Answer Man: Who decided to put 'In God We Trust' on cars?

Q: Answer Man: I recently saw a Greene County sheriff's deputy's car with letters on the bumper that say, "In God We Trust." I called the sheriff's office and was told that Sheriff Jim Arnott decided to do this. If taxpayer money was used, is it legal? I'm asking because I am not of a faith that identifies with the name "God" and I don't think I'm the only one. — Laura Entwisle, Springfield, "and I'm not an atheist or a godless Communist"

Laura, I never would have assumed you were.

But if you told me you were a godless atheist I would have accused you of redundancy.

Yes, Sheriff Arnott is the person behind "In God We Trust."

He tells me he did it about a year ago.

"I made the decision. I had been meaning to do it since taking office in 2009 and I just got around to it," he says.

He says he has received three or four complaints.

I ask: Do you have any question that it might not be legal?

"None whatsoever," he says.

"I'm guessing she is offended by it. If that's the case. I'm hoping that she does not use any of our currency either."

U.S. currency carries the legend "In God We Trust."

I accompanied photographer Valerie Mosley to take a picture of the sheriff by a deputy's car. The department has about 100 such vehicles.

Arnott asks me to do something.

"Can you put one quote in there for me?"

I say I can, but I fear it will be his favorite Bible verse or maybe several of his favorite Bible verses.

"People ask me why I did it," Arnott tells me, smiling.. "The reason is because I like it."

Keep those questions coming. Send them to The Answer Man at 836-1253, spokin@gannett.com, on Twitter @stevepokinNL or by mail at 651 N. Boonville, Springfield, MO 65806. These are the views of Steve Pokin, the News-Leader's columnist.

ONLINE POLL

Dp you think Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott should have put "In God we trust" on deputies' cars? Take the poll here