[spycatcher]

I agree. I just tire of all the people who do say it's crazy to see symbolic representation because they're demanding literal interpretation. So the star has to be an exact star or it doesn't count. Artists and architects don't work that way, especially if it's a potential political problem and they really want to get their concept past the jury.

It seems like the intent here was to envelop the area an a peaceful embrace of Islam, one that the architects thought was sufficiently abstract and secularized as to not be offensive, to heal the differences between America and Mecca.

[D-fendr]

Thanks for your reply. I understand how you feel I think. It's an emotional subject. Like I said, I would prefer "Let's Roll!" in hundred-foot-high stone.

So it's not the effect I would go for, were it up to me.

We're gonna disagree in how it can be interpreted. And ultimately:

It seems like the intent here was…

It is going to come down to designer intent. And I don't know how we determine that. If we read the memorial site, your view of intent is not there. Again, it's still not my preferred intent. But they're not saying it's purpose is to try to "to heal the differences between America and Mecca" either.

Can we believe them? I dunno. In the end, perhaps the intent will be determined more by Americans who visit the memorial and who carry forth the spirit of those heroes, such as Todd Beamer, than by the shape of the memorial.

I can hope so anyway...