MT Thoughts - Pluribus Unum

On the rhetoric of our coins

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."

MT Thoughts - A Christmas Memory

A Christmas Wish for Our Soldiers

By Michael Twitty
For the Beacon

As I was eating my lunch and reading the paper in a local restaurant, the song, “I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas” began playing in the background. The words were the same but the style and rhythm was not as I first learned it. A snapshot of a “White Christmas” past diverted my thoughts.

I cannot remember all the names or even their faces but I remember the Christmas.

I was serving in Korea stationed at JSA the Joint Security Area in Panmunjon, Korea. That Christmas a South Korean Soldier Sgt. Bang K.S. and I were manning Checkpoint 5. This was the security gate to The Neutral Nations Compound, home for the Swiss and Swedish officers assigned there. A similar compound existed on the North Korean side for officers from Czechoslovakia and Poland.

Part of our responsibility was to keep a log of all movement into or out of the checkpoint. Between the two compounds there was freedom of movement so it was not unusual that there were Czech and Polish officers in the Swiss and Swedish compound and vice versa. The only contact we made with each other was that of an enlisted man towards an officer. We saluted, passed them through and logged it.

That day there was quite a bit of traffic as the Swiss were hosting a holiday feast for the four nations. That evening Mr. Overle, the Swiss Warrant Officer who was also the compound Chef, approached our checkpoint. He brought with him some “leftovers” from their dinner. Not a huge portion but was it ever tasty. He came into the checkpoint and we carried on some small conversation about our homes and Christmas as we ate. After we were finished he took the plates and we thanked him. We wished each other a Merry Christmas and he left.

Shortly after, a couple of officers from Sweden appeared with some sort of holiday bread that I cannot remember the name of but was yellow and so unique in its flavor. As we ate the bread we learned that Sweden actually celebrates Christmas on the 17th of December but they also have a seasonal celebration that goes on for several days. This was traditional bread from their home.

During this season Sgt. Bang and I had received various Christmas treats cookies and fudge from home. Whatever we still had we had brought with us to the checkpoint to eat. We offered these homemade treats to our visitors and told them about our traditional holiday snacks. For the next two hours officers in groups of two or three from all four countries stopped and wished us a holiday greeting and offered us a sample of their home. Until we ran out we offered the same.

To say it seemed a little awkward the first time I found myself conversing with an officer from Poland or Czechoslovakia is an understatement. After all, according to doctrine at the time they represented a communist country. Yet, each conversation was about home and the holidays. We were wearing different uniforms but we shared the same duty, and that duty had sent us far from home at a time of family gatherings. We all shared the feeling that the source of this duty was the love of our home. Sharing some memory or tidbit from a past Christmas brought smiles to both the teller and the listener.

When we were relieved and returned to the main guardhouse Armed Forces Radio was playing Christmas carols. One song that I had heard many times before came on just as I was lying down to catch some sleep.

“I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love…Even more than I usually do…And although it is a long road back I promise you… I'll be home for Christmas… You can count on me… Please have snow and mistletoe… And presents on the tree… Christmas Eve will find me… Where the love light gleams… I'll be home for Christmas… If only in my dreams”.

I remember thinking how true. I thought of all the memories of Christmas I had just shared at the checkpoint. I had also listened to many other stories of the holidays from every other member of my platoon. I dropped off with a smile.

Today we have gotten involved here at home with all sorts of political bickering about holiday wishes and what is a proper greeting or display. It appears to me we are too busy taking offense at some action or thinking we are being targeted by some special interest that we fail to remember the meaning of the holiday season.

Over thirty years ago soldiers wearing the uniform of six different countries celebrated a “White Christmas”. We were not looking at motive. We just shared the wish that this would be the last one away from home. Not just for ourselves but for every one of us. To this day I still wish that no soldier should have to spend Christmas away from home. Unfortunately that is not the reality of world politics.

To all of us here at home I wish you peace on earth and goodwill toward all men. To our soldiers around the world I wish you sweet dreams.

MT Thoughts - A Fair Exchange

Sharing: The True Spirit of The Pioneers

By Michael Twitty
Springfield Beacon

Robert E. Lee turned down command of the Union Forces because he could not bear arms against his beloved home state of Virginia. I understand his sentiment.

Stories of the hardships and obstacles our ancestors faced have always been a source of pride. Our state did not become a state because of prospectors seeking to get rich quick. We became a state because of families making Oregon their home. The determination with which they met the obstacles placed in front of them we honor as the “Pioneer Spirit.”

When we became a state we only had limited communication with the rest of the country. We were independent, self-reliant and proud of it. The fact that half the country can’t even pronounce our state is ample proof of our uniqueness. I have heard people say the pioneer spirit is one of independence. I believe the true spirit of the pioneer was sharing. They shared the hardships of the Oregon Trail, the long voyages around Cape Horn. They shared the building of homes, churches, and communities. They shared celebrations and tragedy. As a result we became the state we are today.

I have always been fiercely proud of Oregon and my fellow Oregonians. I believe there is no place quite as beautiful or livable as our state. Events of the last week have confirmed that pride is well founded.

I have heard the lament that it requires adversity to bring us together. About how sad it is that it takes a disaster to unite us. I contend the efforts following a disaster just push this spirit to the front. The bond of community is there, it is not something we always call on. But, when we do, it is ready.

All you need for proof of this was to be among the thousands of smiles, the squeals of laughter, the spreading of joy that so many of us experienced at our Christmas Parade Saturday. How many felt they were sharing something in common with your neighbors as you stood or sat and watched? How many in our community united to give us this pleasure? Surely they did not do so out of adversity. They did so because they have pride in Springfield, our home. They wanted to celebrate our community and the season. They wanted to share this celebration. We marched, we watched and we cheered in agreement.

Last week our State was hit with a major storm. We have all seen the amazing pictures and heard of the loss suffered. We at the Springfield Beacon decided it would be of interest to our neighbors here, to relay how you could help our fellow Oregonians that suffered the brunt of the storm.

I contacted the local emergency centers for Columbia, Clatsop, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties. I asked how things were progressing and if there was a way we could assist. As I talked back and forth with Vicki, Janet, Mary, Brandy, Tom, Gregg, and others, I was reminded time and time again of what the “Oregon Spirit” is. “You know how it is around here,” Mary at Lincoln County stated. "Everyone has a chainsaw that lives out of the cities."

Stories were told to me of neighbors helping neighbors in so many ways. The word “stranger” was gone from conversation, everyone was a neighbor. The cheery confidence in their voices convinced me that they are on their way back. The spirit of their town is intact.

In Vernonia, one of the hardest hit areas. Work parties for all those willing, gather each morning.

They welcome volunteers to help. They ask you come prepared with work gloves, boots and protective eyewear. They caution however, that at present they do not have the facilities to handle a large influx of people which could place further strain on resources. They ask that those who are willing to help come self-reliant. They can use help in many areas, cleaning up flooded homes and businesses, repairing damage and just getting their community back to normal. If you are interested, contact (503) 397-7255 ext 2286 to volunteer.

Many families and businesses throughout the region lost everything. A complete assessment of the loss will take a while. Red Cross donation sites for Oregon flood relief are set up at every US Bank. There is also a need for non-perishable food items, furniture and clothing. The Columbia Pacific Food Bank in St Helens is accepting food their phone is (503) 397-9708. Clothing and furniture they ask you to drop off at the Lincoln grade school in Vernonia or contact Charlie Ray at (503) 791-0675.

The “Oregon Spirit,” the “Pioneer Spirit,” the “Christmas Spirit.” They all thrive on sharing. We share the joys of a parade. We share the sorrow of loss. We share the love of our home. Every time we share we can come away from it stronger. The rewards that come back to you if you are willing are immeasurable.

I, like many, have fished the Nehalem River. I have traveled and enjoyed the areas that were hit hardest. They are part of our state, part of our home. They need our help.

All they can offer in return is the opportunity to share in the rebuilding and the thanks of our fellow Oregonians. I think it is more than a fair exchange.