Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on a U.S. Coin (facebook Group)

The argument that MLK deserves to be on a coin because, in your opinion, less deserving individuals have been, is a fallacious argument.
That less noteworthy individuals have been honored may or may not be true, I won't argue that point but even if true, it in no way justifies putting the extremely flawed MLK on a coin, commemorative or otherwise.
Just my 2¢

 

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First of all...my argument that he deserves to be on a coin is not because less deserving people have been on coins. I said:

That was my reason. I believe the Civil Rights movement was a very important chapter in this country's history. Do I believe in my opinion that less deserving Americans have been put on coins in the past...yes I do. But this is not my reason for putting him on a coin. Next time, please read what I actually post before prior to posting your opinion about it. Thanks.

 

You clearly stated:

If that was not part of your pro-MLK argument, then why mention it at all, since it is completely irrelevant to the issue?

 

I have no problem with having him on a one year only commemorative, but I would not want him on a circulating coin. Having him as part of the Civil Rights commem in 2014 would be acceptable, or a fiftieth anniversary of his assassination in 2018.

 

I would rather support a movement to remove all from our coins and go back to Lady Liberty. I miss her

 

I said that because this country has a long history of producing commemorative coins for people who were less deserving of them. This is because we produce a ton of commemorative coins. So, it was relevant to the discussion. However, the reason that I think he deserves a coin is because he was the face of a major positive historical movement. Anyone who does not think that MLK was an important historical figure of this country is wrong...period.

 

I agree completely. I think our circulating coinage should have Lady Liberty on it. However, I have no problem with issuing commemorative coins honoring important events and people.

 

Sorry guys, I thought that people would be in favor of this. Didn't mean to ruffle any feathers.

 

Important. Perhaps. Then again so were Benedict Arnold, Aaron Burr and John Wilkes Booth.
Arguing that less deserving (in your opinion) individuals have been honored reminds me of what my grandma used to say "Two wrongs don't make a right".

 

I was in support of the MLK Coin, because he is a symbol for the non violent civil rights movement, just as "Wall street" was a symbol for corporate greed. Perhaps John Locke since we basically stole all of his ideas for our Constitution would be more appropriate on a coin. Another group that comes to mind regarding the civil rights movement would be "The Freedom Riders."

Perhaps a Commem would be nice, but he was still a very important figure in history.

 

Comparing MLK to any of those people is just a joke and is disrespectful to a very good man. MLK had a very important impact on this country as the leader of the non-violent civil rights movement. For that reason alone, he is deserving of this honor in my opinion. I know he was not a perfect man but his impact on the world was very good. I know you disagree with all of this and neither of us will change our mind...but I bet you he will appear on a commemorative coin at some point because of his important place in our nation's history and his very positive impact.

 

Again, your logic is flawed. I didn't compare MLK to them, just opined that they were important figures in US history also. At any rate, one simply can not defame the dead. It's black letter law.

 

Many people do appreciate the design of lady liberty, but what good was this term "lady liberty?" What would it mean to a woman who couldn't vote, or an African American who could not drink out of a certain water fountain. How about the liberty bestowed upon Irish Immigrants who worked in sweatshops? Was there a reason why they took Lady Liberty off of U.S. Coinage? Was the portrait an actual portrayal of freedom and Liberty to all, or only to many? There lies a staunch metaphor in this representation, and MLK was an important figure in combating this metaphor in a non-violent way... Just a thought.

 

The "MLK" honored today is more of a mythical figure than a real person. It seems as if people have placed the ideals of the movement into it's best-known "martyr". Is either the real MLK or mythical MLK worthy of a circulation coin? IMHO, absolutely not, nor do I believe him worthy of a commem. The civil right movement as a whole, yes.. the man, no. Its time we - as a nation - stop "honoring" anything and everything. What ever happened to simple, unspoken respect?

"Lady Liberty" was - and is - symbolism for our country much in the same way as the bald eagle. There is no sense in reading into this deeper than necessary. This was also posted (same OP) on the CU forums and the reactions received are a good indicator as to how the numismatic community as a whole views this issue.

 

True Statement. I suppose if the CU forum reacted in such a fashion than it is written in stone...

 

I support the idea. But I am just afraid that, judging by the commerative designs the mint has been releasing lately, that they will come out with one that does him no honor at all.

 

Yes...but no more so than Washington or Lincoln.

 

The simple fact is that the member pool on the CU forums (as a whole) possess a greater knowledge and experience than here - not to say that there are no such members here - I am speaking generally. After having spent quite some time reading your posts, sir, maybe it would be a wise move to respect the opinions of those who have more experience than yourself.

 

Absolutely, and we can add many more to the list. I believe that in many respects this is why the return of Liberty symbolism is a good idea. Thank you for the correction.

 

Wow; I only hope some day I will be intelligent and experienced enough to be promoted to the CU Board so I can escape all of the unworthy dregs that inhabit this forum. I'll light 1 of the $20.00 votive candles at church tomorrow and maybe that will make it happen quickly.