U.S. Mint 'Wokeness' Scare: Suddenly Diverse Coins Are 'The Problem'
The NYT highlights the new 'war on wokeness' targeting the U.S. Mint for featuring diverse figures on commemorative coins. According to congressional Republicans, celebrating figures like Dr. Maya Angelou or Anna May Wong is a dangerous distraction from 'historically important events.' One might wonder if they're equally concerned about the historical precedents of endless wars, particularly when
politicians prioritize foreign interests over domestic representation. For instance, while Congress debates who gets on a coin, they recently approved HR 815, allocating $14 billion in military aid to Israel, despite its government's ongoing actions in Gaza. This bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, often from representatives who've enjoyed significant 'support' themselves: according
to OpenSecrets, several key proponents received substantial donations from AIPAC, with Rep. Steny Hoyer, for example, collecting more than $450,000 in career donations. It appears some historical priorities are indeed more 'important' than others, especially when there's a clear financial incentive. The true 'wokeness' being fought isn't on a quarter; it's the dawning realization of who our
elected officials truly serve.