| 
|
Page: Profile: Wren's Nest News Local
| Total Views: 4,945,668
|
Article: 19626
[Civil]
Date Posted:
4/24/2008
11:54:19 am EDT
Wvox Stats
Views: 5,467
RSS: 13,029
Comments: 10
|
Defending Shield Could Embarrass City (Opinion)
Author: Arlene-Marie Source: Michigan Live
Title: DEFENDING SHIELD COULD EMBARRASS CITY
Frankenmuth is needlessly embroiled in a battle of religious intolerance and constitutional indifference sparked by resident Lloyd Clarke's questioning of the placement of two crosses on a bridge together with the city's shield, which embraces Lutheranism.
Public reaction to this issue was swift with shades of hostility while church members, led by the Rev. Mark Brandt, hastily built 1,000 3-foot crosses to give to residents to display at their homes and businesses.
My questions are: What is the statement of purpose of this action and what does Brandt's cross have to do with the U.S. Constitution and religious freedom (which were the basis for Clarke's inquiry)?
| Options: [Read Full Story] [Comments Locked]
[Email to a Friend]
|
|
Community Thoughts: There are 10 comments posted | Reverse Sort |
| Maybe.. | Apr 27th. at 5:40:37 pm EDT
|
bigcat (peoria, Illinois) - Email Me
someone could train pigeons to take aim on the thing. How hard can that be?
|
| Pigeon Poo | Apr 26th. at 9:54:30 pm EDT
|
Katmandu (elba, Alabama) - Email Me
That image is just too funny. Although, an actual wooden cross does make a nice roost pole for birds. They don't care. It doesn't directly affect them. I would say that humans could learn a lesson here, but driving into a town and seeing such a welcome would make me wary. I'd not stay long.
(Am I the only one who sees 3 cartoon pigeons called "the Goodfeathers" taking aim at the sign?)
|
| Meh. | Apr 26th. at 8:19:01 pm EDT
|
Badger Breaking Ground (Denton, Texas) - Email Me
Just think of how Holy it'll look with pigeon poo running down it. Just like every other monument put up in this country.
Should get a Pagan organization to sponsor a cross. Have them tell the media and public how it represents the Crossroads or the World Tree or the meeting of the Magickal World and the Mundane. How we may use the symbol in our rites and traditions, magickal or otherwise. Then watch as the whole issue dries up and is swept under the carpet by the local Christian community once they realise they'll be protesting their own Holy symbol, all of it quickly forgotten.
|
| The Cross Debate | Apr 26th. at 11:21:50 am EDT
|
Adrienne (Akron, Ohio) - Email Me
I can say I am pretty comfortable with most religous stuff. I don't froth at the mouth everytime I see a cross or a cement mary in someone's yard. whehn I first read this artical I thought " if the cross is on the shield, no big deal." But after seeing the picture I can say I understand how some people could be uncomfortable. I don't think they should alter the city shield, that is a history issue, leave it be with a note saying "a sign of the times when it was created" The really big cross needs to be taken down. if there is a cross on the city shield fine. but mayhaps they should be proclaming "we are a UNITED city" Instead of "we are a CHRISTIAN city"
|
| It's All OK For Now | Apr 26th. at 10:48:28 am EDT
|
Dancingdog (Bend, Oregon) - Email Me
as the Christ Crispies are just starting to get nervous as they learn that we are the fastest growing religion in the world. I would watch out when the idea that it is alright to not be a delusional Rapture Monkey starts cutting into their market share and their bankrolls. I could even see them allying with the hebes and the camel milkers to stamp out this wave of "Satan worship".
|
| Swastika Or Cross | Apr 25th. at 8:38:14 pm EDT
|
Joey (San Francisco, California) - Email Me
Yes the cross was pre-christian, it isn't now. The swastika was pre-WWII but to put it up at the town entrance might be offendcive. And the cross as they use it is a symbol of their oppessive past. " In this sign you shall concoure".
|
| I Just Glad... | Apr 24th. at 4:40:05 pm EDT
|
Katmandu (elba, Alabama) - Email Me
that we live in a country where we can have such discussions and disagreements like they're having. While I respect both sides' rights to say what they will, I think that a bridge is no place to display anything like what they're talking about. Instead, place it in an honorable place with other local bits of history and teach people about why it's there.
In Enterprise, Al they have a statue holding a boll weevil in historic downtown. Now, just seeing a boll weevil plastered on a bridge would make no sense to an outsider, but going downtown one gets to learn why the bug is so honored. The same could be said for their town symbol. If I was to go there and see a bunch of crosses, I'd feel very wary and skip out quickly. But if I knew they were just trying to honor their Lutheran beginnings, I might stick around for a coffee.
|
| The Problem As I See It... | Apr 24th. at 1:26:44 pm EDT
|
Mysteries Child (Garfield, Arkansas) - Email Me
...is that using the law to do away with such displays *is* government intervention.
The movement uses, in my perception, a much broader definition of the Establishment Clause than what is written ("Congress shall *make no law* respecting an establishment of religion,) , and ignores the Free Exercise clause ("or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;") and that bit about free 'speech' ("or abridging the freedom of speech,") almost altogether.
I understand the logic. I apply the same argument to children-- "If you guys can't quit yelling at each other, then you all need to shut up."
Maybe that is the only way.
But it seems very sad to me that a nation of grown men and women must be treated like a busload of fractious five-to-ten-year-olds.
We can-- make that we MUST-- do better.
|
| I Demand | Apr 24th. at 12:21:09 pm EDT
|
Talashar (Haifa, Israel) - Email Me
that all crossroads, everywhere, be obliterated since when viewed from above they clearly resemble crosses.
|
Disclaimer: The Witches' Voice inc does not verify the accuracy of the details stated in this listing, nor do we vouch for the value of the goods or services presented here... As with all contacts and financial dealings in cyberspace, we encourage you to use caution and wisdom in your dealings with strangers.
Political Statements: Any and all personal political opinions expressed in the public listing sections (including, but not restricted to, personals, events, groups, shops, Wren's Nest, etc.) are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinion of The Witches' Voice, Inc. TWV is a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization.
|
State/Country flags created by 3dflags.com and are used with permission
Web Site Content (including: text - graphics - html - look & feel)
Copyright 1997-2009 The Witches' Voice Inc. All rights reserved
Note: Authors & Artists retain the copyright for their work(s) on this website.
Unauthorized reproduction without prior permission is a violation of copyright laws.
Website structure, evolution and php coding by Fritz Jung on a Macintosh G5.
Any and all personal political opinions expressed in the public listing sections (including, but not restricted to, personals, events, groups, shops, Wren’s Nest, etc.) are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinion of The Witches’ Voice, Inc. TWV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization.
Sponsorship: Visit the Witches' Voice Sponsor Page for info on how you
can help support this Community Resource. Donations ARE Tax Deductible.
The Witches' Voice carries a 501(c)(3) certificate and a Federal Tax ID.
Mail Us: The Witches' Voice Inc., P.O. Box 341018, Tampa, Florida 33694-1018 U.S.A.
| |
