Massachusetts Looks to Redesign Its State Quarter!
by Tom Buchanan

March 12, 2002, Boston

Taking its cue from Jefferson Middle School in Fort Wayne, Ind. legislators from the state of Massachusetts have taken on the issue of redesigning the state's commemorative quarter. The Jefferson Middle school's mascot is a minuteman bearing the same image as that on the state's quarter.

In October of 2001 the image inside the main door of the school was repainted to exclude the firearm. Principal Michael Morris, who took over at the school in July, said: "The mural needed to be repainted anyway, and this sends a stronger, better message about patriotism. Everyone loves it."

News-Sentinel columnist Kevin Leininger said that not everyone loves it. "Those who would purge violence from American history do more than dishonor the sacrifices made to write that history: It gives children the inaccurate and dangerous notion that our freedoms were won and can be maintained without a struggle,"

The Massachusetts' state quarter was released in January of 2000 and features an image of a minuteman with a firm grasp on his musket. Legislators argued that it sends the wrong message in a time when gun violence is out of hand.

The legislators have been urged by several gun control groups to replace the ancient musket with a more, non-threatening tool. It seems that they want a farm implement to replace the gun as it would better represent the image people would like of their state. They have narrowed the list down to a shovel, rake, hoe or sickle.

The legislators want your input on which design to proceed with. There is still time to let your voice be heard. Sketches of the new proposed designs are below.

Choose which design you would like to see replace the current design and click on this link to send a message to the Massachusetts legislature.

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