Does there happen to be a historically interesting Erin Burr for this?
June 17, 2015 11:10 PM Subscribe
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has announced that a woman will be joining Alexander Hamilton on the US $10 bill in 2020.
They're asking for suggestions on twitter using the #TheNew10 hashtag.
They're asking for suggestions on twitter using the #TheNew10 hashtag.
Hamilton needn't worry, she'll only be on 78% of the bill.
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:26 PM on June 17, 2015 [23 favorites]
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:26 PM on June 17, 2015 [23 favorites]
This is great! I wonder why they chose the $10 though. I liked the symbolism of replacing Jackson.
posted by So You're Saying These Are Pants? at 11:26 PM on June 17, 2015 [24 favorites]
posted by So You're Saying These Are Pants? at 11:26 PM on June 17, 2015 [24 favorites]
Hah!
posted by So You're Saying These Are Pants? at 11:27 PM on June 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by So You're Saying These Are Pants? at 11:27 PM on June 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
This is great! I wonder why they chose the $10 though. I liked the symbolism of replacing Jackson.
Especially if they replace Jackson with Wilma Mankiller.
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:28 PM on June 17, 2015 [26 favorites]
Especially if they replace Jackson with Wilma Mankiller.
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:28 PM on June 17, 2015 [26 favorites]
early whispers are pointing to Amber Fleming of Overbrook, Kansas
posted by threeants at 11:28 PM on June 17, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by threeants at 11:28 PM on June 17, 2015 [6 favorites]
I liked the symbolism of replacing Jackson.
Yeah, I was disappointed about that part too.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 11:28 PM on June 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Yeah, I was disappointed about that part too.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 11:28 PM on June 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
So instead of replacing the genocidal murderer on the $20, they're making a woman and Hamilton (who was an abolitionist and instrumental in creating the national bank) share the $10.
Well, better than nothing, I guess...
posted by kmz at 11:29 PM on June 17, 2015 [15 favorites]
Well, better than nothing, I guess...
posted by kmz at 11:29 PM on June 17, 2015 [15 favorites]
Not to joke that no woman out there could be significant enough to be on currency...the whole "a woman will definitely be on the bill, but who shall she be?!?" thing just seems like a weirdly tokenizing way to present what is actually a good decision. Like they couldn't wait to actually choose someone first?
posted by threeants at 11:31 PM on June 17, 2015 [34 favorites]
posted by threeants at 11:31 PM on June 17, 2015 [34 favorites]
2020 SHOCKER: the woman who will "join" Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill is Elizabeth Schuyler and they will be smooching
posted by threeants at 11:34 PM on June 17, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by threeants at 11:34 PM on June 17, 2015 [9 favorites]
This "sharing the $10" thing seems weird... I hope at least they do it in a cool way, like it's Audre Lorde but when you turn it upside down it's Hamilton.
posted by zompist at 11:50 PM on June 17, 2015 [29 favorites]
posted by zompist at 11:50 PM on June 17, 2015 [29 favorites]
Sheesh, we've had a woman on all our currency since 1953. God bless her.
posted by wilful at 11:53 PM on June 17, 2015 [11 favorites]
posted by wilful at 11:53 PM on June 17, 2015 [11 favorites]
This is an overcautious half measure. The currency of the United States dollar needs a comprehensive redesign and reform, but this, minor security updates to banknotes and continued collectable quarter programs are the only real changes we're going to see.
posted by Small Dollar at 12:15 AM on June 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by Small Dollar at 12:15 AM on June 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
Hamilton deserves to be on currency. He was against slavery and for a national bank. Jackson should be booted for Eleanor Roosevelt.
posted by persona au gratin at 12:17 AM on June 18, 2015 [26 favorites]
posted by persona au gratin at 12:17 AM on June 18, 2015 [26 favorites]
They should replace Jackson (genocide) with Jackson (moonwalk).
posted by Pendragon at 12:58 AM on June 18, 2015 [11 favorites]
posted by Pendragon at 12:58 AM on June 18, 2015 [11 favorites]
ANNE RAMSAY FOR ALL BILLS
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:04 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:04 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
To be honest, unless they're replacing all the rest of the presidents, this is pretty weak.
The presidents may be a safe, boring choice, but at least it's a cohesive group with a common thread.
I'd like to see them replace all the presidents, maybe with the "leading figures in science" motif like on some european currency, or interesting people in history like Australia.
Hell, we could probably do an entire series of Nobel Prize winners.
The hagiography of presidents is a bit weird anyway, so if we're going to replace one, replace the whole group.
posted by madajb at 1:06 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
The presidents may be a safe, boring choice, but at least it's a cohesive group with a common thread.
I'd like to see them replace all the presidents, maybe with the "leading figures in science" motif like on some european currency, or interesting people in history like Australia.
Hell, we could probably do an entire series of Nobel Prize winners.
The hagiography of presidents is a bit weird anyway, so if we're going to replace one, replace the whole group.
posted by madajb at 1:06 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
The hagiography of presidents is a bit weird anyway, so if we're going to replace one, replace the whole group.
Neither Franklin or Hamilton were presidents.
posted by lazycomputerkids at 1:14 AM on June 18, 2015 [17 favorites]
Neither Franklin or Hamilton were presidents.
posted by lazycomputerkids at 1:14 AM on June 18, 2015 [17 favorites]
Well, it'd make up for not giving Amy Schumer The Daily Show at least.
posted by klangklangston at 1:33 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by klangklangston at 1:33 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
"Neither Franklin or Hamilton were presidents."
Ben Franklin, the only president of the United States who was never president.
posted by klangklangston at 1:37 AM on June 18, 2015 [17 favorites]
Ben Franklin, the only president of the United States who was never president.
posted by klangklangston at 1:37 AM on June 18, 2015 [17 favorites]
I'm just going to be positive about this. Harriet Tubman high fiving Hamilton into eternity.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:40 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:40 AM on June 18, 2015
I'll see your Harriet Tubman, Rumple, and raise you Action Harriet Tubman!
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 2:13 AM on June 18, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 2:13 AM on June 18, 2015 [7 favorites]
I am against this 100%.
Not because I am against putting a women on a bill. No.
I am against this because Ronald Reagan will be on the $20 before the end of the year if we do this.
posted by eriko at 2:41 AM on June 18, 2015 [11 favorites]
Not because I am against putting a women on a bill. No.
I am against this because Ronald Reagan will be on the $20 before the end of the year if we do this.
posted by eriko at 2:41 AM on June 18, 2015 [11 favorites]
This is so annoying! Instead of replacing that genocidal jerk Jackson on the very commonly used 20, they're downgrading Hamilton to put a lady on the least-used bill of all the paper money.
posted by leesh at 2:48 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by leesh at 2:48 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm very disappointed. I have to keep on drawing an arrow-through-the-head and a speech balloon with the words I Hate Indians! as I have since the mid-90s.
posted by lazycomputerkids at 2:54 AM on June 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by lazycomputerkids at 2:54 AM on June 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
the least-used bill of all the paper money
I would've guessed the $2.
posted by box at 3:10 AM on June 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
I would've guessed the $2.
posted by box at 3:10 AM on June 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
On Wednesday Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced a woman will be featured, but she will be joining Alexander Hamilton on the new $10 note. “We have only made changes to the faces on our currency a few times since bills were first put into circulation, and I'm proud that the new 10 will be the first bill in more than a century to feature the portrait of a woman,” Lew said.
Lew's certainly correct that there have been very few changes made to US currency. While Europeans have long been accustomed to frequent design changes, bold colors, advanced security features, different sizes so blind people don't have to guess, US currency has retained its basic, boring "greenback" appearance forever.
Some small concessions have been made to combat counterfeiting - Franklin's face has gotten bigger, younger, and better looking, but the bills are still all the same physical size and have the same basic appearance as they always have.
I think this is a nod to the illusory value of currency and that the long term stability of the US greenback design has contributed to the perceived value of US paper currency - which as a hard, reserve currency is now as important as ever.
So I'm not saying it isn't a good idea and high time to put a woman (Queen Elisabeth perhaps) on the American ten dollar bill, I am curious about the economic impact of this overtly political decision.
Major changes to US currency haven't gone well in the past. The two dollar bill is hardly seen as are the Susan B. Anthony and Sacagewea dollar coins. These were new currency units so maybe it didn't matter so much, but the US ten dollar note is one of the most widely circulated bills. Is it wise to fundamentally change the design when the Fed is printing more (actually worthless) paper money than ever whilst hoping inflation remains low? What, if any, impact would this significant change have on the perceived value of the ten dollar bill? And again this is not because of the choice of a woman, but of the choice of a big change to the design which includes adding a woman. I wonder what Fed Chair Janet Yellen thinks about it?
posted by three blind mice at 3:12 AM on June 18, 2015
Lew's certainly correct that there have been very few changes made to US currency. While Europeans have long been accustomed to frequent design changes, bold colors, advanced security features, different sizes so blind people don't have to guess, US currency has retained its basic, boring "greenback" appearance forever.
Some small concessions have been made to combat counterfeiting - Franklin's face has gotten bigger, younger, and better looking, but the bills are still all the same physical size and have the same basic appearance as they always have.
I think this is a nod to the illusory value of currency and that the long term stability of the US greenback design has contributed to the perceived value of US paper currency - which as a hard, reserve currency is now as important as ever.
So I'm not saying it isn't a good idea and high time to put a woman (Queen Elisabeth perhaps) on the American ten dollar bill, I am curious about the economic impact of this overtly political decision.
Major changes to US currency haven't gone well in the past. The two dollar bill is hardly seen as are the Susan B. Anthony and Sacagewea dollar coins. These were new currency units so maybe it didn't matter so much, but the US ten dollar note is one of the most widely circulated bills. Is it wise to fundamentally change the design when the Fed is printing more (actually worthless) paper money than ever whilst hoping inflation remains low? What, if any, impact would this significant change have on the perceived value of the ten dollar bill? And again this is not because of the choice of a woman, but of the choice of a big change to the design which includes adding a woman. I wonder what Fed Chair Janet Yellen thinks about it?
posted by three blind mice at 3:12 AM on June 18, 2015
Neither Franklin or Hamilton were presidents.
And don't forget the $10,000 bill, which featured Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase! I still feel bad for thinking he was just a joke name that Clickhole came up with.
posted by brookedel at 3:13 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
And don't forget the $10,000 bill, which featured Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase! I still feel bad for thinking he was just a joke name that Clickhole came up with.
posted by brookedel at 3:13 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Why not presidents with the spouses who had a large influence on the philosophies and actions of those presidents: Abigail and John Adams, Dolley and James Madison, Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt. Hell, Even Lady Bird and Lyndon; I've heard it was Lady Bird who pushed Lyndon to push through the civil rights legislation - perhaps the greatest legislative feat in American history.
posted by tommyD at 3:19 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by tommyD at 3:19 AM on June 18, 2015
Hamilton deserves to be on currency. He was against slavery and for a national bank. Jackson should be booted for Eleanor Roosevelt.
Nthing the Jackson thing. I'm actually a bit shocked that Jackson wasn't the first to go. By any objective account he was largely responsible for the American Indian genocide; one phase of it anyway.
posted by zardoz at 3:20 AM on June 18, 2015
Nthing the Jackson thing. I'm actually a bit shocked that Jackson wasn't the first to go. By any objective account he was largely responsible for the American Indian genocide; one phase of it anyway.
posted by zardoz at 3:20 AM on June 18, 2015
Jackson hated the National Bank, and managed to rid the nation of it, for a while. I think the banksters put him on the 20 as revenge.
posted by MikeWarot at 3:44 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by MikeWarot at 3:44 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
This is why Charles Dickenson is not on the $20 bill.
posted by CincyBlues at 3:57 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by CincyBlues at 3:57 AM on June 18, 2015
Legend I heard was that the $2 bill became so rare because at one point $2 was the minimum bet at the racetrack. So people associated it with gambling and sin and vice and then it never bounced back.
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 3:59 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 3:59 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
This "sharing the $10" thing seems weird
I agree. It's like they're saying "We won't be able to find a woman who can hold a bill by herself so we better pair her up with somebody". And unless the woman chosen has some sort of historical link with Hamilton, It's going to be even more bizarre.
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 4:20 AM on June 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
I agree. It's like they're saying "We won't be able to find a woman who can hold a bill by herself so we better pair her up with somebody". And unless the woman chosen has some sort of historical link with Hamilton, It's going to be even more bizarre.
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 4:20 AM on June 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
I hope they're back-to-back, movie poster style, with a sarcastically cocked eyebrow.
posted by Wolfdog at 4:37 AM on June 18, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by Wolfdog at 4:37 AM on June 18, 2015 [9 favorites]
Share? SHARE?!
I can feel the tone of bitter, grudging accommodation coming off this announcement in waves. And I feel like giving up trying to understand why. I can be empathetic all the livelong day to these dudes in power who have a hard time imagining that they have to share the world with the 51% of humanity that doesn't have a dick, who somehow think "tradition" and "equality" are two opposing forces. But that empathy doesn't really get me anywhere, does it?
Fuck this. It's a Thursday morning in New York City and I'm going to see how much patriarchy I can smash between breakfast and lunch, all especially dedicated to Mr. Lew.
posted by minervous at 4:39 AM on June 18, 2015 [14 favorites]
I can feel the tone of bitter, grudging accommodation coming off this announcement in waves. And I feel like giving up trying to understand why. I can be empathetic all the livelong day to these dudes in power who have a hard time imagining that they have to share the world with the 51% of humanity that doesn't have a dick, who somehow think "tradition" and "equality" are two opposing forces. But that empathy doesn't really get me anywhere, does it?
Fuck this. It's a Thursday morning in New York City and I'm going to see how much patriarchy I can smash between breakfast and lunch, all especially dedicated to Mr. Lew.
posted by minervous at 4:39 AM on June 18, 2015 [14 favorites]
If we're gonna do first ladies, why not Jackie Kennedy? But they should open it up. I would like to see Sam Rayburn or George C. Marshall or Chester Nimitz.
posted by Bee'sWing at 4:41 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Bee'sWing at 4:41 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
While Europeans have long been accustomed to frequent design changes, bold colors, advanced security features, different sizes so blind people don't have to guess, US currency has retained its basic, boring "greenback" appearance forever.
The new $10s will have tactile features to aid visually impaired people in distinguishing them (I'm pretty sure some sort of feature is required by recent litigation, but I'm not 100% sure what the status of that case is), which is what Canada uses. It's not clear from the announcement if other bills will also have the features, although putting them only on a single bill seems silly, so I assume they're going on all of them.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 5:05 AM on June 18, 2015
The new $10s will have tactile features to aid visually impaired people in distinguishing them (I'm pretty sure some sort of feature is required by recent litigation, but I'm not 100% sure what the status of that case is), which is what Canada uses. It's not clear from the announcement if other bills will also have the features, although putting them only on a single bill seems silly, so I assume they're going on all of them.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 5:05 AM on June 18, 2015
Why not presidents with the spouses who had a large influence on the philosophies and actions of those presidents:
They should wait then for the Clintons. And rename it the $10 BHILL.
posted by chavenet at 5:10 AM on June 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
They should wait then for the Clintons. And rename it the $10 BHILL.
posted by chavenet at 5:10 AM on June 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
My guess is, they'll pick Eleanor Roosevelt.
Per WaPo, the frontrunners seem to be Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Eleanor Roosevelt --- welp, Susan B. was on that abortive $1 coin, so she's out. While Rosa Parks had a long and dedicated involvement in the civil rights struggle, she's really only well-known for that single event on the bus. And while I like rum-soaked space hobo's Action Harriet Tubman picture, I doubt any woman of color will be chosen first --- they'll play it safe and pick a white woman, just like they're playing it safe with this idiotic bill-sharing idea. That brings us to ol' Eleanor, a lady with a long and storied involvement in education for the underprivileged, civil rights for all races and equal rights for women, plus of course her humanitarian work with the UN.
posted by easily confused at 5:22 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Per WaPo, the frontrunners seem to be Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Eleanor Roosevelt --- welp, Susan B. was on that abortive $1 coin, so she's out. While Rosa Parks had a long and dedicated involvement in the civil rights struggle, she's really only well-known for that single event on the bus. And while I like rum-soaked space hobo's Action Harriet Tubman picture, I doubt any woman of color will be chosen first --- they'll play it safe and pick a white woman, just like they're playing it safe with this idiotic bill-sharing idea. That brings us to ol' Eleanor, a lady with a long and storied involvement in education for the underprivileged, civil rights for all races and equal rights for women, plus of course her humanitarian work with the UN.
posted by easily confused at 5:22 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
In tradition of those who are commemorated on our currency, I believe it should be an important and influential politician, preferably with a distinguished military or diplomatic career in service of the USA and its citizens. Harriet Tubman is more than qualified.
If we want to break with that tradition, I'd prefer we honor scientists and scholars, one of the most honorable fonts of American power and prestige. Admiral Hopper is more qualified than most to be on a bill based on her resume, almost all modern software development springs from the work she did on compilers in the late '40s and early '50s.
posted by Slap*Happy at 5:25 AM on June 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
If we want to break with that tradition, I'd prefer we honor scientists and scholars, one of the most honorable fonts of American power and prestige. Admiral Hopper is more qualified than most to be on a bill based on her resume, almost all modern software development springs from the work she did on compilers in the late '40s and early '50s.
posted by Slap*Happy at 5:25 AM on June 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
Queen Elizabeth looks great in our bills, if you need a copy of her photo, let us know!
posted by blue_beetle at 5:37 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by blue_beetle at 5:37 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I wonder why they chose the $10 though.
Sincerely, my first thought was that the $10 is so seldom used.
posted by shakespeherian at 6:08 AM on June 18, 2015
Sincerely, my first thought was that the $10 is so seldom used.
posted by shakespeherian at 6:08 AM on June 18, 2015
Every time someone mentions Hamilton I think they're referring to Hamilton Fish and I am surprised anew that he is on a bill.
not sure if im awake yet or not tbh
posted by poffin boffin at 6:21 AM on June 18, 2015
not sure if im awake yet or not tbh
posted by poffin boffin at 6:21 AM on June 18, 2015
It's super stupid that she has to share the bill and maybe even worse that we're I guess keeping Jackson on the 20 but...
What a perfect American hero to commemorate! She is such an important figure, symbolically and literally in our history, she's perfect for commemoration.
posted by latkes at 6:21 AM on June 18, 2015
What a perfect American hero to commemorate! She is such an important figure, symbolically and literally in our history, she's perfect for commemoration.
posted by latkes at 6:21 AM on June 18, 2015
Sincerely, my first thought was that the $10 is so seldom used.
Seriously? I use tens all the time.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:27 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Seriously? I use tens all the time.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:27 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Sincerely, my first thought was that the $10 is so seldom used.
Seriously? I use tens all the time.
In terms of circulation, it's behind the $1, $100, $20, and $5, although most of the $100s are overseas.
That said, my guess is that the reasoning had as much to do with not wanting to take a president off as anything else.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 6:33 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Seriously? I use tens all the time.
In terms of circulation, it's behind the $1, $100, $20, and $5, although most of the $100s are overseas.
That said, my guess is that the reasoning had as much to do with not wanting to take a president off as anything else.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 6:33 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
So You're Saying These Are Pants?: "I wonder why they chose the $10 though."
It may have just been that it was up next for a redesign ... they redesign the bills in a staggered fashion, and often in response to changes in counterfeiting.
wilful: "Sheesh, we've had a woman on all our currency since 1953. God bless her."
QUIT FUCKING SHOWING OFF ROYALISTS.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:50 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
It may have just been that it was up next for a redesign ... they redesign the bills in a staggered fashion, and often in response to changes in counterfeiting.
wilful: "Sheesh, we've had a woman on all our currency since 1953. God bless her."
QUIT FUCKING SHOWING OFF ROYALISTS.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:50 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Sybil Ludington!
posted by Argyle at 6:52 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Argyle at 6:52 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
>Sheesh, we've had a woman on all our currency since 1953. God bless her.
God save her, surely.
posted by pompomtom at 6:56 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
God save her, surely.
posted by pompomtom at 6:56 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Queen Elizabeth looks great in our bills, if you need a copy of her photo, let us know!
posted by blue_beetle at 5:37 AM on June 18 [1 favorite +] [!]
Could you send me one of her by the number 50?
posted by chavenet at 7:00 AM on June 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by blue_beetle at 5:37 AM on June 18 [1 favorite +] [!]
Could you send me one of her by the number 50?
posted by chavenet at 7:00 AM on June 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
"Sheesh, we've had a woman on all our currency since 1953. God bless her."
I prefer to say "Gesundheit" to the head of the house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha but then I am resentful atheist colonial. Let's not forget the great achievement that got her there: Being born.
posted by srboisvert at 7:03 AM on June 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
I prefer to say "Gesundheit" to the head of the house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha but then I am resentful atheist colonial. Let's not forget the great achievement that got her there: Being born.
posted by srboisvert at 7:03 AM on June 18, 2015 [6 favorites]
Where is everyone getting this idea that Hamilton is still going to be on the redesigned $10 bill?
All I hear Jack Lew saying is that Hamilton will still be on US currency because he'll be on the old $10 bills.
posted by John Cohen at 7:19 AM on June 18, 2015
All I hear Jack Lew saying is that Hamilton will still be on US currency because he'll be on the old $10 bills.
posted by John Cohen at 7:19 AM on June 18, 2015
If you elect Hillary you could have a woman AND a president on the bill.
posted by blue_beetle at 7:20 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by blue_beetle at 7:20 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Better not replace the sexy picture of Hamilton, that's all I'm saying. Sexy Hamilton is my favorite Hamilton.
posted by corb at 7:22 AM on June 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by corb at 7:22 AM on June 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
I heard someone on the radio this morning say that she did not think Harriet Tubman was a good choice, and I was angry at first until they ran a quote from her saying "think about it: Harriet Tubman was a slave, which meant that she was a human being who was bought and paid for like she was a commodity. How do you think she'd feel about being the face of the very currency that bought her?" And I thought ooh, yeah, good point.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:23 AM on June 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:23 AM on June 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
I want Ida B. Wells for this. Kind of a lot.
posted by nonasuch at 7:23 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by nonasuch at 7:23 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
This needs to be Eliza Jumel, just to mess with everybody.
posted by plastic_animals at 7:37 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by plastic_animals at 7:37 AM on June 18, 2015
The report on NPR this morning didn't phrase it as sharing a single $10 bill, maybe they're planning to release Women Tens (like the state quarters) while keeping printing the Hamilton Ten. In that case it makes a bit of sense to not do the Twenty, since it's most frequently counterfeited so they wouldn't want more than one type in circulation to make that easier? I mean this is a lot of spitballing but maybe that has to do with it...
posted by DynamiteToast at 7:43 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by DynamiteToast at 7:43 AM on June 18, 2015
He said it's up for discussion whether Hamilton will appear alongside a woman or be the centerpiece of one version of the new bill.
This is bullshit. "We'll let a woman on the bill, but only with a man next to her!"
Do they need him on there to overcome girl-cooties?
I want Jackson booted for good, Mankiller on the 20 (or another Native American woman for obvious reasons), Tubman on the 1.00 (George can keep the quarter), Lincoln can stay on the 5.00, and then another woman on the 10, a scientist perhaps.
50s and 100s don't see much daylight, but I'd be fine with women on them too.
posted by emjaybee at 7:53 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
This is bullshit. "We'll let a woman on the bill, but only with a man next to her!"
Do they need him on there to overcome girl-cooties?
I want Jackson booted for good, Mankiller on the 20 (or another Native American woman for obvious reasons), Tubman on the 1.00 (George can keep the quarter), Lincoln can stay on the 5.00, and then another woman on the 10, a scientist perhaps.
50s and 100s don't see much daylight, but I'd be fine with women on them too.
posted by emjaybee at 7:53 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Seconding threeants that this seems uncomfortable, like "Yeah, let's just put a woman, any woman, on there." But whichever ONE will be worthy? Uck.
posted by jeweled accumulation at 7:54 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jeweled accumulation at 7:54 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
How do you think she'd feel about being the face of the very currency that bought her?
How do you think she'd feel being on the currency paying her descendants a fair day's wage for a fair day's labor? The Goddess of Liberty was on the coins that bought her kind. She's on the bills that pays wages to her kind as free men and women... a true Goddess of Liberty.
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:56 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
How do you think she'd feel being on the currency paying her descendants a fair day's wage for a fair day's labor? The Goddess of Liberty was on the coins that bought her kind. She's on the bills that pays wages to her kind as free men and women... a true Goddess of Liberty.
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:56 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
I think it's great to have a woman on a bill and obviously we should have at least half the bills, but Tubman seems like an even bigger deal because she's a central figure in the African American liberation struggle. It seems really extra infuriating to me that she has to share the bill with the white dude because of that. Also, she's unlike anyone else on currency because she was this radical war hero! She's this amazing adventurer/badass who was part of a guerrilla underground!
posted by latkes at 8:03 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by latkes at 8:03 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
No, he's going to be on the new ones too:
[Jack] Lew said Hamilton will also be a part of the new design. He said it's up for discussion whether Hamilton will appear alongside a woman or be the centerpiece of one version of the new bill.
Thanks for the clarification. Here's what the Treasury Department's FAQ says:
posted by John Cohen at 8:18 AM on June 18, 2015
[Jack] Lew said Hamilton will also be a part of the new design. He said it's up for discussion whether Hamilton will appear alongside a woman or be the centerpiece of one version of the new bill.
Thanks for the clarification. Here's what the Treasury Department's FAQ says:
4. What will happen to Alexander Hamilton?I can't imagine they'll put more than one person on the front of any bills. I assume Harriet Tubman will be on the front, as well she should be. Then they'll find some other way to include Hamilton — either on the back of every $10, or alone on the front of some $10 bills. (Yet some Mefites will still be up in arms because there's still a "white dude" on our money!)
“While the design process is complex and much work remains to be done, Secretary Lew has made clear that the image of Alexander Hamilton will remain part of the $10 note. There are many options for continuing to honor Hamilton. While one option is producing two bills, we are exploring a variety of possibilities. However, security requirements are the driving consideration behind any new design.”
posted by John Cohen at 8:18 AM on June 18, 2015
(Yet some Mefites will still be up in arms because there's still a "white dude" on our money!)
I demand that all currency be decorated with straw men!
posted by box at 8:20 AM on June 18, 2015 [18 favorites]
I demand that all currency be decorated with straw men!
posted by box at 8:20 AM on June 18, 2015 [18 favorites]
2020 SHOCKER: the woman who will "join" Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill is Elizabeth Schuyler and they will be smooching
Only when you fold the bill the right way.
posted by Spatch at 8:23 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Only when you fold the bill the right way.
posted by Spatch at 8:23 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
How about Eleanor Roosevelt? She was always very active politically, and I have seen it suggested that she was an éminence grise when her husband was incapacitated.
(Yes, yes, jinx^n …)
posted by wenestvedt at 8:26 AM on June 18, 2015
(Yes, yes, jinx
posted by wenestvedt at 8:26 AM on June 18, 2015
2020 SHOCKER: the woman who will "join" Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill is Elizabeth Schuyler and they will be smooching
The counterfeit versions will, of course, feature Maria Reynolds.
posted by Cash4Lead at 8:33 AM on June 18, 2015
The counterfeit versions will, of course, feature Maria Reynolds.
posted by Cash4Lead at 8:33 AM on June 18, 2015
Did it really not occur to anyone at the Treasury that including a woman on currency by having her "share" the honor with a man might seem offensively half-assed? I will answer my own question: Sure it did, they just don't care.
For fuck's sake, women are half the population.
posted by desuetude at 9:15 AM on June 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
For fuck's sake, women are half the population.
posted by desuetude at 9:15 AM on June 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
I plan to talk up Wilma Mankiller on the $20, for my own part. Though I guess 30 years on there are still some guys pissed about her election as Chief...
posted by lodurr at 9:16 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by lodurr at 9:16 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Of course they picked Hamilton because the best you can say about him these days is that most people don't have any idea what an important role he played.
Of course, Jackson played an important role, too, but arguing that his achievements merit a place on the currency is a lot like saying we ought to give Joe McCarthy the Medal of Freedom, because his actions shaped the world we know today.
posted by lodurr at 9:19 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Of course, Jackson played an important role, too, but arguing that his achievements merit a place on the currency is a lot like saying we ought to give Joe McCarthy the Medal of Freedom, because his actions shaped the world we know today.
posted by lodurr at 9:19 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I don't think anyone at Treasury treats currency seriously, or if they do, they think there'd be too much pushback to actually get anything done.
posted by Small Dollar at 9:22 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by Small Dollar at 9:22 AM on June 18, 2015
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has announced that a woman will be joining Alexander Hamilton on the US $10 bill jill in 2020.
posted by Atom Eyes at 9:26 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by Atom Eyes at 9:26 AM on June 18, 2015
To be clear, Harriet Tubman would be a fine choice, too. I just think that Eleanor Roosevelt was such an amazing force for good in America and around the world. But Tubman was instrumental in fighting our greatest sin. Either I'd be happy with. Hell, both! One on some, one on another.
posted by persona au gratin at 9:38 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by persona au gratin at 9:38 AM on June 18, 2015
Get ready for the backlash:
Hamilton -- an immigrant from the Caribbean who rose to prominence without wealth or family connections, set the U.S. on a path to becoming a world economic power with the insights he gleaned from a few books, and was an early and vocal opponent of slavery -- is too good a symbol of what his nation is and can become to disappear. The campaign to put him on the $20 and throw Jackson off starts now.posted by John Cohen at 9:40 AM on June 18, 2015 [5 favorites]
you know, it doesn't take much imagination to get sort of paranoid about it. If you want to resist some movement or idea you don't like, one of the things you can do is make it painful for people to align with it. For example, if you've got a war criminal who can't abide by the rule of law, and you've got a guy who laid the groundwork for the fiscal stability of the nation, the way you make it harder is by picking the latter to 'share time' with some unspecified woman.
I'm not naive enough to think there wouldn't have been blowback for picking Jackson, but it would have been easy for a lot of people to get behind ousting him.
posted by lodurr at 9:55 AM on June 18, 2015
I'm not naive enough to think there wouldn't have been blowback for picking Jackson, but it would have been easy for a lot of people to get behind ousting him.
posted by lodurr at 9:55 AM on June 18, 2015
Weirdly, given the Republican hate for all things Roosevelt, I'd think Tubman would probably be easier to get on the bill than Eleanor. But if our current congress has anything to say about it, it'll probably be Eliza Frances Andrews, along with the, "What, you wanted a woman scientist, right?"
posted by klangklangston at 10:01 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by klangklangston at 10:01 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
but it would have been easy for a lot of people to get behind ousting him
I think you are sadly overestimating the amount of people who could be made in any way to care about or even acknowledge Jackson's treatment of native americans.
posted by poffin boffin at 10:02 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I think you are sadly overestimating the amount of people who could be made in any way to care about or even acknowledge Jackson's treatment of native americans.
posted by poffin boffin at 10:02 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
probably you're just setting a higher numerical bar for "a lot" than I do.
posted by lodurr at 10:24 AM on June 18, 2015
posted by lodurr at 10:24 AM on June 18, 2015
Keep Andrew Jackson on the $20 Bill
This is the most hilariously disingenuous article I have ever read. "Andrew Jackson made the US democratic...except for the African-American and Native American people whose rights he actively suppressed! Just because he employed slaves should not be taken as meaning he supported slavery!"
posted by threeants at 10:41 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
This is the most hilariously disingenuous article I have ever read. "Andrew Jackson made the US democratic...except for the African-American and Native American people whose rights he actively suppressed! Just because he employed slaves should not be taken as meaning he supported slavery!"
posted by threeants at 10:41 AM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
Get this done before it is decided by The Bachelor, The Voice, or America's Got Talent.
posted by srboisvert at 11:17 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by srboisvert at 11:17 AM on June 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Woodrow Wilson's second wife, Edith Bolling (Galt) Wilson, was another éminence grise. She essentially ran the executive branch after his stroke. But then the Bollings were slave owners and Confederates, so she might not be such a great choice.
I like the idea of Dolley Madison, since she was awesome, but the Madisons had a bit of trouble with money, so maybe she doesn't belong on currency either.
Clara Barton, maybe?
posted by fedward at 11:50 AM on June 18, 2015
I like the idea of Dolley Madison, since she was awesome, but the Madisons had a bit of trouble with money, so maybe she doesn't belong on currency either.
Clara Barton, maybe?
posted by fedward at 11:50 AM on June 18, 2015
Lily Tomlin
posted by Monochrome at 12:16 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Monochrome at 12:16 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
There are two Dolley Madison coins, actually, one commemorative silver dollar and one $10 First Spouse gold coin.
posted by Small Dollar at 12:24 PM on June 18, 2015
posted by Small Dollar at 12:24 PM on June 18, 2015
Oh man, Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of the Hamilton Mixtape) is killing it. "The delicious irony being that Aaron Burr was an ardent feminist. His ghost is high-fiving the WORLD right now."
posted by corb at 12:33 PM on June 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by corb at 12:33 PM on June 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
Just watch, it'll be Condoleezza Rice or Tipper Gore.
posted by hellslinger at 12:34 PM on June 18, 2015
posted by hellslinger at 12:34 PM on June 18, 2015
As much as I agree that there have been a lot of First Ladies who were accomplished and influential in their own right, I gotta say that as a choice to be depicted on currency, it seems kinda...monarchist.
posted by desuetude at 12:49 PM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by desuetude at 12:49 PM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'd also like to see Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
posted by persona au gratin at 4:39 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by persona au gratin at 4:39 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'd like to see Emma Goldman, would love to settle for Ella Fitzgerald.
posted by box at 4:44 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by box at 4:44 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Three Americans who should be on currency: Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, MLK.
posted by persona au gratin at 4:47 PM on June 18, 2015
posted by persona au gratin at 4:47 PM on June 18, 2015
I'd kind of like to see Sojourner Truth on there.
posted by dilettante at 6:24 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by dilettante at 6:24 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
If it's Harriet Tubman I need it to be this photo of Harriet Tubman please. The Elderly Goddess About to Strike Fools Down photo.
posted by BlueJae at 6:27 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by BlueJae at 6:27 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Amelia Earhart would be cool.
posted by Wemmick at 7:11 PM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Wemmick at 7:11 PM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
My wife's suggestion is Molly Picher. Revolutionary period, tough as nails, agreeable to both sides of the aisle - what's not to like?
posted by BWA at 7:15 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by BWA at 7:15 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Shirley Jackson.
posted by shakespeherian at 7:31 PM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by shakespeherian at 7:31 PM on June 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
As much as I agree that there have been a lot of First Ladies who were accomplished and influential in their own right, I gotta say that as a choice to be depicted on currency, it seems kinda...monarchist.
And sort of glorifies the idea of a woman being worthy of acknowledgment because of who she married. I don't know; if there is only one bill with a woman on it and she happens to be a First Lady, this isn't as much of an issue. But if it's a pattern where all women on currency are also First Ladies, I take pause. There are lots of accomplished women in our history. We don't need to limit ourselves to women who were married to presidents.
posted by sockermom at 8:43 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
And sort of glorifies the idea of a woman being worthy of acknowledgment because of who she married. I don't know; if there is only one bill with a woman on it and she happens to be a First Lady, this isn't as much of an issue. But if it's a pattern where all women on currency are also First Ladies, I take pause. There are lots of accomplished women in our history. We don't need to limit ourselves to women who were married to presidents.
posted by sockermom at 8:43 PM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I suggest Jane Addams, suffragette and Nobel peace laureate.
posted by foobaz at 12:33 AM on June 19, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by foobaz at 12:33 AM on June 19, 2015 [2 favorites]
I am so depressed about this. I thought I wouldn't care so much, but I do. It's so obvious how people in power see women as second class everything.
posted by agregoli at 8:52 AM on June 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by agregoli at 8:52 AM on June 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
> My wife's suggestion is Molly Picher. Revolutionary period, tough as nails, agreeable to both sides of the aisle - what's not to like?
Um, that "Molly Pitcher" isn't literally a real person?
But even if we presume that Mary Ludwig Hayes was "the" Molly Pitcher...supplying water to troops on the battlefield then taking over and firing the cannon for her injured husband is certainly bravery in the face of physical danger, but let's be real, the reason she was considered SUPER DUPER brave is the astonishment that a woman would have the fortitude to fire a cannon.
posted by desuetude at 8:52 AM on June 19, 2015
Um, that "Molly Pitcher" isn't literally a real person?
But even if we presume that Mary Ludwig Hayes was "the" Molly Pitcher...supplying water to troops on the battlefield then taking over and firing the cannon for her injured husband is certainly bravery in the face of physical danger, but let's be real, the reason she was considered SUPER DUPER brave is the astonishment that a woman would have the fortitude to fire a cannon.
posted by desuetude at 8:52 AM on June 19, 2015
"If it's Harriet Tubman I need it to be this photo of Harriet Tubman please. The Elderly Goddess About to Strike Fools Down photo."
Looks more like she's telling them that they should strike her down and their journey to the dark side will be complete.
posted by klangklangston at 10:24 AM on June 19, 2015
Looks more like she's telling them that they should strike her down and their journey to the dark side will be complete.
posted by klangklangston at 10:24 AM on June 19, 2015
Money should have two front sides; a man on one side and a woman on the other. Everybody can decide for themselves which is the front or back.
posted by mazola at 11:23 AM on June 19, 2015
posted by mazola at 11:23 AM on June 19, 2015
@Todd_Spenceposted by blueberry at 11:45 AM on June 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Went ahead and put a woman on my $10 bill - ELLEN RIPLEY.
"You..are my... lucky... star..."
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 12:50 PM on June 20, 2015
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 12:50 PM on June 20, 2015
I was thinking Rachel Carson might be a good choice.
posted by Rumple at 2:48 PM on June 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Rumple at 2:48 PM on June 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
So, the plan is to replace Hamilton (who deserves to be on a bill) instead of Jackson (who doesn't), with some unspecified woman (apparently it doesn't matter who, as long as she's female), but that would be too radical so Hamilton will also be on there (so they have to jam two people onto one bill). Is anyone satisfied by this decision? It seems like a plan devised by a committee where everyone just wanted to finish up and leave.
posted by Rangi at 4:42 PM on June 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Rangi at 4:42 PM on June 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
Ben Bernanke is against the move to get rid of Hamilton, wants to lose Jackson off 20, instead. Not super in favour of putting a woman on a bill, but doesn;t seem really against it either. Mostly likes Hamilton.
Hamilton's demotion is intended to make room to honor a deserving woman on the face of our currency. That's a fine idea, but it shouldn't come at Hamilton's expense. As many have pointed out, a better solution is available: Replace Andrew Jackson, a man of many unattractive qualities and a poor president, on the twenty dollar bill. Given his views on central banking, Jackson would probably be fine with having his image dropped from a Federal Reserve note. Another, less attractive, possibility is to circulate two versions of the ten dollar bill, one of which continues to feature Hamilton.
I was in government long enough to know that decisions like this have considerable bureaucratic inertia and are accordingly hard to reverse. But the Treasury Department should do everything within its power to defend the honor of Jack Lew's most illustrious predecessor.
posted by Rumple at 8:27 PM on June 22, 2015
Hamilton's demotion is intended to make room to honor a deserving woman on the face of our currency. That's a fine idea, but it shouldn't come at Hamilton's expense. As many have pointed out, a better solution is available: Replace Andrew Jackson, a man of many unattractive qualities and a poor president, on the twenty dollar bill. Given his views on central banking, Jackson would probably be fine with having his image dropped from a Federal Reserve note. Another, less attractive, possibility is to circulate two versions of the ten dollar bill, one of which continues to feature Hamilton.
I was in government long enough to know that decisions like this have considerable bureaucratic inertia and are accordingly hard to reverse. But the Treasury Department should do everything within its power to defend the honor of Jack Lew's most illustrious predecessor.
posted by Rumple at 8:27 PM on June 22, 2015
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posted by NoxAeternum at 11:22 PM on June 17, 2015