Judge Smacks Down “I Believe” Plates
Since South Carolina has plenty of money sitting around to defend itself against lawsuits, it’s not at all surprising that the state legislature passed a bill earlier this year creating an “I Believe” license plate – even though they knew they would get sued for it, and even though there’s already an “In God We Trust” license plate that should pretty much cover Biblical motorists’ need for vehicular self-expression.
And no, that’s not the actual “I Believe” plate you see there, the real plate has a bunch of fluffy (dare we say heavenly) clouds, with a cross in a stained glass window off to the side. Sort of like this …
Anyway, after lawmakers passed the bill, Gov. Mark Sanford let it become law without his signature in June, and two weeks later (surprise) South Carolina got sued.
Yesterday, a federal judge ruled on that lawsuit, ordering the state to cease and desist any plans to produce the tags and refund the money of any motorists who may have ordered them.
Of course, U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie’s ruling was only slightly less surprising than its aftermath, which featured two of South Carolina’s 2010 gubernatorial hopefuls tripping over themselves to suck up to the state’s evangelical vote.
Attorney General Henry McMaster blasted the ruling and urged the state to “immediately appeal,” while Lt. Gov. André Bauer waxed on about how the plates reflected “South Carolina values.”
Seriously, guys. 1998 called. It wants its “pander manual” back.
Look, as much as we appreciate (and in fact subscribe) to the sentiment espoused by these plates, the fact is our lawmakers showed extremely poor judgment in passing this bill, and Sanford showed extremely poor judgment in allowing it to become law.
This isn’t a case South Carolina is going to win, and wasting money on an appeal is pissing money we don’t have down the drain.
Plus, the simple fact is we’ve got way too many license plates in this state already, which understandably drives our law enforcement officers bonkers.
That’s why the elimination of all specialty license plates was No. 88 on our infamous 95 Theses, and why we continue to believe that if you want to express yourself on the road, buy a bumper sticker.
Comments
By Mincing Words on December 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Good story, FITS. And just so people know what happens in these cases: the Department of Motor Vehicles (because it “in charge” of vehicular licensing) and the Department of Corrections (because it makes the plates themselves) will be forced to foot the legal expenses of the challenger, even though they had no vote and did not ask for this in any way. Who does NOT foot the bill? Why, the General Assembly, which refuses to do what is best for this state under any circumstances. Oh, and those damn attorneys general, who always seem to be running for governor (remember Condon? He was the first to proclaim that SC would go to the Supreme Court over a LICENSE PLATE THAT WOULD CLEARLY NOT PASS CONSTITUTIONAL MUSTER). Guess how much that “campaign issue” cost SC taxpayers, but more importantly, three agencies (the third was DSS or something) with no dog in the fight? Over $300,000 each, in legal fees. Out of their budgets, not Condon’s, and certainly not that ridiculous excuse for a legislature. Get enraged about that. I don’t care about DMV, (at the time they were pretty flush with cash), but DOC never gets adequate funding and $300k would hire 5 or 6 correctional officers, or much-needed mental health services to the inmates.
Sorry about the rant. This case is precisely the reason why I hate politicians.
By Snead on December 12th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Probably the best art work you’ve ever featured on this site.
By North Augustus on December 12th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
This was just so inappropriate from day one. If you want to promote your faith via automobile tag, just go to a specialty supplier such as at this web site:
http://www.frontlicenseplates.com/christian.html. Spring for a few bucks to buy a plate from someone besides the taxpayers. Then slap that holy puppy on the front bumper of your ride. God will still love you.
By PD on December 12th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I’m all for the entrepreneurial spirit, and people making an honest buck…but here’s a thought…it comes from the bottom of that website there, North Augustus:
WWW. FRONT LICENSE PLATES. COM IS A DIVISION OF [wait for it.....]
>>>Signs Of Skill<<<
ALL that front bumper stuff is just too much distraction. Can we not ever ride along with just our thoughts — or concentrate on watching out for all the other bimbos out there…you know the ones BESIDES us…who are always late…have to eat, put on make-up, floss their teeth, shave, twitter, AND write a novel — all while buzzing down the road?
How about watching out for those SIGNS OF SKILL that dot the highways…you know, like the directional signs, speed limit signs, Warning: Bridge is Out signs, ETC.?
By Gen. Longstreet on December 12th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Why is it that one can no longer link to Tyler Durden from this site, sir?
By reggie in 2010 on December 12th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
wow, this shows just how crappy/sensitive America is today.
just a couple of months ago people were hesitant to elect Obama due to the rumors that he was Muslim, which showed the world just how religiously intolerant we truly are; ready to shoot down any anti-christian person or thing just because its different.
and now, all of a sudden, a (dare i say it) “super-christian” plate comes out ant it gets shot down due to the chance of it being offensive.
wowwwww, how hypocritical is that?
apparently, freedom of speech/religion/whatever else the constitution says is supposedly “free” isnt in affect anymore.
i thought that if there was anything to go down in this ass-backward state, it would be these plates. but apparently not.
all im saying is, if your not christian, DONT BUY THE PLATE. if you are, BUY THE PLATE. mind your own business people and stop complaining every time the person next to you has something different to say.
thats like getting mad that your neighbor had chicken for dinner and you had pasta. wtf? why should you care what others think so much that it causes a social rift in a whole state?
By Fashizzle on December 12th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Any citizen who wants their freedom of speech is entitled to slap as many “I believe” bumper stickers on their car as they like. An entrepreneur would do well to print up a few this weekend. The sad part is the legislatures knows this won’t stand up in court but is willing to blow your tax dollars pandering to the base. Disgusting. Oh, and while we’re on the subject, that “devotional” bible reading before every session is next. Count on it.
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