http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061129/od_nm/currency_blind_dc_1
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government discriminates against blind people because American currency is not designed to be distinguishable to visually impaired people, a federal judge said on Tuesday.
U.S. District Judge James Robertson said the government needed to figure out a way to design and distribute currency that includes an element to help blind people tell the bills apart.
Robertson was ruling on a lawsuit filed by The American Council of the Blind against the U.S. Treasury Department. The council accused the department of violating the Rehabilitation Act, which was passed by Congress to ensure that people with disabilities can maximize their independence and "inclusion and integration into society."
"Of the more than 180 countries that issue paper currency, only the United States prints bills that are identical in size and color in all their denominations," Robinson wrote.
2006-11-29 03:49:07 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I am legally blind and I know that problem. I can never tell what bill I have and have to rely on the kindness of others to tell me the truth when I pay a bill or buy something. I have been ripped off before. I would love it if the money were easier to tell apart but it sounds like we would go through a lot of ex pence to get it done. I will just use my Debit card for now. Maybe that would be the best solution.
2006-11-29 03:54:24 · answer #1 · answered by bildymooner 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It will be a ridiculously expensive procedure that will only benefit a small portion of the population. Further, the money that is currently in circulation will be around for decades to come, so the benefit to the visually impaired will be negligible.
There are devices on the market that can detect the denominations of paper money. Why should the government and the taxpayers bear this burden when other options are available?
2006-11-29 04:01:44 · answer #2 · answered by Carl 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Will it help...sure it would....but does the cost and time needed to put it into effect justified....that is the question....are there enough blind people in the US to make it worth changeing the entire system....I don't know....I do think that it will help them and be good for them...so if it is worth it the do it if not then don't.....I have read several articles, and even seen an answer on here stating that even people who are impaired don't think it will make enough of a differance to go through the trouble....
2006-11-29 04:01:33 · answer #3 · answered by yetti 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Now explain to me how all the vending machines are going to work? No wonder so many countries promote the coin denomination but he US doesn't quite catch on to that concept. Heck they figured 20 years ago we wouldn't be using currency at all any way. So as per norm the rights of less than million will dictate the way the other 299 million, blech...
2006-11-29 04:01:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is the most bogus ruling I've ever heard. Judges DO NOT have the right to create laws from the bench, only to rule on existing laws. I thought my husband was kidding when he told me this last night, it is so ridiculous. While I feel for those who cannot see, I also feel for the rest of us taxpayers who will be burdened with this unjustifiable expense.
Oh, and Robinson... WTF difference will different colors make for blind people... they still can't see it you moron!!!
The act was to "maximize" inclusion and integration not to GUARANTEE it.
What's next? People aren't allowed to have concerts since the deaf can't hear them? People can't have art exhibits since th blind can't see them? People can't play sports since the disabled can't play with them? The world has gone bananas.
2006-11-29 04:14:14 · answer #5 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think that is political correctness run amok.
The next will be that traffic lights can't be just red and green anymore. They will need to have a shape you can feel with your hand in case you are a blind automobile driver.
2006-11-29 03:52:37 · answer #6 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Sounds like we have an idiot for a judge.
Before he made that ruling he should have considered if doing this is in any way practical.
2006-11-29 05:05:25 · answer #7 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Waste of money not enough blind people to justify the change.
2006-11-29 03:52:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
no, my wife is visually impaired, and she thinks its a waste of money and effort.
2006-11-29 03:55:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
yes it is
2006-11-29 03:50:37 · answer #10 · answered by Ms.Budonkadonk 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋