A graphologist I am not. I don’t especially care about people’s handwriting, and I think people ought to be able to sign their names any way they want without being judged.
However, appearances are appearances, and I am not 100% sure I really want this signature appearing on the nation’s currency:
Via Glenn Reynolds, who avoids any handwriting analysis. Indeed, what “handwriting” is there to analyze? The “signature” above simply consists of a bunch of loops that look like a child learning how to write. It could be duplicated by anyone, and it strikes me as the type of signature that would trigger a “low security” warning at a bank — because it is the sort easily forged.
So, while I don’t consider it a reflection on the personality traits of Mr. Lew (unless maybe as an indicator that he reveals nothing), considering the way ordinary people think and react, I do think it is likely to make some people nervous about their money. It’s not as if the currency is rock-solid and more stable than ever, is it? It would not be hyperbole to say that we are living in nervous economic times. So what’s with the idea of putting a ridiculous-looking non-signature on the money?
How does this reassure the public that the country’s money (their money) is in good hands?
Call me paranoid if you want, but I think the signature looks decidedly non-serious. So casual as to be almost flippant in nature. The snarky response from the president is hardly reassuring:
“I’d never noticed Jack’s signature, and when this was highlighted yesterday in the press I considered rescinding my offer to appoint him. Jack assured me that he is going to work to make at least one letter legible in order not to debase our currency should he be confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury.”
Sorry, but I am not reassured. I’m about as reassured as I would be if he had thumbed his nose at the camera.
UPDATE: Here’s how it would look on a $100.00 bill:
MORE: And here’s a more presidential version.
Comments
8 responses to “If it looks funny, is it?”
Umm. did Obama actually SAY that (link, please)? If so, I’m amazed. The man actually has a sense of humor. Really, I AM surprised.
I suspect it’s more likely that someone WITH a sensa humah is sticking words in his mouth.
I agree, Kathy. It was the sort of comment Reagan might have made.
As to authenticity, I quoted from the Slate link above, and if you want to see a video, here it is:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/10/obama-jack-lew-signature_n_2449770.html?utm_hp_ref=politics
What is this:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4NBGf_HqVI/UPCMIkFdKwI/AAAAAAAAAj8/MZRhmcArg-Y/s1600/427c46ce-ed0a-35ef-bb79-24ffb39d1aab%2B-%2BLew%2B100%2Bbill.jpg
Link to the picture I borrowed.
Well, damn. He does have a sensa humah. Point for Obama. Sorry, but it is.
Oh, and, btw, the cigarette cartoon isn’t that good. WOULD have been good if that had been a roll-yer-own (your choice of fillings) with the dollar being used, and the signature going up.
I know a lot of people do illegible signatures to make it harder for forgers – but I will admit that one takes the cake for being rather opposite intention – even *I* could forge that – and I can’t even forge my own signature half the time…
It looks like he is too lazy to write a recognizable signature.
Looks like he’s practicing writing a bunch zeros, almost as if that’s a skill he’s going to need soon.