Atheist group wants memorial crosses removed

[Johnboy60]

A lawsuit filed by the American Atheists in U.S. District Court on Thursday seeks to remove steel crosses that dot roadways throughout Utah and memorialize Utah Highway Patrol troopers who have died in the line of duty.

The suit has drawn harsh reaction from family members of the fallen troopers and promises to be the source of an emotional battle.

The crosses, which stand about 12 feet high and bear the trooper's name and the UHP insignia, were erected starting in 1998 and serve as a memorial for 14 troopers who have died since 1931. About nine of the crosses are on public land and all of them are placed near the spot where the troopers lost their lives.

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3271385

 

[Thirst_For_Knowledge]

Why didn't they use a Pentagram instead of a cross?

 

[pantsman52]

Eh, this really seems like a bad idea. I'm sure that they could come up with a legal justification for it, but it's in bad taste to mess with things related to death.

 

[Trogdor the Burninator]

Wow - I must have missed the article titled "All other problems in world solved"

 

[Helo]

Well...I personally dont see anything wrong with it. I mean I can ignore a cross on the highway, there are HUNDREDS of crosses of various sizes along the main road through town for people killed.

It sounds like the people have a legitimate greviance.

 

[MadeInOz]

For pete's sakes... get over it guys.... don't take it so seriously...

What is it really hurting you?

 

[Helo]

For pete's sakes... get over it guys.... don't take it so seriously...

What is it really hurting you?

Whats it really hurting you to replace the cross with a marker stone?

 

[cwolf20]

would have to be a big marker stone the same size as one of the crosses to catch the attention of those who drive by. Of course, it'd also have to be heavy or well set in the ground. First though you have to remove the crosses from whatever they set in the ground to keep them from blowing over. Then that which they sat in. Replace it with something similar and set the stone in.

Gee, think it'd take awhile?

Whats it really hurting you to replace the cross with a marker stone?

 

[ApocryphaNow]

I don't know why the crosses have to be so big, but I still think this is a bit extreme... then again, in Utah I can see atheists being a bit frustrated.

 

[Trogdor the Burninator]

So, there are crosses along the highway, to mark the places where police were kiilled in the line of duty.
And the American Atheists Inc. spend time, effort and money to complain.

Not about the crimes that resulted in officer's deaths.
Not about the safety of the highway
But about the shape of the memorial.

 

[Helo]

would have to be a big marker stone the same size as one of the crosses to catch the attention of those who drive by. Of course, it'd also have to be heavy or well set in the ground. First though you have to remove the crosses from whatever they set in the ground to keep them from blowing over. Then that which they sat in. Replace it with something similar and set the stone in.

Gee, think it'd take awhile?

Why do you need a gigantic ANYTHING to memorialize the officers?

Whats wrong with a plaque in a public park or other public place?

 

[Voegelin]

Someone wants to put up a cross or several, so what? Let them. Not worth discussing much less making a Federal case over.

 

[Helo]

Someone wants to put up a cross or several, so what? Let them. Not worth discussing much less making a Federal case over.

So if it doesnt matter, whats wrong with putting up a plaque or statue instead of a cross?

 

[Voegelin]

They can do whatever they want. Plaque, cross, statue, a chalk outline on the ground. Doesn't matter to me.

 

[Helo]

They can do whatever they want. Plaque, cross, statue, a chalk outline on the ground. Doesn't matter to me.

Ok then, so it shouldnt be a big deal if we change the memorial a bit.

 

[ApocryphaNow]

I think it would be wasted effort to take down the crosses. They have already been paid for, and I think they were meant to be respectful, not to offend people of any faith. Let's just not put up any more.

 

[Links234]

12 feet high? That's just gaudy.

 

[Helo]

12 feet high? That's just gaudy.

People have a special desire for rememberance of a police officer killed in the line of duty.

I almost feel sorry for the guy that did it, cops are notorious for giving cop-killers a hard time in the freezer

 

[ChrisB803]

12 feet high? That's just gaudy.

Yeah. I mean, if they'd have been 9 or 10 feet tall, I'm sure no one would have been offended, but 12 feet is just too much.

Seriously though, this is just ridiculous. Why are people so incapable of letting things go? I'm sure no one put those crosses up INTENDING to offend some atheists. These people are trying to make a point, and I can respect their beliefs... or lack of them, however I don't understand why they have to pick a memorial for troopers fallen in the line of duty on which to make their stand.

*sigh* Oh well. It's just another sign that people are growing more and more cynical and angry as the world goes on.

 

[cwolf20]

of course not. (sarcasm) rapists, murderers, and thieves aren't anywhere near as dangerous as a friendly, God loving Christian who preaches peace and love. How dare us Christians be that way.

So, there are crosses along the highway, to mark the places where police were kiilled in the line of duty.
And the American Atheists Inc. spend time, effort and money to complain.

Not about the crimes that resulted in officer's deaths.
Not about the safety of the highway
But about the shape of the memorial.