I'm not from Georgia. I didn't go to college in Georgia. But I've lived in Georgia for over 15 years now and I've come to love this state and its people. It's my home now and I can't imagine ever leaving. I'm a Georgian. As a Georgian, I find it difficult to comprehend why the state actually allows and produces official license plates for cars that promote out-of-state colleges.
You know what I'm talking about. You've seen them on the road. There are Georgia license plates that have the University of Florida gator on them. There are plates that showcase Auburn, Clemson, Alabama and Tennessee.
As a Georgian I don't understand why this came to be. We have great schools here in Georgia. Why do we allow people to publicize out of state schools on Georgia-issued license plates?
Do we want Georgia high school students to possibly be swayed in their college choice by seeing a constant barrage of University of Florida or Clemson University plates? Don't we want these kids to go to college in Georgia and strengthen our university system?
I'm all for special license plates. They allow people to showcase their interests (Falcons, NASCAR), their military experience (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard) or their favorite causes (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, breast cancer awareness, pet sterilization).
The special plates help the state raise revenue and the people put these plates on their cars and trucks are happy.
I just don't see why the State of Georgia should provide rolling billboards for out-of-state colleges and universities. Is it really worth the $35 a year, per license plate that goes into the state coffers?
What's next? License plates that highlight out of state professional sports teams? Would you like to see a Georgia issued New Orleans Saints license plate? How about a Georgia issued New York Mets license plate? It's just as ridiculous as allowing out-of-state schools on Georgia plates.
I understand that the Metro Atlanta area is a huge melting pot of graduates from colleges and universities all around the southeast. I understand that the alumni of these schools live and work in Georgia now and like to show their school pride. But why does it have to be on a state issued license plate? What's wrong with bumper stickers, school flags or even license plate frames?
There are plenty of ways to show that you went to or are a fan of the University of Alabama. I just don't think it should be on a Georgia license plate.
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