Comments on: Appeals Court: Paper Money Discriminates Against the Blind

By: EW1(SG)

EW1(SG) — Sat, 24 May 2008 11:19:37 +0000

Adam J:

which makes sense since they’re forced to rely on expensive, inaccurate and bulky machines

Having worked in the coin-op industry for a while,

I’m baffled that you ~~don’t~~ think

that inexpensive money readers aren’t relatively easily available.

When was the last time a vending machine gave you incorrect change?

(Which happens, which is why there is usually a sticker that says “For service call …” It is, after all a mechanical device subject to wear and tear. But if they were as unreliable as you suggest, there wouldn’t be a coin-op industry.)

By: JD

JD — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:58:16 +0000

Our currency also discriminates against the illiterate like Levi. How can we solve this ?

By: JD

JD — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:56:56 +0000

Adam – this was not an ADA case. That is part of the point.

By: JD

JD — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:55:19 +0000

Our current paper currency discriminates against people with no hands too. Maybe they should have to cover every bill with a sticky substance, or velcro.

By: Adam J

Adam J — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:37:10 +0000

SPQR- tell me where the case says that- the case says currency only identifiable by sight denies the blind meaningful access, which makes sense since they’re forced to rely on expensive, inaccurate and bulky machines or have blind faith in others (no pun intended). I’m baffled that you don’t think Courts can’t use the ADA can force Congress to give meaningful access here, simply because it’s currency. Next you’ll tell me that can’t force them to have a ramp into the post office, cause Congress has the authority to establish post offices.

By: stef

stef — Fri, 23 May 2008 01:55:04 +0000

“There is a far leap from that to stating that the nation’s currency, the specification of which is wholly in Congress’ hands, has to change. ”

When redesigns are done, isn’t it the treasury that does them, not Congress? I don’t see why you fetishize Congress here. They’ve clearly handed off the policy.

By: SPQR

SPQR — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:20:49 +0000

Adam J., a weak argument in itself. Congress never made a policy decision about the currency. They stated that disabled people would not be disqualified from participating in federal programs and activities “solely” as a result of their handicap. There is a far leap from that to stating that the nation’s currency, the specification of which is wholly in Congress’ hands, has to change. That’s a policy choice that courts are poorly equipped to decide.

By: Adam J

Adam J — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:01:28 +0000

SPQR- Congress did act, who do you think created the statute that the judges interpreted? You’re blaming judges for doing their job, a judge’s job is to interpret Congress’ laws. Here they are interpreting the effect of a vague statute on the fact that our currency doesn’t accomodate the blind. Congress made a policy decision in creating a statute who’s interpretation is left open for judges.

By: JD

JD — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:06:28 +0000

You are all just racist sexist homophobes.

By: EW1(SG)

EW1(SG) — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:50:10 +0000

#81 Kevin Murphy:

You could solve this by putting a tiny chip inside each bill — something unpowered like RFID but simpler, with maybe a 1 inch range.

There already is, which is how bill changers work.