Are people too sensitive to memorial crosses on America's highways?

1. 81

   Gerber Inkposted 14 years ago

   "These memorials have the impermissible effect of conveying to the reasonable observer the message that the state prefers or otherwise endorses a certain religion." -10th Circuit Court of Appeals
   
   Do you feel that these crosses should be taken down, or do you think they should just be left alone?  When/if you see one of these crosses, do you automatically connect them with anything having to do with the state?  Should people also have to take down other memorials that are along the highways as well (those for people other than the troopers) if they have a cross in them?

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      Tim_511posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It looks like the 10th Circuit is trying to overtake the 9th Circus Court for the most ignorant decisions.

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         Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         "the 9th Circus Court"
         
         Excellent description.

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            Ron Montgomeryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Plagiarized from Rush Limbaugh, which explains the utter ignoramouslishidiobaselessnesstification of it.
            
            If Palin can do it, we all can do it.

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               Jim Hunterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               u rite goodly

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            2. 75

               Tim_511posted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Actually, I've heard it from a number of different sources - I'm not sure where I heard it first, but it might have been on Rush.

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                  Ron Montgomeryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  I heard it on Rush about 15 years ago.  It makes about as much sense as "feminazis".

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                     Tim_511posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     They are overturned by the SC far more often than any other circuit court and regulary use ridiculous reasoning to get their decisions.  If the shoe fits...
                     
                     I supposed if you're a leftist (I'm new, so I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing you are), you probably like their decisions, so it makes sense that you may disagree.

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   2. 65

      Set's All Setposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      We have freedom of religion here in the states. Some people are not aware that we also have freedom FROM religion. Sadly, these crosses are left standing because people don't care enough to speak out against it. But if the state knows that these crosses are up and they don't do anything about it, then that's where things get messy.
      
      
      Separation of state and church must be respected. Just as kids are not required to pledge allegiance "under god" anymore, this separation must be enforced.

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2. 87

   WryLiltposted 14 years ago

   That's an absolutely disgusting government attitude!
   
   Families often leave memorial crosses along with bunches of flowers at places where people died in car accidents [here in Australia].
   
   And all anyone thinks is "How awful that they lost someone" and hopefully slows down as well. A memorial cross is a better traffic regulator than a big sign, because it's real.

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3. 79

   psycheskinnerposted 14 years ago

   So long as families can leave whatever type of memorial shape they like (Star, Cross, Crescent etc), and it is treated the same, I don't see any issue.

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      Ivorwenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree.  Around here I see almost as many dream catchers staked at the side of the road as I do crosses.  They are treated with the same respect and left for a season.

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4. 76

   Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

   For sheer emotional impact, these memorials definitely capture attention. I know I always look twice and make a mental note "How sad, someone (or a car full of someones) died right here."
   The problem, I believe, is that that is public land. Does a private citizen have a right to use public land for their own private use? Maybe these families get building permits or something... IDK.
   
   Here in my neighborhood there was a horrific accident a few years ago. Four young lives -- including an infant -- were lost.
   Often when I drive or walk by the accident site there is a memorial on the lamppost. Photos, balloons, flowers, etc.
   Then the memorial disappears. Then a new one goes up. It's like the people grieving are in a constant state of war with the owners of the parking lot where the lamppost is....

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5. 82

   Rafiniposted 14 years ago

   It may seem insensitive, but I don't pay attention to them anymore.  There are just too many popping up all over the place and sometimes I even see a new memorial (where there wasn't one before) at a site where there wasn't a reported accident. 
   
   I personally think it would be a better use of money and time to honor the loved ones in a better fashion.  Donate the money spent to a worthwhile charity, donate your time to helping others through the grieving process.  To continue to put up a memorial that will only be taken down ASAP is, to me, a pointless venture.

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6. 60

   Ohmaposted 14 years ago

   The thing that bothers me most about them is that they pop up all over the place but are eventually left to become more debris on our roadways.
   I know that may seem insensitive but honestly we bury our dead in cemeteries to have some place to go and feel connected to them. The shrines on the highways would be okay if they were tended to and then removed after a time but mos are not they are just left to rot.

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7. 83

   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   I don't have a problem with it.
   
   and when I see one, I don't connect it with anything other than that someone lost a loved one. actually I haven't noticed that many crosses, but nearby the family updates 3 crosses every year. I do remember it was a terrible accident.

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8. 67

   Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

   I am sure that everyone spending days supporting a Mosque/Cultural center on the forums will be rushing to this thread to support people's freedom of religion.

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