMV a single cent more than I HAVE too.

 

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Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Totally want the FSM one. C'mon Ohio, get your ass in gear! We need to advertise our beliefs on our license plates...NOW!

~Zoo
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Jesus-fish drivers are notoriously inconsiderate and angsty on the road


Reminds me of a song my friend used to sing . . . (sung to the tune of "Camptown Races")

I've got a Jesus-fish on my car, doo-dah, doo-dah,
I've got a Jesus-fish on my car, don't gotta do no more.
Now I've got it made, with this fish I be saved,
I've got a Jesus-fish on my car, don't gotta do no more.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

Totally want the FSM one. C'mon Ohio, get your ass in gear! We need to advertise our beliefs on our license plates...NOW

It's license plate discrimination couched in slow systems operations.

 

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Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Wow.  Wow wow wow wow wow.

Oh my gosh.

 

People.  Wow.

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Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
What happens to the other religions? Are we going to offer a nice Buddhist license plate with a silhouette of the Buddha or perhaps a nice wheel with eight spokes? Or one with the moon and star of Islam? Or one with a big, gold Angel Moroni for us Mormons?


Don't forget Satanists...
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
I see this as more of a money maker for the DMV. In Colorado we have already a bunch of 'customized' plates (over 100 different ones). Maybe this is more of my capitalistic bias coming out but if they are selling these at a higher price and are getting it go for it. I would say the same about Bhuddaism, Taoism, Islam, Mormonism, etc. If they sell do it. Just because it's not my religious faith (even though then I still probably wouldn't buy one) I'm not going to condemn it.

I'm not sure I understand where you are saying that once they open this 'can of worms' that they won't be able to close the lids. It seems to me that the 'market' would determine which ones are offered and which ones are not. I'm not sure I see where the problem is on this?
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm not sure I understand where you are saying that once they open this 'can of worms' that they won't be able to close the lids.


The only reason I mention that is because they're not planning on offering plates for the different religions.

They're only planning on offering one for Christianity.

In that context, coming from a state office, it almost seems as though the state is picking which religion it prefers.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
The only reason I mention that is because they're not planning on offering plates for the different religions.

They're only planning on offering one for Christianity.

In that context, coming from a state office, it almost seems as though the state is picking which religion it prefers.


Understand.

Then the question is more about the process of choosing Christianity as the one to offer.

I can see your concern. I'm not sure in Florida but essentially in Colorado the motorist owns the license plates only it is regulated and mandated by the state.

It would be interesting to know if they chose Christianity because of a suggestion box, poll, petition, or demographics study (Wikipedia suggests about 84% is Christian).

You might see it as a picking a religion it 'prefers' but maybe it sees it as a large group of people to gain increased revenue? Or is the gov't not allowed to us capitalism?

I would support Utah with a Mormon plate which according to Wikipedia says that they make up 61% of population there.

Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
You might see it as a picking a religion it 'prefers' but maybe it sees it as a large group of people to gain increased revenue? Or is the gov't not allowed to us capitalism?

I would support Utah with a Mormon plate which according to Wikipedia says that they make up 61% of population there.


The problem with that is the government can then appear to favor one religion over another. If they are willing to give Christians their plates, they must make plates available to other religions' as well. No the government shouldn't use capitalism, it is not a business.

We have a representative democracy to prevent the tyranny of the masses. Contrary to popular belief, our country's founders had no interest in majority rule. Using demographics like you display risks running counter to this principle.
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Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
I was going to say something profound, but SetarcosNous beat me to it.

What he said. ;)
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
The problem with that is the government can then appear to favor one religion over another. If they are willing to give Christians their plates, they must make plates available to other religions' as well. No the government shouldn't use capitalism, it is not a business.


But the gov't isn't giving rather offering a custom design in which the customer or vehicle owner then pays an additional fees ($12 for personalized in Florida)

The government IS run like a business. We pay taxes for regulations (or services).

We have a representative democracy to prevent the tyranny of the masses. Contrary to popular belief, our country's founders had no interest in majority rule. Using demographics like you display risks running counter to this principle.


No? What's the purpose of votes then?
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top

i SAID SOMETHING NICE ABOUT YOU IN THIS ENTRY. SO I MUST REMOVE IT...  BY THE WAY, YOU WHO DISMISS POT SMOKERS...   THE PRESIDENT USED TO SMOKE...

Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
But the gov't isn't giving rather offering a custom design in which the customer or vehicle owner then pays an additional fees ($12 for personalized in Florida)

It is still catering to a particular group while not providing the equivalent service for others. If the government offered freedom with customization, where the "customer" provides the picture and it is then printed on the plate, there would be no problem. But the government is choosing the designs.

The government IS run like a business. We pay taxes for regulations (or services).

Nope, there is no attention paid to profit or profitability. Just because money is changed hands does not make something a business.

No? What's the purpose of votes then?

To pick the people who pick the people. That is why we have an electoral college, and why a simple 51% majority vote isn't enough for major changes in government. We have a representative democracy, not a direct one. Direct democracies had well earned bad reputations in the founders' time, and might still today, for being unstable and subject to "mob rule".
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top

The only reason I mention that is because they're not planning on offering plates for the different religions. They're only planning on offering one for Christianity.

Maybe its because the government realise some Christians are the only ones stupid enough to want to advertise their beliefs on a number plate.

Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
Maybe its because the government realise some Christians are the only ones stupid enough to want to advertise their beliefs on a number plate.


Haha!  :LOL: 

~Zoo
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
It is still catering to a particular group while not providing the equivalent service for others. If the government offered freedom with customization, where the "customer" provides the picture and it is then printed on the plate, there would be no problem. But the government is choosing the designs.


I agree it is catering to a particular group. I don't see this as being the first time though. Florida and other states have save this and protect that plates that cater to special interest groups as well. I have no issue with these do you?

To pick the people who pick the people. That is why we have an electoral college, and why a simple 51% majority vote isn't enough for major changes in government. We have a representative democracy, not a direct one. Direct democracies had well earned bad reputations in the founders' time, and might still today, for being unstable and subject to "mob rule".


I thought we were talking about legislation and not elections? In Colorado our amendments (legislations) are passed by 'majority'? Maybe they are different in Florida?
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Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top
Maybe its because the government realise some Christians are the only ones stupid enough to want to advertise their beliefs on a number plate.


haha, maybe to compensate for something? As SC suggests.
Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top

Hey Sancho, love the new Avataaaarrrrr, by the way :)  Are you dressing loik a pirate, arrrggh?

Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top

I don't know.  I think it is sort of a lame idea.  But at the same time I guess I think they should be able to do it if they and their citizens want it.  Seriously, who are they going to hurt?  If the Buddhists want a lisence plate, can't they petition their representatives and try to get something going?  Isn't that the whole idea behind our form of a democratic republic?

Seriously, if someone is up in arms over such a silly little issue, I can't help but think that they need to learn to prioritize and, to be cliche, get a life.

Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top
I agree it is catering to a particular group. I don't see this as being the first time though. Florida and other states have save this and protect that plates that cater to special interest groups as well. I have no issue with these do you?

True, but AFAIK those groups are not religion-based.

I thought we were talking about legislation and not elections? In Colorado our amendments (legislations) are passed by 'majority'? Maybe they are different in Florida?

I was, probably somewhat off-topically, speaking more of national legislation and elections. But you're right, as many state affairs are dealt with through direct democracy. This is ironically why the thread's topic is probably even considerable, as I am pretty sure it is only the federal government that is restricted from such appearances of favoritism by the US's constitution. Now there may be something in many state constitution's but I am not sure about Florida's in particular.
Reply #25 from JoeUser Forums Top
True, but AFAIK those groups are not religion-based.


I'll agree that they are not religion-based however there are some here that might argue against this.

So what you are telling me is that religion based is bad but other special interests are okay (just not a majority rule special interest)?