"In God We Trust"

[anarch]

How come we have that printed on U.S. currency? Is it a tacit admission that we have a faith-based economy? (i.e. the currency is not backed up by any tangible wealth, or even a manufacturing base...basically just propped up by "consumer confidence")

[BigMcLargehuge]

1. it was added in 1953 as part of the Red Scare

to remind Americans that we weren't Godless communists.

[anarch]

5. indeed...separation of church and state being a fiction

I just think it's unintentionally appropriate for our meaningless paper money. I don't seem to see it on this silver certificate:



I guess in 1934, it was "in silver we trust"...

"Trust" by this definition, I mean: "6. Reliance on the intention and ability of a purchaser to pay in the future; credit."

[Az]

2. National motto used to be "Out of many, One"

That works for me and is far more representitive of this nation. I personally trust no gods. But I would gladdly count myself as one with the many of this nation.

[anarch]

3. I think we still have that one, too

"E Pluribus Unum" is still all over the place....

[Az]

4. It still pops up

But In God We Trust is the official national motto these days. It was changed of course for exclusionary reasons. Ironically opposing the original motto.

[Jokerman]

6. A good marker can take care of that. n/t