The Penny: Obsolete?

We haven't heard much about the U.S. Penny lately, but it is still under siege. The arguments for and against its destruction are both compelling.

REASONS TO KEEP THE PENNY

It just won't go away, America's love of coins, that is. We collect them, store them, even pay money to get them. The fans of keeping the penny are loyal and are not backing down. They say it is part of America and it helps the poor. Some individuals and organizations have set up penny programs where all that excess change in people's pockets goes to aid those less financially fortunate. That's a strong case to keep pennies around.

Some say keep the penny, but use a different metal, or use recycled materials to make the coin. This will cut down on production costs and keep the penny in circulation. Sure, it will be worth even less then, but Americans will still have their beloved coins to collect. At least it won't become obsolete.

REASONS NOT TO KEEP

You can't use the penny in most vending machines. And if you can, who wants to wait in line behind you to drop a hundred or so pennies to by a few stamps? My roommate did-and then apologized profusely to the person behind her.

Some say it just isn't worth enough to keep. These folks would rather round up to the nearest dollar when they buy a dollar store item for 99 cents. The non-profit group Americans for Common Cents says that it would cost consumers $600 million a year if we did that. Don't we pay enough in taxes each year? Congress hasn't been able to pass a kill-the-penny bill because over 60% of Americans say they want to keep it. We may not necessarily like the penny taking up all that space in our cookie jars, but we sure don't want to round up that burger for lunch, plus get taxed for it!

Then again, we don't know who is being polled. A majority of the American population consists of the elderly and baby boomers. It seems that many elderly folks like to keep everything. It is their way to conserve because they lived through the Great Depression. So, do statistics show that penny-killers are in a certain age group? That is yet to be seen.

The penny was once stopped on U.S. military bases in Europe. It was 1980 and the motive was to cut down on expenses that it took to transport them across the ocean. Understandable. But what about those who say the penny is a true relic and should never become obsolete? What if pennies are worth something someday when they are dug up beneath the soil of Europe-or America? We find relics of all sorts every day emerging from our soil. The penny may just be one of them-someday.

WILL OUR PENNY PROVERBS BECOME OBSOLETE?

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Pennies from heaven.

A penny for your thoughts.

Penny candy. What do we do with that?

The debate is out there. Should the penny really become obsolete? Will we no longer be dropping pennies into Salvation Army kettles at Christmastime? Or will we spare the death of a relic in the making? Keep an eye out for Congress' next move and make sure you let your voice be heard on this issue. It's still hard-earned money.