Utah’s Cross Controversy

The Declaration of Independence was written by a group of predominately Deists, not Christians as is believed by way too many people. The word Creator actually refers to "Creator". If somone chooses to refer to their creator as God, Father of Jesus Christ, go ahead, but don't infer that's what the writers meant. Do a little research. You might be surprised at what you find.

But can that be done with religious expression? This country has not said that others do not have the freedom to express their own religion. We have simply recognized Christianity as the focal religion of our nation. It is just like Islam. I understand if I go to the Middle East this is the predominant religion. I go and respect that. I do not say they are stepping on my rights as a Christian.

The families, the law enforcement organization and the state of Utah are protected under the Constitution of the United States Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Expression to place any markers they wish to use as a memorial. If anyone finds this offensive then they have the ability to not look at the memorial.

I'm an atheist and I don't see what the big deal is about allowing them to keep the crosses up, or putting up new ones in the future, if the unfortunate situation arises and they need to. This is a program to honor fallen officers who were doing their jobs, not a conspiracy to convert the whole world to Catholicism. In Montana, small white crosses are put up next to the road where ever someone has died in a car accident. Its the same thing, just on a smaller scale.

Every time I see a cross on the side of the road, I see a memorial to some one that has passed. Personnally, I am tired of the intolerance in this country. You dont like something, no matter what it is or what its for, you sue. This country was based on the right to FREEDOM. That is supposed to mean that you have beliefs that others dont, and its all right you dont have to. I am an atheist myself, but this has gotten out of hand. GET OVER YOURSELVES ALREADY!

Putting aside the historical reality that this country was FOUNDED as a Christian state, where ALL are supposed to be able to express their religious beliefs freely...lets look at what the actual situation. ALL of the officers have the same marking, whatever their beliefs were. Therefore, that choice of symbol belongs to those that paid for them to be erected and the state is not obligated to conform to any fairness guidelines from some those crackpots. Whether the crosses are religious in nature or not, someone claiming to be offended by them is even more offensive, and they should therefore be ignored...maybe even fined. This country has lost its way with legal system. Once upon a time knowing right from wrong was more important than what is legal.

The Declaration of Independence says:"We are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". That statement refers directly to God, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. This isn't rocket science, folks! The Athiests have an agenda too. And we all know who they are representing.

I'm not an atheist, nor am I religious, but when I see a cross on the side of the road I instantly think, "That's so sad, someone lost a family member there," not, Jesus died on a cross for the sins of humanity. Only the atheists and ACLU-types think of Jesus on the cross before they think of anything else. Which is rather funny. Besides, separation of church and state doesn't mean that you can't show a religious symbol on public land, it means that the government can't tell you to worship at a certain place, at a particular time in a specific way or risk imprisonment or death or some other punishment. If seeing a cross or Star of David or some other symbol that could signify a religion makes a person suddenly feel the need to worship that particular way....well either they had already been thinking of that or they are way to easily swayed. On a final note, stop being offended by things that were not meant to offend, but were meant to memoralize and honor someone.

Let's see if I unerstand this: Atheists have the right to demand that we, Christians abide by their believes in whichever way argued, but us Christians cannot demand that they leave us in peace to believe as we see fit.... Thus, when we erect a cross in memory of a fallen Christian Officer , Atheists are insulted !?! If/When a Jewish, Muslim, Atheist Officer loses his/her life in the line of duty, should we Christians not honor them as well in any manner which their beliefs see fit?
I thought we lived in America; the land of the free... What has happened to us? As one who trusts in Jesus, I can only pray for my country and for humanity.
May God Bless Ameirca and the whole world,
Ninni Lemus, Santa Barbara, CAZ.

I am an atheist, a Jewish atheist at that... and I have to say that this is HORRIBLE!!! These fallen heroes deserve something to honor them and whether it be a Star of David or a Christian Cross, WHO CARES!!! This is about honoring the memory of people who protect and serve... I could understand if the family did not want a cross, choosing something else to honor their trooper's memory... but that is the family's decision not the publics.

It's so sad that we who call ourselves Christians don't have the same right to free speach that others have. I can't watch TV with my children or drive through the city without having to shield their eyes or ears from something I feel is offensive or inappropriate. If our country is truly fighting for free speech...let us ALL express ourselves freely. Otherwise these groups are being just as discriminative as they accuse us of being.

I think that the ideea of a cross ia a great one, based on the fact that this nation was built on christian beliefs!
As far as what atheists are demanding, I think is ridiculous and ill fated!
Look what atheists did in Eastern Europe for some many years: confusion and destruction, millions of lives lost to a wrong cause!
Do they want to bring the same destruction to this land? In the name of "freedom of speach" or church separation from the state? Only because they do not believe in anything else than themselvs?
How about those gave their lives to save the others? Don't they deserve some respect?
I think they do! There is a God who will reward everybody!

misterharban - I do not profess to be qualified to pass judgement on the legality of the Utah crosses. It is precisely for this reason that I am interested in the judge's ruling, and his arguments.

As for my opinion, I assume you are referring to the marker assigned to each individual grave? My personal opinion is that the deceased should be able to have whatever they wish as a personal grave marking. But my personal opinion may or may not have any relation to the applicable law.

I also note that if my loved one were a Jainist or a Zoroastor, the military would currently not allow me to use symbols of these religions as a memorial in a national military cemetery. Both the religions listed have an active following, and both are older than Christianity. My opinion is that it is wrong for the military (govt) to favor some religions over others (or none at all). Much better, although not very practical in this situation, is for the govt to stay out of religion altogether.

FYI permissible symbols are as follows: Aaronic Order Church, Atheist, Bahai Nine-Pointed Star, Buddhist (Wheel of Righteousness), Christian , Christian and Missionary Alliance, Christian Church, Christian Reformed Church, Christian Scientist (Cross and Crown), Church of World Messianity (Izunome), Community of Christ, Eckankar, Episcopal Cross, Greek Cross, Hindu , Humanist Emblem of Spirit , Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii, Judaism (Star of David), Konko-Kyo Faith, Lutheran Cross, Mormon (Angel Moroni), Muslim (Crescent and Star), Muslim (Islamic Five-Pointed Star), Native American Church of America, Presbyterian Church (USA), Presbyterian Cross, Russian Orthodox Cross, Seicho-No-Ie, Serbian Orthodox Cross, Sikh (Khanda), Soka Gakkai International (USA), Sufism Reoriented, Tenrikyo Church, Unitarian Church (Flaming Chalice), United Church of Christ, United Church of Religious Science, United Methodist Church, United Moravian Church, Wicca (Pentacle)

privated funded memorials for public employees on public land, great idea. atheists fear their non-existing-God, so they are unhappy and contenscious. if there is no God why get yor knickers in a bunch? the constitution prohibits the government, congress from choosing a religion for us. but you weiners want to tell people what to think. twisting the publics arm using the courts and occasional judges who share your truly irrational opinion.a private fund placing cross shaped memorials makes sense. would a bill board be better? and the land is public land not under the protection or control atheists. the cross was a Roman mode of execution. you want to read religion into that be my guest. in fact the more the atheists blather on the more laughable the mind set pecomes. private funds recognizing public employees on public land by a logically designed signpost is a great idea. they could have used the cresent moon but where would they write the names and particulars? now atheists, go away to your noGod meetings and argue and plot against your imaginary foe. give us peek every so often for a good laugh.

If anybody wanted to fight the separation of church and state in Utah they have a lot more to pick form than some crosses on the roadside. How about the fact the Mormon kids get out of school to go to a church class and get school credit for it.

OK so what is next? do we go to Arlington and remove the crosses from all the soldgers graves it is public land. Come on people get a life!

What is next, do we go to Arlington and remove the crosses from the soldgers graves?? After all it is public land also. Come on people GET A LIFE