So whose mug should adorn the $10 bill, part 2…

In the discussion of replacing Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill with a woman of United States significance, there are the usual suggestions of Eleanor Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Ida Tarbell and others who have made a meaningful contribution in general to our great nation with specific areas of notoriety for the advancement of women. With all due respect to Anthony who played an importance role in gaining the right to vote for women, she was tried on the $1 coin, and that went bust due to lack of popularity. Look at the ancient historical possibilities should stop in favor of more up-to-date selections.

As the US Treasury seeks answers to the question of the right woman to replace Hamilton, let’s look at some who would be a bit more popular than the standard, historical females in hopes that the new face finds homes in wallets though use of credit cards, debit cards and payment with smart phones is increasing so much that currency may eventually go by the wayside. Here are a few suggestions:

Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner on the $10 bill?

• Gloria Steinem, a 1960s, bra-burning woman who was at the forefront of the surge of female idealism.
• Betty White, an ageless actress who is loved for her wit and wisdom by women and men. On the other hand, if she’s selected, she either needs to be accompanied by the other “Golden Girls” or be holding a Snickers.
• Michelle Obama, because she is a great role model for young African-Americans as the first African-American First Lady, we think.
• Hillary Clinton, but only if she’s elected President because then she would be the first female President of the United States. Hey, the first male President of the United States made it on the $1. With inflation, it’s only right the first female be on the $10.
• Rachel Dolezal, the Caucasian turned African-American (in her mind if no other way). If the debate centers on Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, Dolezal could be the compromise candidate to satisfy both races.
• And then there’s Caitlyn Jenner, the former Bruce Jenner, who would be the compromise between replacing Hamilton with another man or with a woman. She/he is a prominent and well decorated American athlete. This is not an original suggestion at all, but it makes as much sense as any other the others.

The problem with any of the traditional possibilities is the relationship to today’s currency users. Today, we may see a name and face on current currency but my guess is few know the significance of any, including George Washington. Show a $50 bill to someone in their 20-years of age and all they’ll know is that a man with a beard in a military uniform is on the $50 bill. It’s just money which is intended to be spent not horded. 

Maybe the US Treasury should copy a page out of the US Postal Service playbook and issue several $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills, rotating faces of women every month or so or during specific seasons. That way, all bases would be covered from the traditional to the ridiculous.

--------------------

Dictionary.com word of the day

swashbuckler (noun) [swosh-buhk-ler; swawsh-buhk-ler] a swaggering swordsman, soldier, or adventurer; daredevil