Maryland Atheists Want State to Remove Roadside Memorials

CNSNews.com ^ | 10/27/03 | Steve Brown

[GETMAIN]

I'm not a Christian but I'm sure not offended by those little crosses.

Ditto. These complainers are complete morons.

[oyez]

When someone is memorialized, it is usually in recognition of that person's life and mention of diety is indirect. THe atheists can pack it in. We've given up enough for these _ _ _ _ _ _ people. Besides if they don't belive in our coustoms then, in their minds, it dosn't exist. What's the point, anyway?

[Lil'freeper]

Maryland atheists offend me.

[MarkL]

Coming soon...

Atheists demand that Crosses are removed from Arlington National Cemetary, as well as all military cemetaries, as unlawful establishment of religion!

Mark

[Catspaw]

I'd like to know how a teddy bear is a symbol of religion.

Wisconsin tried this once--not because anyone complained, but because the DMV said they were visibility hazards. And they backed off after people started screaming.

[Publius6961]

...I have the same reaction. I don't think religion when I see a road side cross, I think, somebody died here, this may be a particularly dangerous section of road for whatever reason. I'll excercise a little more caution.

For many years I resented and disliked this intrusion of a foreign culture (it has been very common and accepted in Mexico forever) into my home state, but over the years I've found that that is exactly my reaction whenever I see a roadside memorial, particularly in isolated non high-volume locations.

It is always a reminder and food for thought.

[Reaganesque]

I always had a sneaking suspicion that people like this spend their days driving around looking for something to be offended by. How incredibly selfish and petty.

[yoe]

I would like Maryland to remove the Atheists instead....much safer for everyone..........

[Catspaw]

Our city lost its city attorney and one of his small children at a bad stretch of road--no shoulders, metal barriers on each side, just below the crest of a hill, when an elderly man crossed the center line and hit them head-on. They had nowhere to go and they didn't have a chance. I think of him every time I see the crosses. And we do pay more attention when we see other crosses.

[Publius6961]

I guess these atheists want everyone to live a life void of feeling. What sad, sick people.

Just a thought.

I wonder how they will deal with increasing number of drivers having distinctive bumper stickers, the American flag on one side and "In God We Trust" on the other side?
He he he

[yoe]

Do e-mail the editor: Send a Letter to the Editor about this article

[yoe]

"It's a complicated thing where you have somebody's private grief being expressed on public land, whether it's a cross or just a simple wreath. It's really something that needs public attention and scrutiny," Ravegum was quoted as saying in the WBAL/AP story.

What! No more yellow, pink, green ribbons on trees, fences around schools?

[Sam Cree]

"What! No more yellow, pink, green ribbons on trees, fences around schools?"

Good point, the atheists in actuality are trying to interfere with freedom of speech. Although, to the Left, I guess, only state approved politically correct speech is protected.

[Skooz]

Excellent tagline.

Good point, also.

[Sam Cree]

Interesting that this custom may have its roots in a foreign country.

We were in Grand Cayman many years ago, they had "black spots," (signs marking the sites of all traffic fatalities) posted on their roads. I guess the atheists in Maryland would regard these as dangerous distractions to drivers.

[xzins]

Yep. I demand the removal of trees, flowers, houses, signs, animals, lakes, mountains, .....

AND....I can find someplace where someone has worshipped each of those things.

[a_Turk]

Ever been to Austria? They actually build tiny little roadside shrines able to withstand the inclemencies of the weather for longer than most people live..

[Sam Cree]

Will someone please explain to me why many trucks have teddy bears tied to the grill?Address:

[jpl]

You know those "Amber Alert" signs you see in more and more places around the country on major highways? The other night as I was driving home on the Washington Capital Beltway, one of these signs was displaying a message... telling us to remember to set our clocks back. Like that isn't an even bigger unnecessary distraction than a little cross on the side of the road?

[NCLaw441]

"..... nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...." To the extent that the memorials somehow constitute religion, this is a free exercise issue, not to mention free speech. I agree that safety hazards have to be removed, but glancing to see a memorial hardly constitutes a hazard, anymore than a speed limit sign, billboard, etc. The Maryland atheists are just trying to hang their hat on something in addition to their hatred of those who believe in God.