DICK JOHNSON: A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

For over a year now Canadian newspapers have been editorializing about abolishing the cent coin. For Canada the subject is not "if" it's "when." In the United States it's not "when" its "if." With two strikes against retaining the coin for current circulation, it's a double-barrel attack for both countries. It cost more to make than its face value and its economic value as a circulating coin is not justified in advancing economic civilization.

If you are a long-time reader of The E-Sylum you will have read many of my articles that endorse abolishing both the cent and the nickel for a more streamlined coinage system for America. Drop these two denominations and add two more in multiple dollar denominations. But we are so slow to adopt innovations that have proved so successful in other countries. Australia, for example, has dropped the two lowest valued coins and is considering axing the third.

In Canada this Sunday, one writer in the North Bay Nugget (don't ask me where that is) -- only identified by name "Eweser" -- expounded on the fact he will be sad to see a lot of phrases in the English language based on the cent coin vanish along with the coin. That might not be true, but he listed the following:

A penny saved is a penny earned… I’ll have to check the interest rates and get back to you on this one. This was a favorite saying of old-timers who could actually buy something with a penny…ahhh, the good old days.

Penny-wise and pound-foolish… Much like some of the government programs being implemented!

Not having two cents to rub together… I think many of us today can relate to this.

Cost a pretty penny… This one has me stumped! Does this mean that an ugly penny saves you money???

Penny ante… This means of little value or importance… much like this saying!

Cut someone off without a penny... Now why do I get the feeling that this one is really going to put a hole in my pocket?

Thanks for your indulgence, and a penny for your thoughts… (unquote)

Thanks, Eweser.

To read the complete article, see: A Penny for your Thoughts (www.nugget.ca/Community/NewsDisplay.aspx?c=167783)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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