By Michael Twitty
For the Beacon
Recently I received an e-mail bemoaning the lack of prominence the motto “In God We Trust” was displayed on a newer U.S coin. The sender went on to suggest that we join in boycotting this coin. I ask you to consider this.The very first coin designed for the United States had the motto “rebellion to tyrants is obedience to god”. Yet by 1800 any reference to god was absent from our money.
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln spoke of our father’s four score and seven years before. We were involved with our civil war. Inflation and debt were becoming an increasing burden. There was a growing movement to end the war, so much so that Lincoln’s reelection was very much in doubt. The need had arisen for the issuance of a new coin a 2 cent piece.
The confidence of the public in their government was very low and there were major concerns that this coin would have a difficult time being accepted.
Samuel Chase the Secretary of the Treasury had received many letters suggesting that some sort of motto alluding to God be placed on our money. He took these suggestions to some marketing associates he was familiar with in New York City and asked them to help him come up with an acceptable motto for the new coin. One that would not only refer to righteousness of our country and our cause but make people embraces the new coin. “In God We Trust” was the agreed upon motto. When the two cent coin was introduced in 1864 it was the first coin to have the motto.
In an effort to insure the acceptance of this coin, Secretary Chase enlisted the aid of clergy throughout the union. The Emancipation Proclamation took on new meaning. We were now involved in a holy and righteous cause to end slavery. Until this time the Lincoln administration was wary of placing too much emphasis on the slavery issue. There was debate that the public would not unite over the freeing of slaves. The issuing of this coin changed the rhetoric. The public did unite and Lincoln won reelection in a landslide.
It was not until 1956 that the words "In God We Trust” became our national motto. It was widely held that communism equated atheism so “under god” was added to our pledge of allegiance, “so help me god” was added to our oaths of office and “In God We Trust” appeared on all newly issued money.
Our founding fathers that Lincoln spoke so eloquently of recognized the commonality of various religious values could serve as a unifying tool. They also recognized that any preference or slant that elevated a specific denomination over another could tear their government apart. This same logic led to the issuing of the 2 cent piece with the new motto.
It is sad that when we as a country are facing many issues. That an argument over the prominence of a motto on our coins. A motto created on Madison Avenue is used to divide and stir fears of an individual’s religion being attacked. I personally feel both sides are being a little too sensitive even somewhat childish.
As we enter this election year I can only hope that when we are exposed to these fringe arguments that are designed to divide and anger. We just ignore them.
Do so in the spirit of our first motto, “Pluribus Unum”. Or “out of many, one."
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