Posted by vofr on June 20, 2008 at 1:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good for them. The state is blatantly promoting a particular religion by allowing this license plate. If you want to promote your religion buy a fish and put it on your car or whatever you want, but don't have the state endorse it by having a license plate for christianity.

Posted by Cid95 on June 20, 2008 at 2:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As long as there can be moslem ones and hindu ones and church of the flying spaghetti monster ones and pagan ones also...I think it's ok. Although I think it's stupid to have this massive plethora of vanity tags. How about one SC license plate? Crazy idea?

Posted by watchdog on June 20, 2008 at 2:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is why we are in last place on the education list. How can a government endorse one faith and not others. We do not need this crap, this state is always wearing their religion on their sleeves. Keep the good work up vofr.....

Posted by rjcontego on June 20, 2008 at 2:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i bet the part about the requirement for "$4,000 or 400 pre-orders" will be considered unconstitutional... freedom of speach shouldn't come with a price tag!

Posted by Creeker01 on June 20, 2008 at 3:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think those Church of Jeff Gordon plates should be outlawed, too. They make Elliot fans look like second class citizens.

...And those damned Citadel tags... when are they going to quit lording over us lowly Clemson Tagged people... and they have the NERVE to have a prettier design!!

Silly Azzed Athiests. Why don't they get offended by being in a Nation that was founded on religious freedom, not freedom from it... and leave?

More to the point... get 400 orders for "I DON'T Believe" and make it black in color ...

Do I want one on my car? No. But if the process is open to ANY organization, why the heck not?

Posted by ForPnC on June 20, 2008 at 3:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did we see this lawsuit coming or what? Each state needs only one tag.

This is why they're called "vanity" plates. For the VAIN people. Also known as conceited, proud, arrogant, inflated, and self-important.

Personally, I don't care what a person puts on their car. It just lets me know what type of person is driving.

Posted by dlschwerin on June 20, 2008 at 3:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

how about the fact that freedom of speech should allow me to have one of those tags if I wanted it. The state is not endorsing the fact of one religion over another .... it is allowing the opportunity for fellow Christians like myself to express that I believe.

further more there is nothing blatantly unconstitutional about the state providing the means for someone to express their first amendment, nor is the state being preferential or "endorsing" one religion over another religion. If the muslim's / hindu's / buddist / jewish got together 4000 grand or 400 license plates ... then let them have it.

Can't help it that there are more Christians in South Carolina than other religious groups (look at the US census bureau on this one). So step up to the "plate" go to the government and tell them you want your own license and quit your whining.

as for JohnQ and his Jay Spears video ... must be nice with the point of view of white supremacy there. (definitely like the part with the Nazi Swastika). Your thought process on that video is not the greatest there. Might want to go back to Barney or Sesame Street.

Posted by eatmorecollards on June 20, 2008 at 3:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Its good they don't put people in jail for stupidity. If they did half the DMV would be making license plates instead of selling them.

Posted by Thomas1776 on June 20, 2008 at 4:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It was easy to see this one coming when you have such lame brain representatives in SC. They just don't get it. Nor will they ever. They are stuck in the past.

Add this one as to another reason why SC is last in just about everything.

A court is going to rule against SC - and who has to pay for these dummies acts in Columbia?

Vote them out. Their thinking is stuck in the mud and butt backwards, they are ignorant, and they are dangerous to us all.

I still can't believe people don't see that illegal alien bill for what it really is (two years). LOL

Posted by ForPnC on June 20, 2008 at 4:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That was a hilarious video! Damn the truth, eh? LOL!

Posted by Cid95 on June 20, 2008 at 5 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution cannot reasonably give you the right to expect VANITY LICENSE PLATES on your car! It allows you to cover your car in phrases and bumper stickers or whatever else, but not the license plate. That's like saying we should have passports with the cross on the front and Jewish driver's licenses with Star of David holograms.

It just makes us look more like religious nutjobs, living in South Carolinajesusland with no ability to keep our personal beliefs private. I'm proud to be a South Carolinian, but I wish some of y'all would just keep your beliefs in your home and places of worship.

Posted by ColdBeer on June 20, 2008 at 5:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Couldn't see this one coming could we? <lol>

Posted by eyfigueroa on June 20, 2008 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

coldbeer: nawwwwww

Posted by redandwhite_85 on June 20, 2008 at 6:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Are these going to be the main license plates or just ones we want to choose from if they are then I say no to them I am a Christian but I don't and wont push it down someone's throat

Posted by amberjack2362 on June 20, 2008 at 6:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some license plates that might prove intresting, Comfederate flags an entire series of them, a 1776 flag, Don't tread on me flag, Nazi Flag, White Supremist flag, Can't feed em don't breed em, I support the death penality, Yankee go home

Given the freedom of speech, and and getting 400 people to sign up for a license plate I am sure we can ge some outrageous plates. Just think we could start another Civil War.

Gee I am just so dumb & stupid in my comments maybe I could serve in the state house

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on June 20, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cid95:
The point being that I shouldn't have to keep my religious views private. By doing forcing me to do so would be to violate my constitutional rights. And by the way, you are more than welcome to leave and go north to the Peoples Republic of Massechussets or the Soviet Union of Vermont if you don't like living in the Bible belt. This state is better of without liberals like you anyway.
If you need help, try mapquesting your way to the I-95 north!

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on June 20, 2008 at 6:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

amberjack2362:
I like the "Yankee Go Home" plate myself! ;-)
Yankees are like Illegals, if they don't want to assimilate, they should leave!

Posted by auger on June 20, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm confused about this plate. As per the sample (Florida), is Florida issuing this plate? I thought I had read that the plate zealots went to court there and lost. If so, isn't SC just replaying the same trial?

Posted by majorjohnson on June 20, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We should have one license plate and that's it. Those plates are state property and shouldn't be used to promote any private or religious cause. If we can do this with license plates why not state cars, drivers licenses, hunting and fishing licenses?

Never trust anyone who insists on wearing a neon bible on their sleeve...

Posted by DanniD on June 20, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

John Q, that video is funny!!! I love the part where it says "smack them crackers down". Hillarious.

Who wants to get a "Mind Your own Damn Business" license plate made? I really think that if people stayed out of everyone elses business, we would be much better off. Bunch of nosey rosies!

Posted by onevoice on June 20, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well I'm not going to spend the extra money to buy one of the Tag's but if I wanted too. I don't see how it is shoving my faith down any ones throat. What really disturbs me is the ignorance of what true seperation of Church and State really is and it's purpose:which is to prevent the goverment from restricting the rights of persons to worship and express their faith.

Posted by Tulane75 on June 20, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Would the absence of a Christian plate be used, subconsciously or otherwise, against someone in a wreck case, criminal prosecution or other circumstance?

In 2003, a police officer stopped Andre Bauer for speeding and running red lights in DOWNTOWN Columbia. Bauer was going 60 miles-an-hour in a 35 miles-per-hour zone.

But Bauer is a “good Christian!” Just look at his license plate.

This is a slippery slope!

Posted by dogwoodroad on June 20, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why does anyone care what is on someone's license plate, as long as they have one and PAID taxes like the rest of us? I am so confused.

Posted by majorjohnson on June 20, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Madison (the guy who wrote the constitution) feared the mixing of government and religion as much as he feared that we would turn into a democracy. He stated that the inevitable end when religion and government were mixed would be that both were corrupted.

If you look at prayer in schools you can see how true that is. People who want prayer in school don't want it for their children, they want it for YOUR children. Their children already pray the day long. When they weren't allowed to force your children to pray to their god they decided to hide prayer in the wolves clothing of a minute of silence amongst other obvious deceipts. Ditto for creationism, ditto for ten commandments. They become liars and hypocrites in order to advance their religion, making a mockery of the very thing they profess is needed to lead a moral honest life. We get people like jake knotts, who feels the bible trumps the constitution. We get laws that say you can't buy diapers for you child on Sunday.

Posted by reality_woman on June 20, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What ever happened to the right to choose? If someone wants one let them have it and those of you who don't want one then don't, plain and simple. I would not have one because I feel I pay enough as it is for a tag. I refuse to pay extra for any other tag than the regular tag. We should just have one general and genric tag and be done with it.

Posted by joldham on June 20, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THIS IS ONE JURY I WILL VOLUNTEER TO PARTICIPATE. I'M SICK AND TIRED OF EVERY GROUP BEING ABLE TO SUE OVER SOMETHING THEY DON'T AGREE WITH AND WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. IT'S TIME FOR PEOPLE TO STAND UP FOR THIS COUNTRY AND THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH IT WAS FOUNDED. eVERTIME SOMETHING COMES UP THAT IS "OFFENSIVE" TO SOMEONE AND A PARTICULAR GROUP SAYS "IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT DON'T LOOK". WELL, IF PEOPLE DON'T LIKE THE LICENSE TAGS DON'T PAY FOR THEM.

Posted by theronce on June 20, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Much ado about little, which is par for our legislature. Since anyone can have a tag of their own choosing and no one is restricted including the Christians, it really seems to be no big deal. However, non-Christians take heart. Last Sunday, somewhat shy of 80% of the children in South Carolina never darkened the door of a Sunday school or church on Sundays. So, if you don't think that is good enough, keep at it. Pay day is coming.

Posted by ed52 on June 20, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THANK YOU TRIPSA !!

Posted by auger on June 20, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I love it when people quote bible passages to drive their point home. What they fail to realize is that the bible no more proves the existence of a supreme being than J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy proves the existence of hobbits. Both are fun to read though!

Posted by ed52 on June 20, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

auger , keep reading , the Word will touch your heart.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 20, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't understand why people have such a problem with this.Do they think the Govt supports Jimmy Buffett and his music only because I had a Buffett tag once?Or maybe the Govt endorses too much football-I'm not a fan.WHO CARES?People like to scream about seperation of church and state and THEIR rights.Well your rights diminish the moment theyre imposing on someone elses.EX:Its not about YOUR RIGHTS and only YOUR RIGHTS.You may have some war on christianity-fine you have to live with that.But you cant take away others rights because it annoys you.BTW I do think the tag looks a lil corny :)

Posted by onevoice on June 20, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The root of Hatered is the fear of what is not understood or that, that opposes one's own veiws or ideals. That is why the muslims hate the "Zionist" (Jews & Christians)and it's why Non Christians hate Christians and our right to express our faith. I guess that makes people who Hate others for their beliefs Bigots and Terrorist.

Posted by Cid95 on June 20, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mouth - No one is forcing you to keep your religious views private. You can put bumper stickers all over your car, fly flags from it, paint the 10 Commandments on your house, go preach in Marion Square - whatever. But having personal stuff on your gov't issued car license tag is silly, obviously.

As I said before, do you want your passport changed also to some special format (hypothetically, as I doubt you have a passport)? Along with every other interest group in the US? What kind of Mickey Mouse Republic issues personalized identity documents and car tags for every group of 400 people (in a country of 300 million)?

You have no idea what a conservative is if you think government should be wasting time making personalized documents for every special interest group that has 400 members. The more bureaucracy the better, yeah? Hey, Obama's your guy, champ.

I95 - Is that the road your grandparents came south on when the textile mill opened in Spartanburg in 1960?

Native South Carolinians like me understand that gov't should be small and efficient - not bloated, wasteful and pandering to every special interest group. In fact, we fought an unsuccessful war over it. Maybe your great great
grandfather visited SC briefly then after the war to help try and teach us all about your enlightened ideas?

Summary (to help you catch up): there should be no gov't issue vanity tags or ID documents for anyone

Posted by CaptPete on June 20, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Any group that wants a plate can get one. All you need is orders for 400 plates. No one is being left out.

Posted by Early on June 20, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tripsa, excellent post today, you are right on target!

I was raised in the bible belt, I really never knew the down right hatred of Christianity existed in so many people here in the south. How did Florida pass a similar plate so quickly without suit?

I am offended by some of the plates SC already has. I hope and pray that this BS about separation of church and state comes to an end. For a while, people just let it happen and now,,,thank God, people are fighting back.

Posted by auger on June 20, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tripsa,

My definition and perception of the human soul; a bundle of chemically induced electrical impulses unique to each individual. Once the host ceases to function, those impulses are released and scatter, hopefully to mingle and reform with a better combination of impulses in a future host. This would be the main event.

As for the bible, a collection of folklore, nothing more.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

didn't they take IN GOD WE TRUST from our currency too. oh well don't shove religion down atheist and agnostics throats but make sure you shove other stuff(not gonna say what i really mean) down the Christians.

Posted by onevoice on June 20, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JohnQ
You are right, I am a hypocrit. I try really hard to live a life that reflects the glory of Christ,But I fail, way to often. I am thankful though that God looks on me and every one else with eye's of mercy, and that by grace I can repent and becuase he loves all us he will forgive. I can only hope that you and all the others will forgive me for not living up to the standard set by Christ, I can only strive to reach it, and until I do. I will continue to be a sinner saved by grace!

Posted by dustym59 on June 20, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the Separation deal...Was to protect the church from the STATE ...NOT THE STATE FROM THE CHURCH!!!!!!!!!
By the way...ALL U ATHEIST'S BETTER HOPE U RIGHT

Posted by drp7773 on June 20, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank You Tripsa :)

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 20, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ohhhhh good call MichaelsAdvocate!I love it!

Posted by 8theistic on June 20, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh lord, the jesus freaks are awake. Let's get ready to have some preaching to the preverted on this good Friday!

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

this story was about the tags wasnt it not if we believe in God or not just dont want to get off subject here

Posted by armymom on June 20, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Utterly ridiculous. If you don't believe, then don't choose the plate. I don't like USC, so I don't choose the USC plate. How can the option to get that plate for anyone who would want to violate anyone else's rights? Makes no sense.

All it is really is that we are consumed with accessorizing. We accessorize our cell phones, our pc desktops, etc.

I tend to agree with JohnQs points about the pretend christians. They may be fooling themselves, but they aren't fooling anyone else and they sure aren't fooling God, no matter how many Jesus signs and cross symbols they use in their accessorizing. The [true] kingdom of God comes not with observation.

Posted by ColdBeer on June 20, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If a Muslim, or a Wicca or a satanic religion were to get enough signatures and money together to allow them to have a specialized plate, I seriously doubt that our state would allow such a plate. If they would allow it, than there is no issue here. If they would not allow it, then there is a serious issue.

It was silly and irresponsible of our state legislators to even attempt this. They wasted time addressing stuff like this and the tax free 2nd amendment weekend (tax free guns and ammo the weekend after Thanksgiving) along with many other silly items when they should have been addressing the important issues (crime, education, illegal immigration, the budget).

Now we have two options:

1) Waste money in court fighting this
2) Drop it completely

Either way, the state legislators did not do what they get paid to do.

I agree that all state license plates should be nothing more than a vehicle identification plate. Make it one color and the plate number and the name of the state.

As far as the religious end of the argument… I can’t speak for everyone. All I can say is that I am agnostic because I can’t accept, on blind faith, that a god exists. I have not, in my 45 years, seen or heard anything that tells me a god exists. What I have seen and heard in those 45 years makes me feel that IF a god exists, he’s not worthy of being worshipped and he doesn’t give a crap about us. I don’t hate or even dislike religious people. I refuse, however, to let them force their beliefs on me. Normally, the most vocal ones trying to make me live my life by their religious beliefs are also the ones that turn out to be the biggest hypocrites.

The whole plate issue is a waste of time and money. There are more important things to worry about. As I stated at the beginning of my post, if the state is willing to let any religious affiliated (or anti religious) plate be made, there is no issue.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

8theistic you could always try to have the Jesus freaks as you call them banned from the blog. it worked fro others

Posted by Jane on June 20, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i think what really annoys me is other religions that have immigrated here in recents years and were not part of the founding of this nation, suing and saying they don't like this. I believe one of the guys suing is Hindu. You knew when you came to this country that we are a predominately Christian nation.

How dare you emmigrate here and then tell us you find us showing our Christian faith offensive, etc. Don't come here then!

Did you know there is now an Islamic school (it is either a grade school or high school) in Minnisota. It is a public school being paid for with TAX DOLLARS!!!Where is the ACLU on that one?? Can you imagine a Christian school being paid for with tax dollars??

What disturbs me is other religions coming here and trying to silence Christians. You may not believe, but let me say to nonbelievers, you do not want the Christian heritage of this nation destroyed because if it is, you will be in a heap of trouble with any other religion.

Posted by auger on June 20, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tripsa,

Electrons in motion create friction. Friction creates heat. Electrons are eternal unless absorbed.

I don't believe I am condradicting myself as I have no idea what condradicting might mean.

Posted by ed52 on June 20, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ahh johnq , christians aren't perfect , we make mistakes (sin) we are human . we will continue to err until jesus comes. ohh but the GOOD NEWS ,"Father forgive me" still works .
love and forgiveness is so much better than envy and strife.

Posted by a_set_love on June 20, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"I Believe" Americans United for Separation of Church and State are wrong.

They do have the right to push for a tag that says "I do not believe" and proudly display it on their car.

Just because they don't belive, like 8heistic, doesn't give them the right to stop the other tag. By doing so they are inflicting their religion and beliefs on others.

Posted by Early on June 20, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The TAG is not forcing religion on ANYONE, period.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i also agree that if you want to profess something put it on your front tag with two clors one for the background one for lettering thats it I am a christian I dont want to push it on any one but dont try to push your opinons on me either

Posted by shoelaces on June 20, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

These tags cost way more than the regular state tag. What I don't understand is why anyone would choose to give the government even more money than they are already taking from us. Besides, don't prisoners still make our plates? They need something to do. Then they can use "previous art experience" on their resume' when they are released :)

Who cares what you put on the tag? Do you really notice them? To each their own. If you are offended by someone's license plate then I want to be YOU....you obviously have no real issues in your life to spend time on.

Posted by Native_Ink on June 20, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel bad for policemen trying to figure out what state some of these plates belong to. Florida is particularly bad. The license plate holder usually covers up the name of the state and you're just left with some random saying like "Band Camps Are Good for Your Kids" or "Save the Spotted Parrot Fish."

Posted by theronce on June 20, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tripsa, I understand and agree about the law of noncontradiction. However, it reminds me of a recent show on Discovery (or some such channel) where these scientists claim that they have proof that under the right conditions, then a certain subatomic particle actually briefly exists in two separate locations at the same time. Some generally accept this as fact while and reject the existance of God. They accept that particles from exploding stars are so small that they pass throught the earth by the millions every day without hitting anything and yet reject the existance of God. Science, especially when dealing with the beginning of everything, the very tiny stuff, and the very large stuff, is acually not much more than a religion based on faith in stuff than no one can experience with any of the senses. Kinda off track. Back on track, as a saved sinner and hypocrite, as long as everyone gets an equal shot, I have no problem with the tag. HOWEVER, I do so wish that our government would really stick to doing something worthwhile, mainly by rescinding some of the bonehead, intrusive laws and getting out of the way and pockets of the people.

Posted by auger on June 20, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by tripsa on June 20, 2008 at 9:09 a.m.

So auger, what about Maybe he is going to Middle Earth or Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, who dwelt in the vast fortress of Angband, the Hells of Iron, in the North....?

I'm guessing that you are as affected by the power of the the words of the trilogy as you are by the power of the words in the bible?

Posted by Jane on June 20, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JohnQ you say you hate most Christians. Well you know what? I have never heard a Christian say they hate most nonbelievers. In fact, I have never heard a Christian say that at all. What disturbs me is the anger some nonbelievers have towards Christians. I don't see Christians having anger towards nonbelievers.

It is just as wrong for nonbelievers to try to force their nonbelief on Christians as it is wrong for believers to try to force their belief. Christ said if "you go to a village and they don't accept the word, just shake the dust from your feet as you go from there". Not the exact wording,but you get the idea...no "kill the infidel" with Jesus. Just simply, walk peacefully away and go to the next town.

As for the 10 commandments..what is so offensive about that? Even nonbelievers can agree that they apply to all ..Thou shalt not kill..thou shalt not steal...Yeah, that makes sense to remove that from the courthouses!

What is it that people find so offensive about Christ's teachings? Love your enemies? Treat others as you would want to be treated? etc.? I just don't understand the anger.

I moved here over 4 years ago and I have to tell you, the people I have met through church here are the most generous, kindest people I've ever met. They volunteer their time and donate more readily to charities. I just don't understand all this anger. So sad.

Posted by RTC on June 20, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Alot of people are jumping the gun here. The words "I Believe" do not denote Christianity. It is the symbol of the cross that does that.
So, if they left off the cross would that make a difference?
Probably not, as most people would still view it as a sign of Christianity, eventhough "I Believe" could mean something different to everyone.
We have lighthouse plates, Hunley plates, wildlife plates, college plates, and the list goes on.
If one group is denied the right to have a plate then all groups should be denied that right.
How can one group be singled out as offensive when people take offense to different things?
It's not about separation of church and state for this group of people, it is about their disdain towards Christians.
Should I get a group together and demand that Clemson and USC tags not be allowed since they are such big rivals? Just go back to plain old generic plates, and then maybe everyone can be happy....or not.

Posted by Jane on June 20, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

RTC you are exactly right. It is disdain towards Christians. As I stated earlier, there is now an Islamic school in Minnisota paid for with our tax dollars!! Now that should be stoppped!! Can you imagine a Christian school paid for with tax dollars??

Posted by ColdBeer on June 20, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said theronce. The last part, that is.

Most scientific "beliefs" are based on some sort of physical evidence. Most of the time that evidence, when it comes to atomic and subatomic particles, is energy, in the form of heat. There are a lot of theories that are not backed up by facts and evidence, but they are labeled as just that, theories. They will be proven or disproven. It happens all of the time. The scientific community is well aware that many proposed theories will turn out to be incorrect. Most religious beliefs have no physical evidence to back up the beliefs.

Anyway, I told myself I wasn't going to get in to any more religious discussions and they don't ever lead anywhere, so I'm done with this one.

Posted by keepinitreal on June 20, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a few suggestions for all those who don't like the plates:

GLD2BRN
H8HIM
4EVR666

Keep on, Tripsa! Even Darwin gave in to HIM at the end.

Posted by nochasgirl on June 20, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Face it, any person can be offended by something every day. Maybe some men were offended by Father's Day, because they do not have a child. What you need to consider is whether or not this license plate on someone else's car hinders your life in any way. The fact that someone has different beliefs than your own beliefs should not be offensive. The tag is not mandatory, if you don't want one, don't buy one. Pretty simple.

Posted by greyrider on June 20, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The double standard is amazing.

Back in 1982, Ray Mancini killed a boxer in the ring on Wide World of Sports in a world title fight. Because this was a world title fight, it got tons of exposure. Next thing you know, people are raving about "all" the boxers killed every year. The American Medical Association lobbied Congress to outlaw boxing in the United States. Later that year, the USA Today's headline story was about the research they had done, and they found that football, auto racing, horse racing all had more fatalities over the past few decades despite the fact that boxing is a world wide sport. The overhype distorted everyone's perception of reality. The same happens with Christians, as evidenced by some of the posts here. Yes, prominent Christians have committed serious crimes, they even sin (no, really?). But some of you really get carried away. Are there phony Christians out there? Yes, especially in the world of politics. Some even run for President.

But as far as this tag goes, the camel got into the tent. Once they let the first group have its tag, you have to allow them all, or get rid of them all. I say get rid of them all, but if the others are allowed, you have to allow this tag.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what i mean tto say is if you wan to profess what you believe in an dshow it on a tag then put it where the front tag would go and as for the south carolina tag i agree with who ever it was that said use one color for the back round and one for the lettering sorry got busy when i posted before and sent it off before i proof read it

Posted by nochasgirl on June 20, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This lawsuit will just make more people want the plates. People who probably never considered buying the plate will want one now.

Posted by eatmorecollards on June 20, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets just put one big bar code with the owners SS# on the license plates. Give the police a high powered scanner. The police could scan it into thier computer and know everthing. Maybe put some stationary scanners out so they will know where everyone goes. In this day and age conventional license plates are kinda old fasion not having changed much since the days of the Model T.

Posted by oldglory on June 20, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

creeker01 - ". . . But if the process is open to ANY organization, why the heck not?" Right, creeker.

amberjack2362 - "Some license plates that might prove intresting [sic], Comfederate flags an entire series of them, a 1776 flag, Don't tread on me flag, Nazi Flag, White Supremist flag, Can't feed em don't breed em, I support the death penality, Yankee go home" Exactly, aj.

dlschwerin - "The state is not endorsing the fact of one religion over another .... it is allowing the opportunity for fellow Christians like myself to express that I believe." disch - It also automatically gives the right to -anyone- to promote a special religion, no matter what it might be--pedophilia, nazism, paganism, etc. That's what you want?

tripsa - You know, of course, that Jefferson fathered his many children through his slave, Sally Hemings? But I guess that doesn't matter as long as one is able to produce great rhetoric. One may still be 'holier than thou' as long as their rhetoric is rousing, right? (Actually, DNA testing has shown to-date that it was either Jefferson or his brother who fathered Ms. Hemings' children, but Ms. Hemings lived, worked and was TJ's property. I suppose that he set an example for a few of our modern day politicians, don't you think?)

The problem with any elitist group is that it excludes certain others by its beliefs. We form 'groups' because we are unsure if we belong, are right and we need others to confirm our thinking/our being/our superiority.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

your right nochasgirl.I remember when they took the rebel flag off the state house I saw and continue to see the flag flown from cars and houses here. It will only make people do the worst, they should have just let it go . It is not mandatory you buy this tag I for one dont need to have it. I hope my everyday actions show I am a Christaian, without having to push it in ones face by puting it on my car I wear a simple cross on my neck thatis enough for me. those that keep putting it in the face of non belivers are just doing that to make themselves feel good You dont need to flaunt it. Your actions are enough. Sorry got off subject

Posted by MindBath on June 20, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You can sure see the slippery slope in action on this thread. Christians go from "we just want to be able to profess our beliefs" to "this separation of church and state BS has to end" and "there is freedom OF religion, not FROM religion."

The pilgrims were Separatists seeking freedom FROM the Church of England (a Christian church). This freedom FROM that religion gave them freedom OF their own religion. These people went on to found this country. There is no freedom of religion without freedom from religion. The doctrine begins in the Constitution with the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause and is further clarified through Supreme Court rulings over the years. If you don't like this seperation, take a look at many Muslim countries and see where it leads. Google "Taliban" or "Sharia Law" - for those of you who need hints.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

can someone tell me what the descendants of Thomas Jefferson have to do with car tags please

Posted by wjhamilton3 on June 20, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The problem is that we have a system for vanity plates which is content neutral and there are already religious ones and secular humanist ones. Apparently this law established a plate through a separate procedure that was specailly targeted to the Christian religion. A Christian organization could have gotten Christian vanity plates through the regular procedure like everyone else and probably been immune to constitutional challenge. The Elks, several fraternities and fireman have available vanity plates now.

Among the plates now available are

Secular Humanists of the Low Country Plate

To apply for a Secular Humanist plate, you must present a current organizational membership showing that you are a current and active member of the organization. The fee for the plate is $30.00 every two years in additional to the regular registration fee. As a non-profit organization, the Secular Humanists of the Low Country do not receive any portion of the funds generated from the license plate sales.

South Carolina In God We Trust License Plate

The In God We Trust Plate is available for private passenger vehicles and trucks with an empty weight of 7,000 pounds or less and a gross vehicle weight of 9,000 pounds or less. The requirements and registration fee for this plate is the same as a regular license plate. The biennial fee is $24.00.

Some people can't resist trying to score some points in an election year.

Posted by Rebel_Yell on June 20, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So if I worship snakes, I have to order 400 plates just to get the one I want. Why not just sell me 1 tag that says I worship snakes--I may be the only one. It might pass muster then but not now.

This is so stupid though -- Jesus could care less about this issue and our State reps are just pandering to a feeble minded public who have forgotten the golden rule or never knew it. It's too bad Sanford was too afraid of the wackos to veto this law and now the court will have to . . . and they will and should.

Posted by greyrider on June 20, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

old glory - in a roundabout way, you're winning the case of the Christians. Your distorted version of the TJ "controversy" PROVES what the Anti-Christian agenda is all about. First, technically speaking, TJ referred to himself as a "Christian" although most Christians would dispute that because he denied the deity of Christ. But the Anti-Christians running the American Public Schools teach American History the same way the Klan teaches Black history. Never try to learn history from the bigots. Here's the old rule:

Book written about the Founding Fathers before 1900 - History Book

Book written about the Founding Fathers by a 1960's activist - Propaganda

Jefferson was vehemently opposed to slavery and tried to release them but Virginia law forbid it. He therefore PAID his "slaves" salaries - documented history.

Too many non-christians see Christians as their enemy. I, and most of the Christians I know, do not have any enemies, only people who disagree with us. There is a difference, a big difference.

Posted by carolinagal on June 20, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OK you know what...If you oppose the plate, dont fricking buy it.....Geesh. Problem solved.

Posted by Thomas1776 on June 20, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

South Carolina = Last In Everything and Full Of Dummies and Illegal Mexicans plus the crooked businesses that hire them.

Good Old Boys. :-)

Posted by greyrider on June 20, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by MichaelsAdvocate
Although, according to research 'up in Denver' -- bumper stickers can elicit road rage.

That's the real problem here, too many people here with thin skin. If someone's license plate or bumper sticker upsets you that much, you need counseling.

Posted by KidYendor on June 20, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This license plate issue is very interesting and all the comments too. Here are some more slogans to try:
1. End the war on drugs
2. Legalize it
3. Sterilize welfare queens
4. Peace not war
5. Get out of Iraq
6. Yer momma
7. Satan is the man (be assured KY renounces evil and Satan)
8. Stop smoking bans
9. Abolish HUD and the IRS
10. Abolish the Department of Education
11. Stop welfare
12. No illegal aliens
13. Stop charging me for beach renourishment
14. Make love not war
15. Legalize Weed
These are just a few ideas. Will our state sweat when the atheist groups order their plates? It will be fun to watch.

Posted by MindBath on June 20, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You can put religious expressions all over your car, even on your license plate via personlized lettering. So why this push to have a statement from the government on it? Ask yourself WHY people are pushing to have the GOVERNMENT make a religious statement. WHY?

Those familiar with history understand the importance of the separation of church and state - especially for religious people. What agenda is involved in pushing that back? All you Cristians on here who "just don't understand the animosity" just do a little study on places where government sponsors religion. Or take a look at the past: Puritan Law, Calvin beheadings and burnings, Spanish Inquisition, etc. Sure the people at your church are nice, but they do not have government sanction to implement pious laws. Of course this does not give them that power, but why move in that direction if you know where we came from?

Cristianity presumably is not some cult chanting a mantra trying to convince themselves and others to believe, so I ask again: WHY get the government to profess your faith?

Posted by 10216340 on June 20, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cid95 wrote: "The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution cannot reasonably give you the right to expect VANITY LICENSE PLATES on your car!"

Your are right, the 1st Amendmant doesn't give anyone that right. However, what it does give is the right to express oneself. Given the fact that so many other groups have made use of the ability to create these vanity plates....than why not one more. Christians have the right to utilize the same governmental options open to other groups.

Why are so many people trying to deny Christians the same rights given to other groups? I think that is the real question here.

Posted by sdr35hw on June 20, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How do I get a Fairtax plate?

Posted by greyrider on June 20, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

100+ comments about license plates before noon. Is this a great country or what?

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have sen this on other sites and other days before and frankly this is all really boring today going back to the state paper

Posted by proudmomma on June 20, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a history lesson this morning!

I have a problem with the USC plates that say "Go C*cks". Who do I sue?

Posted by bigdumbchimp on June 20, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No one here is considering the obvious safety issues here. I want these plates so that I can identify which drivers to avoid. People sporting these plates are already displaying their inability to think rationally. Who knows what their driving skills will be.

Plus, think of the traffic issues when the "rapture" comes. I "sure as hell" want to know which cars are likely to suddenly be without drivers.

I see Bauer's support of the plates as a safety payback to the state. Think of it as penance for his obvious increase in the danger to drivers in the state.

Posted by G_FreeMan on June 20, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Imagine"

Posted by oldglory on June 20, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tripsa -Your DNA-genealogical knowledge update was enlightening. Thank you.

And I correct my omission that it is the local story (in Albemarle and surrounding counties) regarding Jefferson. Annnnddd I was being rather tongue-in-cheek in that paragraph. Anyway, ol' Jefferson did well as he did father about 6 kids in 10 years with his wife--then, she died!

Also, someone explain once more why a 'law' was necessary for this group to get vanity tags? Any group can and has prior to this, right?

Posted by jeff61 on June 20, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I notice several daily posters are absent. Most of them were trouting thier christian values while turning the comment page in to thier own porn site. While I enjoyed thier lively comments while on topic, I appluade jonsey for his actions.

Posted by MindBath on June 20, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by proudmomma on June 20, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.
I have a problem with the USC plates that say "Go C*cks". Who do I sue?

What do you mean "Who do I sue?" You sue the State of South Carolina. You could build your case on the principle of "separation of bad football and state." Now, hop to it!

Posted by oldglory on June 20, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good grief, how in the world did i get addicted to this stuff???

Posted by sctinkerbell on June 20, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh for crying out loud... If this idiot and the congregation can't find anything more useful to spend their money on - go for it. What was this Reverend Dr.-guy, an only child? I wouldn't even pay for let alone have a tag if it weren't required by law. If you don't like it, don't buy it. That alone makes its own statement.

Posted by greyrider on June 20, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we need religion in government, because whenever I look at Washington, the House and Senate, and the two guys running for President, all I can think of is....God help us!!

Posted by G_FreeMan on June 20, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Religion should not cost money in any way shape or form.This is just the States way of cashing in on Religion if it can. They would open religious book stores if they could to make a buck.

Posted by bigwhip on June 20, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

W. C. Fields said everyone should believe in something; I believe I'll have another drink.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jeff and jonesy sure do post alike

Posted by Two_Sheds on June 20, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's the big deal here? As CarolinaGal said, If you don't want the "I Beleive" plate, then DON'T BUY IT for chrissakes!

I'm not a USC or a Clemson fan (Citadel family here!), so I would not buy a USC/Clemson plate; but neither would I have the audacity to try and prevent OTHERS from buying one, just because I'M not a fan. That would be the height of self-centeredness.

Nobody's attempting to FORCE these plates onto ANYONE. It's all about CHOICE, something of which we capitalists should pride ourselves for possessing, as well as promoting.

Posted by Tulane75 on June 20, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a plate:

4Q

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey i was mentioned as one of the crew too

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey i was named as one of the crew too

Posted by grannyofsix on June 20, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow they did post the first one i thought i got banned too so i put it in again just to see

Posted by majorjohnson on June 20, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wouldn't give a thimble of warm spit whether you are christian or muslim or jew. The license plate has one purpose though, to identify the car. Not to say you love clemson or a football team or the state lizard or some religion. There should be a single plate sold in this state and every state. What they are doing is selling advertising on the plates, and that should never have started and should be stopped.

As far as being sued, if you didn't see that coming you had to be dumber than goose poop. It's going to cost us money.

As far as the RIGHT to have your affiliation, regligious or otherwise, on your license plate...I'm pretty conservative, but I know of no such right. The people who consider this a right will cry and whine and stomp their feet when liberals come up with rights out of thin air, yet they are the very ones making the biggest noise about this "right."

This is why I have to hold my nose to vote republican. I very rarely vote democrat, and often can't stomach even voting for either. Democrats are more often than not socialists, and republicans are more often than not just socialists holding a bible. Instead of taking care of the states business they have put their all into putting the ten commandments into public buildings, prayer into civic meetings, christian proseltyzation onto license plates, prayer into schools, creationism into science classes. Republicans aren't about smaller less intrusive government or the constitution, they are about proselytizing christianity.

Posted by groover on June 20, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know what is funny, is that I am actually responding to all of these comments about a license plate. Who really cares, hey you got to please all parties. If jesus people want their own license plate so be it. I personally get a p tag so I can park commercially, it's great I can park about anywhere and all my tag says is truck underneath. Awesome I am a truck believer, guess I am not going to hell afterall.

Posted by jeff61 on June 20, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No grannyofsix, I am not jonsey; I have been sitting back reading and actually enjoying all the comments posted for the past eights months or more. Many are hilarious like Coldbeer and even Allwomen's quick wit posts. Coldbeer’s post as Yogi after Bobo got hit by a Van was simply hysterical And JohnQ, no it is not off topic. The topic is this case is religionist in nature so I feel my comments are in line with the topic. My religionist views are those of Coldbeer. I am just pointing out that jonesy had a point with how the NEWS blog was being hijack by a group of people turning it into a SEX BLOG on there own personal sexual discussion. Jonsey pointing out that the reason for the saggy pants originated in prison for easy access was not him talking of his own personal preferences or what he did that night or where to go to find sexual toys The point I am making is I enjoy sitting back and reading all the hilarious post that are made from many posters on a subject but some find they have to take the topic in an entirely different direction that is not even close to the topic being discussed. They seem to turn into their own personal chat room. What forced me to post was when the story on the women that shot the guy in Ladson and Coldbeer got her to come on post but the site was shut down because of comments made by jonesy so called hooker crew before any further comments could be posted. . I am just saying that jonsey had a very excellent point regardless of how I agree or disagree with any of his posts.

Posted by RTC on June 20, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey, jeff, I'm the one that called out the escort girl. I recognized her username off of her website. She targeted me right off the bat just like I knew she would.
Yeah, I'm off topic, but I didn't say anything nasty. :)
So, you have been reading the posts all this time, and you have finally spoken out. I know of a few people that just read them. Don't know how they can stand not posting. It is addictive by the way.

Posted by southerngirl45 on June 20, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I BLIEVE",so yes I would buy one and not be embaresed to ride down the road in a car that God allows me to have. To each his on this one,I will say however 8theistic---I FEEL REAL SORRY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Hey_U_Guys on June 20, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I Believe this is a waste of time and money.

Posted by majorjohnson on June 20, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A car that God allows you to have? Is that like the kid God allows a pedophile to have? The wallet that God allows a thief to have? The people God allowed Idi Amin to eat?

You remind me of the mother of a construction worker who fell from a roof downtown and was paralyzed some years ago. She said the mighty hand of God slowed his fall and spared him for something bigger...I wondered why, if God caught him, he didn't just set him down gently instead of slamming him into the pavement hard enough to paralyze him for the rest of his life. God sure does work in mysterious ways, even giving people cars.

If southerngirl and the people who claim to have a "right" to have a christian license plate aren't good enough reasons not to bring mix religion and government, you have to be smart like pigeon poop.

Posted by majorjohnson on June 20, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, don't forget the 9 million God allowed Hitler to murder, the 40 million god allowed Stalin to murder, the maybe 100 million God allowed Pol Pot and Ho Chi Mihn and Mou Tse-Tung to murder...Gosh, I'm not leaving any of Gods allowed folks out am I? Dahmer, Speck, Bonin, Bundy, Fish, Gacy, Lopez, Staniak, Starkweather, Torquemada, Corll, Mengele, Ramirez, Kraft, Bathory, Shipman, Lucas, Kehoe, Bum-Kon, Pichushkin, Chikatilo, Gavarito, Onoprienko...I don't think the P&C allows me enough room to name all of the folks God allowed things to.

If God allowed southerngirl to have a car, he must also have allowed all of those people I just mentioned to have victims. God sure does work in mysterious ways.

I'm sure glad he allowed us to have really important things like I Believe and Go Gamecocks on our license plates though...should keep the shoplifting down....the ones he doesn't allow anyway.

Posted by bigdumbchimp on June 23, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

>>>>>>>>"I BLIEVE",so yes I would buy one and not be embaresed to ride down the road in a car that God allows me to have. To each his on this one,I will say however 8theistic---I FEEL REAL SORRY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Why?

Posted by YankeeLiberal on June 23, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My tax dollars spend the same as anyone, and they DON'T belong being spent on state-sponsored religious messages on license plates you can ONLY BUY FROM THE SCDMV!! What is the big mystery on this concept??? And, Mouth of the South, if you're still out there, I sure am thinking of packing up my wife and two girls and heading right back up 95 at some point, because even with friendly people, great cuisine, weather (well, except for the six month summer season), etc, this type of barely-disguised state-sponsored religion is disgusting, and may not be what I want my kids to grow up around...it is so obviously wrong to anyone not from here...