Proposing that the words “Taxation Without Representation” appear on a D.C. quarter slated to appear in 2009 was either a strong-willed statement of defiance or a worthless waste of an opportunity. It just depends who you ask.

Since Mayor Adrian Fenty announced three proposed designs for the D.C. quarter on Monday — one would feature the stars and bars of the city flag, another Benjamin Banneker, a third Duke Ellington; all would include the District’s voting rights slogan — opinions have largely been mixed. To the activists at D.C. Vote, the inclusion of the phrase doesn’t just make an important point, it reflects a daily reality:

“Our nation’s capital is home to more than panda bears and monuments. It’s home to hard-working, tax-paying Americans who are denied a vote in the Congress that governs them.” said Ilir Zherka, DC Vote Executive Director. “I’m sure the Mint would love to see a panda bear on the District’s quarter. We wouldn’t mind seeing that either… as long as the panda is wearing a ‘Taxation Without Representation’ t-shirt.”

But for others, it’s just a waste of time, since the U.S. Mint has already expressed its discomfort with the idea. Post Metro columnist Marc Fisher is especially unhappy, drawing upon all his snark in a blog post published today: