If I object to the motto "In God We Trust" on a dollar bill on grounds that it violates my freedom of religion, is it illegal for me to cross this out? I understand that obscuring or altering the serial number or denomination is illegal (and stupid) and voids the bill, but what about the rest of it? I have heard that bills are government property and cannot be altered in any way. Can someone be prosecuted for objecting to religious messages? Any info?
P.S. I'm aware that some people are offended by my question and my beliefs, so I'd appreciate only serious answers and not the usual "burn in heck" hatred usually hurled at me. Remember that this is a legal question and I only want legal answers. Thank you.
2007-03-24 18:10:53 · 7 answers · asked by Dan X 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sadly, it is legal to deface money in a way such as that you have mentioned. Your, in my opinion despicable, actions are protected by the same lack of legislation that permits sites like www.wheresgeorge.com to exist.
Bills in the United States are not the property of the government, but of the people who posses them. This means that you intrinsically own any money you might have, although it is supported by the government due to the lack of a solid standard.
You first amendement right to freedom of speech should let you continue your fruitless campaign for as long as you like without penalization of any sort. Just remember that any notes that are defaced in a way that you have described will probably be taken out of circulation.
And honestly. Is it really worth the effort? While you're entitled to your own opinion, is it really necessary to make a pointless gesture that will only serve to irritate people and alienate them from your cause? I know I would avoid anyone who did something like this. The presence of "God" on our money is a sign of our heritage and the general belief by most of our country's people in a superior being, whatever His name may be.
Anyway, I hope this clarified everything for you. Basically, your can do it, but, in my opinion, it's just a dumb idea.
2007-03-24 18:23:08 · answer #1 · answered by Alex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is legal tender. I would think it is illegal and honestly childish. No matter what your personal beliefs are, If you want to make a religious or political statement do it in ways that effect good change, not by marking up legal tender. Vote, be active in your political community, things like that. Marking up dollar bills is immature and shows no maturity in the beliefs a person has.
People in general would not respect your personal beliefs in this action.
Just give it some thought first. Avoid the chance of being charged with destroying government property.
2007-03-25 01:45:37 · answer #2 · answered by Cat 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes I believe it is, it is illegal to deface currency, just simply marking a bill (as is done to track it or check it's authenticity) would probably not be considered defacement but since your intent is to make part of the bill unreadable or look poorly I'd say it falls under defacement.
However I do not think you would get caught, and if you did I do not believe you would be prosecuted.
On a personal note (not what you're looking for I understand) I feel like saying, even as a nonchristian and someone who does not have trust in God:
If you look at other pieces of currency you will notice there are other mottos besides 'in god we trust', many of them in latin. If you really think about it "in God we trust" is similar to these other phrases, it isn't there as a national creed as much as it is there as a historical reminder and a sign of tradition.
2007-03-25 01:41:00 · answer #3 · answered by rusty s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the RIGHT, as our CONSTITUTION states, to believe what you will. YOU DO NOT have the right to force your beliefs UPON
me. In our country, THE UNITED STATES, the majority rules....or it used to. The graft, greed and self-lovers have, unfortunately, stymied our growth.
ATHEISTS are only a small percentage, (2%?) of our population. Please remember that this country was founded on hard work, courage and FAITH IN GOD.
You seem to have manners and education. So..mind your manners and don't bite the hand that feeds you. You are free, because of our forefathers' beliefs. If you don't believe in GOD, that's your perogative. The percentage of our citizens who don't believe in GOD, are shrinking; the numbers of crooks are increasing, along with people who have no respect for themselves not others. Believe what your want. I'll take GOD over communism, anytime!
2013-12-16 12:13:06 · answer #4 · answered by Prunetoon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
destruction of government property. if ur so big on ur freedom of religion, y cant u respect the fact that others believe in GOD? america is the land for freedom and regardless u need to respect that. america was built by christians and believers of GOD. im not going to go and cross out something that doesnt relate to christianity or GOD because its not my religion. u just have be mature about it and understand that people have different beliefs.
2007-03-25 01:18:36 · answer #5 · answered by Time is of the Essence 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO. As long as you are no trying to change the value of the note. Like make a $10.00 look like a $100.00.
2007-03-25 01:21:00 · answer #6 · answered by Pommac 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not offended, I respect your beliefs, however you should respect ours but not doing what your doing, just my opinion, and its illegal, but nothing will happen to you.
2007-03-25 01:19:44 · answer #7 · answered by cliffburtongodofthebass 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋