Roadside cross memorials unconstitutional?

[DisneyfeverTN]

These people protesting must have nothing better to do with their time. I'm not Christian, but the symbol of the cross does not bother me. I see small crosses all of the time on the side of the road memorializing people who have died. It makes the grieving families feel better and that is all that matters to me.

I can understand being an atheist. I actually understand that belief more than being in an organized religion. However, if you believe in something with confidence, you should not feel threatened by the beliefs of others or feel the need to change other people.

 

[salmoneous]

I'm surprised there aren't more folks upset with a group claiming that the cross is a secular symbol. The cross is the most important symbol Christianity has. We shouldn't let groups like the Utah Highway Patrol Association try and de-sanctify it.

 

[manning]

If memory serves me correctly, this country was founded on religious or non religious belief.

In other words if you don't believe in god, then don't. If you do then do.

Don't impose your beliefs on others!!!




that's my take on it.

 

[smartestnumber5]

I'm surprised there aren't more folks upset with a group claiming that the cross is a secular symbol. The cross is the most important symbol Christianity has. We shouldn't let groups like the Utah Highway Patrol Association try and de-sanctify it.

Yes I agree that it's absolutely ridiculous to argue that the crosses are a secular symbol.

As far as the case, I don't know if it's actually a violation of the first amendment if the crosses weren't paid for with tax-payer money; I suspect it will be given the constitutional okay.

 

[dcentity2000]

As far as I'm concerned everyone has a right to express their religion. Tolerance is a cornerstone of human rights.



Rich::

 

[sha_lyn]

Personally, I think if the "memorials" (in this case, crosses) bear the official logo of the state highway patrol, on state land then it could be construed as the state sanctioning a religion, whether they are actually paid for by the state or not.

I get what you are saying, but it could be said that precedence/procedure has been set by allowing approved religious symbols on grave markers in veteran cemeteries. The symbols do have to be on the pre-aproved list. just recently a Wiccan pentacle was added, and there are already symbols for most major religious, and even a symbol for atheist.

 

[BabyPiglet]

If memory serves me correctly, this country was founded on religious or non religious belief.

In other words if you don't believe in god, then don't. If you do then do.

Don't impose your beliefs on others!!!




that's my take on it.

Never thought of it exactly that way, but I completely agree.

 

[Galahad]

<<If a national atheist organization has its way, a series of 12-foot-tall memorial crosses that adorn Utah's highways will be taken down.

But not if the families of the people those crosses honor — state Highway Patrol troopers killed in the line of duty — have anything to say about it.

American Atheists Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that the 13 white, steel crosses represent the death of Jesus Christ and therefore violate the First Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibits government establishment of religion....>>

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,311956,00.html

Idoits!

 

[Chuck S]

I get what you are saying, but it could be said that precedence/procedure has been set by allowing approved religious symbols on grave markers in veteran cemeteries. The symbols do have to be on the pre-aproved list. just recently a Wiccan pentacle was added, and there are already symbols for most major religious, and even a symbol for atheist.

But there is a difference. Not only are the grave makers used in government cemetaries, they are also used in private cemetaries. And which religious symbol is used is not "chosen" by the VA, it is selected/requested by the surviving family of the deceased, from symbols approved by the VA. The grave markers are just that, they mark the place of final rest of the body.

The crosses in Utah do not mark the final resting place, it is intended to be a "public" memorial that is privately funded, but yet it is sanctioned by the State by virtue of the use of the official Highway Patrol logo and its location on publically owned state highway right of way.

I just think a memorial garden, with monuments or obelisks, located in a safe area near a rest area would be safer for all concerned, both the traveling public, and family members that may wish to visit. A state sanctioned memorial area, IMO, should be about honoring the lives of the fallen officers, not about making a religious statement...no matter which religion is involved.

 

[NYBlue1]

Its rediculous to me that people actually have time in their day to worry about these things never mind complain about them. Who cares, they are not hurting anybody they are not there to offend why even give this a second thought. my opinion they need to get a hobby and a life.

 

[Charade]

Isn't Arlington National Cemetary full of white crosses?

 

[sha_lyn]

Isn't Arlington National Cemetary full of white crosses?

No
http://www.flickr.com/photos/littletravelnurse/135773083/

 

[jemiaule]

.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

The main problems of them, by those opposed, had nothing to do with there being crosses. They were concerned about: 1) the memorials are a distraction to those driving, 2) persons visiting the site are endangering themselves by being so close to the side of the rodes, and 3) that's what gravesites are for.

I tend to agree with these reasons, but if the memorial sites are allowed, I have no problem with crosses.

Sheesh, next thing you know, Bill O'Lielly will be adding this story to his war on christianity.

I completely agree with this. People don't build big shrines in hospital rooms or at the hospice because that is where their loved one died. Cross or no cross makes no difference to me.

 

[jemiaule]

.

 

[GeorgeG]

I think this organization and their lawsuit amounts to spitting into the wind. I am an athiest, but do not begrudge Christians their beliefs as long as they don't get on my case over my beliefs (or lack of them?). There are usually two sides to every argument and in this case neither side has anything worth losing sleep over. Let them have their crosses and keep your eyes on the road.

 

[sha_lyn]

Actually, you are both right.

The headstones have religious symbols on them...some of which are crosses.

Not to nitpick but I don't believe a small symbol on a headstone is what Charade meant. I believe he meant that the headstones were actually crosses. As I said earlier, religious symbols are allowed on veteran gavemarkers, be it a cross, star of David, Pentacle (as of just a few months ago), etc.

 

[NYBlue1]

I completely agree with this. People don't build big shrines in hospital rooms or at the hospice because that is where their loved one died. Cross or no cross makes no difference to me.

These are police officers that died on the roads they are keeping safe for you and I . A bit diffrent than a loved one passing in a hospital room. I dont see how these crosses that are set off the road are causing people distraction to the point they are driving off the roads or running into each other. I dont believe they are ment to be visited as a mourning area either. Just a tribute to the officer that died on the road protecting its travelers

 

[basas]

These are police officers that died on the roads they are keeping safe for you and I . A bit diffrent than a loved one passing in a hospital room. I dont see how these crosses that are set off the road are causing people distraction to the point they are driving off the roads or running into each other. I dont believe they are ment to be visited as a mourning area either. Just a tribute to the officer that died on the road protecting its travelers

Exactly. Anyone saying they are a safety issue because they may distract drivers are simply coming up with excuses. They are no more distracting than buildings, landmarks, landscapes, billboards or anything else on the side of the road.

 

[Cool-Beans]

There is nobody who dislikes these roadside memorials more than I, but I don't find them offensive. I just find them annoying.

However, if it makes the loved ones of someone who died feel better, then I can deal with it. It's just something I pass by, not a big deal.