Dear America,
not sure why we have to re-litigate what the Constitution actually says, or means...does a cross, atop a hill, translate into a national religion -- a belief system held by all -- without uttering a single word? But while we're at it -- just how offensive can a cross possibly be really?
and tell me, someone, anyone, atheists and all, where does "the free exercise thereof" start and stop?
Amendment I, of the Constitution of these fine United States, states:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
oh, so, all of a sudden we can no longer display in memoriam of service to country, in honor of the selfless giving of life and limb, a universal symbol of faith that transcends our very humanity, monopolized and immortalized by Christianity (a faith including an overwhelming majority of Americans in it's ranks and recognized the world over) -- BUT we are to have no problem with the state mandating every single one of us to pay for contraception, even if said mandate goes against our religious beliefs with every fiber of our being, as per a new LAW, Obamacare -- usurping company policy, church policy, Catholic hospital policy, far and wide. Obamacare comingles church and state in ways we never thought possible...[And another hot topic not to be overlooked: the state becoming intimately involved with the definition of marriage and going against religious beliefs...]
If anything, the resolution following individual(s) grievances should come by way of adding something to the memorial -- say the Jewish star, or some kind of Atheist bench supported with a balanced set of capital A's as it's legs -- but not in the taking of something down! IF the final answer from 'judge and jury' is to actually REMOVE the cross from atop this fine hill of Mt. Soledad, then it would be in THAT moment that the church and state have tragically, and recklessly, and improperly, comingled relations. In that moment, the state would be taking sides and prohibiting the free exercise of one religion at the behest of another.
A memorial is a place where people have peacefully assembled by name etched into marble; and in turn, other people assemble throughout the years to honor them.
And just think about it, at some point, people assembled and decided to erect a cross atop a hill in memory of the souls lost in the service to country, on behalf of freedom and liberty everywhere.
In the spirit of the times, way back nearly sixty years ago -- the decision was made to build a cross atop a hill -- an idea fully supported by the neighboring community and the consensus, at large.
And a cross was built.
And it was good.
And it was beautiful.
IT IS BEAUTIFUL. It takes in the surrounding 360 degree view of San Diego -- from the mountains, to the mesa, to the waves of ocean blue.
The thing is, there is ZERO Constitutional argument or support against the action of placing a cross atop a hill, whether mountain or mole hill, be it federal or state land; with certain, the only argument -- as insecure as it is -- is generated from a despicable place deep down inside, churning, fuming, as a civil co-existence seems to escapes us. What rises up from the bottom of the earth and allowed to settle into the courts goes against the very intentions of our first amendment, let alone the exceptional nature of this fine nation.
And it's ironic, really.
Just last night our president attended "Christmas in Washington."
Words of wisdom from our dear president -- while citing the need for charity and compassion this holiday season and making the teachings of Jesus instrumental in his appeal -- give rise to a pause:
"Through his example, he taught us that we should love the Lord, love our neighbors, as we love ourselves. It's a teaching that has endured for generations. And today, it lies at the heart of my faith and that of millions of Americans, and billions around the globe," Obama said.
"No matter who we are, or where we come from, or how we worship, it's a message of hope and devotion that can unite all of us this holiday season,"
One would hope, anyway, as the courtroom rises to welcome the judge to the bench in the morning. And way to go, Mr. President, exhibiting your free exercise thereof. Amen.
But think about it...
Our faith, from our founders and beyond, IS our state. It's our state of mind; it's divine providence leading the way; it's in God we trust; it's within us as we live our daily life, surrounding us with love; it's at the core of who we are as a people, as a nation.
The INDIVIDUAL was given free reign in the free exercise of one's religion -- meaning prohibition, prohibited.
No, we do not have a national religion; It has us. And, like the president said, "no matter who we are, or where we come from, or how we worship, [or not], it's a message of hope and devotion that can unite all of us this holiday season."
It lies in our heart and soul, and "has endured for generations," whether the cross stays or goes.
Make it a Good Day, G