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Atheists' suit says Utah markers unconstitutional

Published: Friday, Dec. 2 2005 1:37 p.m. MST

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lena

This just irks me! I can't believe that they would hurt so many people by suing over memorials. It isn't trying to force them to be religious, it is to honor those fallen troopers. I don't use crosses in my religion but I don't get offended when other people use them, especialy as a memorial. I hope that they don't win. Keep the Crosses!

Andrew

That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. How this group can be so disrespectful to these honorable men is beyond me. Let the crosses stand!

Megan

I am Megan Ingram, the daughter of Trooper Randy K. Ingram. The crosses simbolize those who have fallen in the line of duty. The Highway Patrol put their lifes at risk all the time to keep us safe. So when some loses their life to protecting others, we could at least honor them with a cross.

Jim

Bless the UHP and their fallen.

This atheist group should keep their religious views to themselves. They should do no harm, their energy could better be spent helping others instead of wasting time and resources. The families of the fallen deserve better than this.

sms

Is it not true that the Utah State Legislature prohibited putting up another religious symbol, such as a Star of David or a Muslim Crescent, claiming that would be a religious expression by the state. I really can't see how the cross is any different. As the son of a police officer, I absolutely honor these fallen troopers and their sacrifice, but does restricting the memorial design to a Cross create a state sponsored religious preference for Christian symbols, particularly when you prohibit the other religions from using their symbol? The cross, particularly in the form it was erected, is unmistakeably a Christian symbol.

Loew

@ Jim
"This atheist group should keep their religious views to themselves."

People really should do this, which is why the lawsuit was filed in the first place.

Genny

The cross is anything but a secular symbol. And to try to make it one, I would think, would be a slap in the face to Christians. Atheists are not saying these officers shouldn't be honored, simply that if they are to be honored by the state, then it should remain secular. Also, is a cross on the highway really the only way these folks are being remembered? I seriously doubt it. Their families are obviously free to honor them in any manner they wish on private property.

Dan

Why not honor the fallen troopers with a symbol of their dedication and authority: a badge? It's a more fitting tribute, and it's completely secular, and won't offend the families of Utah troopers, regardless of their religion or lack thereof.

Josie

In what way is a cross not religious? It is the very symbol of Jesus's death and resurrection, his sacrifice to redeem everyone's sins.

These troopers do deserve to be honored, they gave their lives to protect society. All of society, not just christians. Shouldn't the symbol that is meant to honor them be something that will draw in and interest everyone?

The United States has become very multi-cultural, and religion is a very divisive issue. When honoring fallen troopers, division is not what is wanted. A secular symbol, that offends no one, would work much better to give them the respect they deserve from everyone.

And truthfully, what do you really think when you see a large cross at the side of the road? Me, I just think "Hey, look at the big cross", and drive on. A large engraved plaque though, that draws my attention. What does it say, what was important enough to rate the time and expense of erecting and maintaining it? I'm not going to take the time to investigate someone else's religious display, but a plaque, that I will stop and read.

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