American Atheists Sue Over World Trade Center Cross - Polidicks

[url]http://abcnews.go.com/US/atheists-sue-cross-world-trade-center-museum/story?id=14169830[/url] [quote]An atheist group sued today over the inclusion of cross-shaped steel beams, dubbed the "World Trade Center Cross," in the exhibit at the National September 11th Memorial and Museum. Jane Everhart, who is part of the atheist's suit, derided the cross as nothing more than "ugly piece of wreckage" that "does not represent anything … but horror and death." Last weekend the 17-foot cross, discovered in the rubble of 9/11, was given a "ceremonial blessing" by the Rev. Brian Jordan, removed from it's temporary post near St. Peter's Church and lowered 70 feet into its permanent home inside the museum. But a group identified as American Atheists filed a lawsuit today claiming the inclusion of the cross-shaped steel beams promotes Christianity over all other religions on public property and diminishes the civil rights of non-Christians. "The Christian community found a piece of rubble that looked like an icon and they deified it. But really 9/11 had nothing to do with Christianity," said American Atheists president Dave Silverman. "They want a monopoly and we don't want that to happen." "It just so happens that the WTC was made out of T-joints and they found a T-joint," Silverman said. "They put it in the church, kept in the church for years, prayed over it, blessed it. You don't get to do that just in the coincidence that your icon looks like a T-joint." Atheists Sue Over Cross in 9/11 Memorial and Museum In a statement to ABCNews.com, the memorial foundation identified the cross as a "symbol of spiritual comfort for the thousands of recovery workers who toiled at ground zero," as well as an "authentic physical reminder" that "tell[s] the story of 9/11 in a way nothing else can." The atheist group said that they have contacted the 9/11 Memorial and Museum requesting to display their own atheistic memorial next to the steel-shaped cross, possibly in the form of an atom or an American flag, to represent the "500 non-religious Americans" who were "among the victims of the 9/11 attack." The response, they claim, was "dead space." Silverman also said that, "We have not heard of any other religious groups at all that have been allowed to put something up." The 9/11 Memorial foundation told ABCNews.com that other religious artifacts will be included in the 9/11 Memorial Museum. A Star of David cut from WTC steel and a Bible fused to a piece of steel that was found during recovery efforts will both be on display in the same historical exhibition as the cross. A Jewish prayer shawl, donated by a victim's family member, will be part of the museum's memorial exhibition. The cross was moved into the exhibition earlier than the other artifacts due to its large size, according to the Memorial foundation. [/quote] Well shit this is late. Can a mod lock this?

Late, and moronic by the atheists.

Late. Albeit on topic, this is a dick move by Atheists. The Cross has more to do in this case with people's connection to 9/11, both physical and emotional.

[QUOTE=RichyZ;31417647]this, if you get offended by a cross at a memorial in a nation that is christian dominated, then you are stupid.[/QUOTE] yes, well, if you get offended by a symbol of love, hope, then you are stupid. that's what christianity, islam and the others are about.

If this is being done by the government, it's unconstitutional. It doesn't matter if Christians are the majority.

[QUOTE=RichyZ;31417647]this, if you get offended by a cross at a memorial in a nation that is christian dominated, then you are stupid.[/QUOTE] [quote]christian dominated[/quote] What. I'm extremely offended that this is allowed, but a mosque isn't. All or none. Christianity doesn't get a free ride just because people think that their Sky-Man is better than another one.

Not to cause a flame war, but I never understood the atheist way of thinking. "We don't believe in anything so you shouldn't too." If not a symbol if Christianity, the cross is a common recognized symbol of hope.

Yeah, fuck equal representation of over 35% of those killed on 9/11. They're not the majority so who cares about them. And the First Amendment, fuck that, too. We were founded on Christian values* and that's why the cross should stay. *See Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli.

[QUOTE=RichyZ;31417994]christians make up the majority of religious beliefs in america[/quote] Oh That makes it all better.

Is this being done by the government on public property? I couldn't find a concise answer in the article. That's really the only question that needs to be answered here to know if this is legal or not.

[quote]The atheist group said that they have contacted the 9/11 Memorial and Museum requesting to display their own atheistic memorial next to the steel-shaped cross, possibly in the form of an atom or an American flag, to represent the "500 non-religious Americans" who were "among the victims of the 9/11 attack." The response, they claim, was "dead space."[/quote] You didn't read the article last time and you're not reading it this time They're suing because they weren't allowed to build their own monument. It was a political stunt but a damn good one.

[QUOTE=RichyZ;31417994]it isn't prioritizing cristians, if they wanted, athiests could also put shit there[/QUOTE] Yes it is, and, at the moment, no they can't. That's part of the lawsuit. [quote=USA TODAY]If the cross is not removed, the group wants a non-religious exhibit included. [url]http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/07/atheists-sue-to-block-wtc-cross-from-911-memorial/1[/url][/quote] Also, the cross 'was given a "ceremonial blessing" by the Rev. Brian Jordan,' how can you say it isn't meant to be a Christian symbol?

I could see the atheist memorial: "This is dedicated to all of those who died. Nothing happened to them after they died."

[QUOTE=RichyZ;31418204]nevermind then still, this is pretty dumb[/QUOTE] Defending constitutional rights is dumb, kids.

It's just a lawsuit aimed at trolling christians, guys...

No one is going to look at a cross and think of it as a symbol of hope or peace or whatever it is that's being said. The only thing it'll do is reinforce the idea that America is a Christian nation for Christians. If you legitimately hate that argument, then you would be against this cross. Need I remind people that the argument is the same one used against abortions, gay rights, gender equality and many more issues that you're all well aware of.

I love people who assume Christians all hate gays. Televangelists are full of shit, and Westboro isn't really your idealistic church to begin with. I'm a Christian, and I have no issues admitting it. I have more gay friends on Steam than probably straight ones, and I don't hate a single one of them. As for abortions, as with everything else, you have the right to do what you want. I personally think you should man the fuck up and have the baby, but that's just my thoughts. Too many people assume that we're all a bunch of Bible-thumping close-minded people. Generally I'm open to any new ideas.