talkmagic.co.uk

(Please note: this is not a political post. The point of this thread is informational and related to magic. If someone wishes to begin a political discussion in this matter please start a fresh thread in the Dove's Head so this thread doesn't get moved, many thanks)

On November 29th a federal judge ruled that US currency is discriminatory to the blind. He ruled that the US government must redesign the currency in order to make it easily distinguishable to the blind.

The US government had 10 days to file an appeal. I can't find any information that such an appeal was filed. So unless they've filed and it hasn't become public yet, or were granted some sort of extention, it seems US money will soon be changing.

This isn't going to have any immediate consequences, however, it might do well for any magician that uses US money to keep an eye on developments.

Depending on the redesign, US magicians might also be able to pick up a few tips from our UK brethren as they've been dealing with this issue for some time.

Here are some relevant links:
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/64342.aspx
http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/06/11/29/0146257.shtml

I've been watching interviews and stories on this. I won't get all political, but I have enjoyed listening to John Paré's arguments against this action.

Personally, I don't see a big problem coming from this, other than the hassle of making the transition. Money is money, if you ask me.

UK notes change every few years or so in the interests of frustrating counterfeiters but I'm not fully convinced about this argument as modern technology is so high that copies can be made within hours of new style notes being released. Our coins have changed a little but seem to be stable in size and design - the next big change would be if and when we join the Euro economy and adopt the Euro notes and coins.

It's a shame if US greenbacks were to change, they've been iconic for decades! I guess all those 'blank paper to dollar bill' and self folding dollar bill effects will have to be reworked. Keep us posted guys.

Everything will be euro soon

UPDATE:

US government has appealed the ruling.

American Council of the Blind states they would be happy to wait for the next change in currency so the cost is minimal. However, they have been pushing for a change since 1995 and there have been several redesigns to reduce counterfeiting since then and there have not been changes to aid the blind.

However, so far there have been numerous changes suggested, only one of them changing the shape. The others include micro-braille lettering, embossed seals, etc.

Guess it goes to court from here, everyone keep your ears open.


Here are some relevant links:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2720870
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/12/12/blind.money/
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... Id=6553450