Mojave desert cross stolen by vandals

posted at 8:16 pm on May 11, 2010 by Allahpundit

On behalf of the Council on American-Atheist Relations, I wish to remind you (a) that the vast majority of atheists are law-abiding citizens, (b) those who would engage in acts such as this are part of a tiny minority of extremists who don’t understand “true” atheism, and (c) atheism is an irreligion of peace.

Seriously, if it does turn out to be atheists, we’re going to have to send S.E. Cupp out to do damage control.

The cross’s removal leaves veterans’ groups hunting for clues. Looking at the pictures of the site where the cross once was, VFW chief spokesperson Joe Davis says he is amazed at the serious planning and execution that went into the theft. The cutting of the thick, metal pipes in concrete was a serious undertaking, he says.

The eight-foot-high cross had been perched on a wind-swept rock jutting 30 feet above the Mojave National Preserve 76 years ago by a group of World War 1 veterans. Situated in a wide expanse of arid desert, the cross was about 20 feet off a two-lane highway where perhaps 20 cars pass a day…

When he first saw photos of the vandalized cross site, Mr. Davis says he was “in shock and disbelief…. How could anyone have the audacity to tear down a war memorial to the dead?”

The $25,000 reward is now being offered through the Liberty Institute, which represented the VFW, American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and American Ex-Prisoners of War in an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case of Salazar v. Buono.

Disgraceful. Here’s the tip line. Big Journalism notes that one of the theories being kicked around by cops is, um, scrap metal scavengers:

Scrap metal scavengers?!? Of course! Imagine the confused, head-scratching scene in the Associated Press newsroom when this story broke. Why? Why would anyone steal this cross, they puzzled? On the one hand, you have embittered anti-religious zealots who just lost a years’ long battle costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars.

On the other hand, you have a 7 foot tall cross with a scrap value of maybe $100, which would take at least two men most of a day, a pickup truck, and probably 20 gallons of gas, for the 250 mile round trip, not to mention the long hike to access, cut and remove the cross, leaving a net profit of perhaps $20 each for a day’s work. So, who could it have been – bitterly aggrieved anti-religion zealots? Or economically suicidal scrap metal scavengers? Why, scrap metal scavengers!

There are reportedly rattlesnakes on the hill too, so … yeah, whoever wanted this thing wanted it very badly. Sigh. Exit question: If this does turn out to be the handiwork of the godless, will Nanny Bloomberg jump in with one of his patented gratuitous warnings about a backlash?

Blowback

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Perhaps the cross was caught up in an atheist Rapture.

It’s a miracle! Praise…umm…

dang.

sulla on May 11, 2010 at 9:07 PM

sulla: Oh gawd,lol:)

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 9:14 PM

Narutoboy on May 11, 2010 at 8:42 PM

SO is that why you are so irrational?

I’m confused….

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:14 PM

Actually, I’m running for President in 2032.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:12 PM

No joke? Let me know when you do. Assuming we still have elections by then, you’ll probably be the best choice on the ballot.

Dark-Star on May 11, 2010 at 9:16 PM

If it does turn out to be atheists remember that there are two unrelated kinds of atheism. Most of the militant types are neo-atheists, IMO, for whom atheism stems from Marxism. I’m the old fashioned type that predates Marxism and recorded history itself: I simply don’t believe in the supernatural.

FloatingRock on May 11, 2010 at 9:16 PM

Pagans for the return of the Cross!

David Blue on May 11, 2010 at 9:17 PM

Dark-Star on May 11, 2010 at 9:16 PM

Well, actually I was joking… If I win the Presidency, it’ll be a sign that we’re in a whole lot of trouble…..

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:17 PM

Institutional religion and religious symbols have no place in my America.

the classic statement of a self-centered, fascist, dictatoral Leftist. Thank goodness we have a Constitution that has a 2nd amendment which says YOUR kind of America will NEVER exist.

Sultry Beauty on May 11, 2010 at 9:18 PM

Seriously, if it does turn out to be atheists, we’re going to have to send S.E. Cupp out to do damage control.

this’ll make up for not having a BOOBQUAKE THREAD! Arrggh

If she does damage control, all will be cool….

ted c on May 11, 2010 at 9:18 PM

Hopefully, it was the work of anti-theists -nothing to do with us.

OldEnglish on May 11, 2010 at 9:19 PM

I went to the Supreme Court, and all I got was this cross.

GnuBreed on May 11, 2010 at 9:19 PM

I’m an atheist who wouldn’t mind seeing the punks who stole the cross, being under it when hopefully it’s put back where it belongs.

TiminPhx on May 11, 2010 at 9:20 PM

Atheists believe in the supernatural. They believe that you can prove there is no God. Funny thing is only a God could prove there is no God.

PrezHussein on May 11, 2010 at 9:21 PM

Actually, I’m running for President in 2032.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:12 PM

I’d vote for you, but I’ll likely be dead by then. Hey, wait a minute … just maybe …

davidk on May 11, 2010 at 9:22 PM

One thing I do know, Allah Pundit is sincere in his dislike of this kind of behavior. Not all atheists are capable of disrespect like this. I hope the catch them and punish them severely. Have they given information to give to the rewards fund so there would be a bigger incentive to rat the guys out?

Sultry Beauty on May 11, 2010 at 9:23 PM

I’m not sure why we are so set on having a cross to memorialize those war dead. I think there should be a memorial, but I’m not sure why it has to be a cross considering all of our guys who died who weren’t Christian in WWII.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:09 PM

Do you know who set the cross up? It wasn’t you, so don’t speak as if it was “our” collective decision. I’m sure the Jews have their burial sites as well. Ok with desecrating them also….legally??! Jesus you’re such a moron.

GTR640 on May 11, 2010 at 9:23 PM

Or are your dreams of iron-fisted atheist tyranny so sweet that you’re delusional?

Dark-Star on May 11, 2010 at 9:11 PM

Not atheism, and not iron-fisted, iron-suited.

Narutoboy on May 11, 2010 at 9:25 PM

What are atheists so afraid of? The truth I suspect.

CWforFreedom on May 11, 2010 at 8:23 PM

On the money for sure. AP ought to at least have the honesty to admit his philosophical brothers are in the majority intolerant bigots.

I remember Richard Feynman lecturing on the spiritual ramifications of genetic research 20 years before it was even feasible. Now there was a man of supreme intelligence who was comfortable with concepts these losers claim are the fantasies of the slow-witted.

God, I hate to be lectured to by arrogant, drooling imbeciles. That he persists in this adolescent pretense is a big strike against Allahp in my book.

rcl on May 11, 2010 at 9:26 PM

Taking down a symbol because someone didn’t like the religious connotations – means the opposition lost. They are admitting by theft, this cross in the middle of the desert had power and influence. A real atheist wouldn’t care less. Because they don’t believe. If there is no God, then religious symbols mean nothing, it might as well have been McDonald’s golden arches standing in the middle of the desert.

I suspect some control freak applying their own brand of social justice….huh sounds like a progressive to me, they don’t care about the Law of the Land.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM

Has any one thought of checking
Freedom From Religion Foundation’s
garage!!(sarc).

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM

GTR640 on May 11, 2010 at 9:23 PM

Please get all offended and stuff it makes you look really mature.

Jeez, what a noob…

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:28 PM

azkenreid: “As long as we have to replace the cross, may as well make it a 100 footer this time.”

That’s what a lot of people thought would happen with the World Trade Center: that it would be swiftly rebuilt, bigger and prouder than before. Instead, we see approval for a big mosque.

Hey, I’ve got an idea: replace the cross with Richard Dawkins’ atheism symbol.

David Blue on May 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM

Get offended

GTR640 on May 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM

I suspect some control freak applying their own brand of social justice….huh sounds like a progressive to me, they don’t care about the Law of the Land.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM

Dr Evil:I’m in your theory camp:)

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM

GTR640 on May 11, 2010 at 9:23 PM

Also, please draw your attention to the following lines also in my post:

Also, that doesn’t condone the act of stealing it.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:31 PM

This is more of an anti-military act than an anti-religious one, IMHO.

But of course we already know who owns both of those franchises, and they both support the current Regime.

Del Dolemonte on May 11, 2010 at 9:31 PM

GTR640 on May 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM

LOL. No I say things like “get all offended” or “all up in so-and-so’s business”.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:32 PM

Del Dolemonte on May 11, 2010 at 9:31 PM

I agree. I have a feeling that this isn’t religiously motivated.

Now whatever group that did this are major tools….

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:33 PM

This is what the POS left does when it doesn’t get its way.

Can we puh-leeeease stop trying to “get along with” these people???

seanrobins on May 11, 2010 at 9:34 PM

Exit question: If this does turn out to be the handiwork of the godless, will Nanny Bloomberg jump in with one of his patented gratuitous warnings about a backlash?

No doubt. Coincidentally, Mark Steyn has a reliably fine and funny column which mentions Nanny Bloomberg.

Buy Danish on May 11, 2010 at 9:34 PM

I doubt it’s atheists, probably just some punks tripping off peyote.

The militant Dawkins worshipping atheists would be too pussy to risk a hill with rattlesnakes considering they don’t believe in the eternal soul.

Daemonocracy on May 11, 2010 at 9:35 PM

Can we puh-leeeease stop trying to “get along with” these people???

seanrobins on May 11, 2010 at 9:34 PM

Is anyone even trying anymore?

Religious fanatics to the right of me, atheists with Napoleon complexes to the left of me…

Dark-Star on May 11, 2010 at 9:36 PM

Get it back up…

… FAST!!!

Seven Percent Solution on May 11, 2010 at 8:46 PM

Seven Percent Solution:Amen!:)

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 9:37 PM

“Scrap metal”? Huh? Scrap metal prices are DOWN. And if it were scrappers, why didn’t they do it when prices were through the roof? To say nothing of the distance and location that had to be reached in the first place.

GarandFan on May 11, 2010 at 9:38 PM

Just like all the idiotic “The Times Square Bomber is ‘this’” crap I read last week, I hear the same thing here.

No one knows who these people were or their motive. Weather atheist or theist, liberal or conservative, etc.

I’m an atheist and I would never do this. So keep the broad brush in check please.

BierManVA on May 11, 2010 at 9:39 PM

Atheism and Islam are the two religions that want to eliminate all other religions. They cannot be peaceful. Their supernatural beliefs require them to fight.

PrezHussein on May 11, 2010 at 9:41 PM

BierManVA on May 11, 2010 at 9:39 PM

It’s fun to speculate though. Plus, bonus points if you wildly speculate and you’re right.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:41 PM

It doesn’t make any difference – does the person who stole the cross, realize that people who believe in God, don’t need a cross in the desert, people will still believe. So some petty tool or tools with self control issues, stole a memorial to people, who sacrificed for the very way of life – that make it possible for these people, to live the lives they do. Nice/SARC.

I don’t exactly get why atheist would want to claim any tool that would do something like this? It’s basically theft and vandalism.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 9:43 PM

I suspect some control freak applying their own brand of social justice….huh sounds like a progressive to me, they don’t care about the Law of the Land.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM

Dr Evil:I’m in your theory camp:)

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM

I agree with both of you.

xplodeit on May 11, 2010 at 9:43 PM

but the timing is a little convenient….

ninjapirate on May 11, 2010 at 8:23 PM

Is it really, though? When you think about it, this cross has been in the news a lot lately; it’s not really a stretch to imagine some hard up (and perhaps not too bright) scavenger saw it and decided, what the Hell, why not?

Mind you, I haven’t ruled out the possibility that an atheist took it, either. Some of us are a bit… overzealous.

Heresy of Cain on May 11, 2010 at 9:45 PM

PrezHussein: “Atheism and Islam are the two religions that want to eliminate all other religions. They cannot be peaceful. Their supernatural beliefs require them to fight.”

Allah’s beliefs require him only to blog.

“On behalf of the Council on American-Atheist Relations, I wish to remind you (a) that the vast majority of atheists are law-abiding citizens, (b) those who would engage in acts such as this are part of a tiny minority of extremists who don’t understand “true” atheism, and (c) atheism is an irreligion of peace.”

See?

David Blue on May 11, 2010 at 9:47 PM

Do radical athiests speak or act for all athiests?

speed911 on May 11, 2010 at 9:48 PM

Some of us are a bit… overzealous.
Heresy of Cain on May 11, 2010 at 9:45 PM

That’s o.k. so are Marines.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:48 PM

I suspect some control freak applying their own brand of social justice….huh sounds like a progressive to me, they don’t care about the Law of the Land.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM

Dr Evil:I’m in your theory camp:)

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM

I agree with both of you.

xplodeit on May 11, 2010 at 9:43 PM

Trying to remove religious symbols from this country would be a full time hobby, someone thought this was a “Statement” well yeah, now I think whoever did it is a jerk. Nice Statement. If they try to brag about it they get caught so seems like a fruitless endeavor to me….so again I am going to go with Progressive :)

Our Lady of the Rockies – This is beautiful especially at night when you are flying into Montana.

I would love to see them swarm her and try and take her down. Montanans have right to carry in the open law in Montana.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 9:52 PM

I’m not sure why we are so set on having a cross to memorialize those war dead. I think there should be a memorial, but I’m not sure why it has to be a cross considering all of our guys who died who weren’t Christian in WWII.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:09 PM

Do you know who set the cross up? It wasn’t you, so don’t speak as if it was “our” collective decision. I’m sure the Jews have their burial sites as well. Ok with desecrating them also….legally??! Jesus you’re such a moron.

GTR640 on May 11, 2010 at 9:23 PM

Great read on that guy. If he’s on the Right Wing I must be off the plane and falling to earth.

Get real fella and change that moniker. You’re nothing but a RINO in Waiting.

If you feel like growing up and learning something GTR was right on point. There are some long articles available about the origins of that cross if you give a crap about facts. It was put up and funded by a small group of local patriots who don’t then or now give a rat’s ass what a self-centered phony like you thinks about it.

rcl on May 11, 2010 at 9:54 PM

Rattlesnakes are no big deal, you just wear higher leather boots.

So we know the culprit probably wasn’t a vegan. :)

FloatingRock on May 11, 2010 at 9:55 PM

rcl on May 11, 2010 at 9:54 PM

(facepalm)

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:56 PM

rcl on May 11, 2010 at 9:54 PM

Wow, you totally summed me up based on about 50 words I wrote.

How’d you know all that Mr. Smartypants?

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:57 PM

Neo-atheism and Islam are the two religions that want to eliminate all other religions. They cannot be peaceful. Their supernatural beliefs require them to fight.

PrezHussein on May 11, 2010 at 9:41 PM

FIFY

FloatingRock on May 11, 2010 at 9:57 PM

those who would engage in acts such as this are part of a tiny minority of extremists who don’t understand “true” atheism, and (c) atheism is an irreligion of peace.

Right, because “true” atheists are bound by some kind of documented moral code? Actually, there very definition of atheism means that you are, well, NOT bound by any such thing. So why are you shocked, _shocked_ and then say that _real_atheists would neeeever do something like this?

Before you even refer me to some bullshit webpage with some atheist moral code, please remember that as a true believer in nothing, and keeping in mind the proof of the subject matter of this article, that any such document is complete bullshit and not one atheist has one iota of binding to it or anything like it…

And then you idiots wonder why noone takes anything you say seriously. I’m seriously impressed that you can fit so many logical fallacies into one sentence.

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 10:01 PM

FloatingRock on May 11, 2010 at 9:55 PM

Or just use the old fisherman’s trick: stove pipe over your legs.

Dark-Star on May 11, 2010 at 10:01 PM

The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial at Rose Park,

This is a monument in Missoula, Montana, an Angel cradling a Vietnam Solider in his arms. Come to earth to bear him away from the battlefield? I don’t know, it’s a moving piece interpreted by the eye of the beholder. I have taken photos of this monument myself it’s so loving.

It’s in a City Park, again I would like to see someone try and remove it.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:02 PM

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 10:01 PM

Well, for the sake or argument how many Christians follow the 10 commandments 100% of the time?

Having a written, certified, genuine moral code doesn’t mean anything unless you internalize it.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:03 PM

Do radical athiests speak or act for all athiests?

speed911 on May 11, 2010 at 9:48 PM

From earlier:

If it does turn out to be atheists, remember that there are two unrelated kinds of atheism. Most of the militant types are neo-atheists, IMO, for whom atheism stems from Marxism. I’m the old fashioned type that predates Marxism and recorded history itself: I simply don’t believe in the supernatural.

FloatingRock on May 11, 2010 at 10:04 PM

Athiesim is a religion…

You must believe….that there is no God.

The Rock on May 11, 2010 at 10:04 PM

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:02 PM

Well, it’s not a religious icon so there is really no sound argument to get it removed.

The reason this monument has drawn lightning is because it’s a cross. No other difference. Both memorialize war dead, just one is in a form that offends certain people and makes them want to do stupid stuff to it…like cart it off.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:06 PM

Those Montana religious monuments gave me an idea, they shouldn’t just replace the Cross, they should add on to the memorial.

Maybe this theft was a blessing in disguise? The land is on private property now…so it doesn’t need to be adjudicated anymore…one door closes, and another one opens.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:06 PM

Our Lady of the Rockies – This is beautiful especially at night when you are flying into Montana.

I would love to see them swarm her and try and take her down. Montanans have right to carry in the open law in Montana.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 9:52 PM

Dr Evil: That is beautiful DE,heres our cross:)
=====================================================

SAULT STE. MARIE CROSS

Perched on the hilltop adjoining St. George’s Avenue is the Western Hemisphere’s tallest, illuminated, self-supporting cross.
===================================

http://www.zooomr.com/z/photos/zoom/3903035/size-16

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 10:07 PM

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 10:01 PM

Well, for the sake or argument how many Christians follow the 10 commandments 100% of the time?

Having a written, certified, genuine moral code doesn’t mean anything unless you internalize it.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:03 PM

Only one Christian in has ever done so.

Yes, it actually means a lot – it can give you something to work toward and aspire to. An instruction manual, if you will. Anyways, the point is that with a Christian, faith binds you to God. With atheism, there _is no binding_, nor will there ever be.

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 10:07 PM

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:06 PM

Yeah. Forget the old cross. Just build a new one…but make it bigger. With concertina wire surrounding it. Perhaps with a sign that reads:

Try and take it now.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:08 PM

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:06 PM

You mean an Angel wouldn’t be considered an especially religious symbol?

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:09 PM

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:09 PM

Oh yes… there IS an angel.. Never mind. Belay my last.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:10 PM

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:09 PM

Shoot. I also thought that the cross was still on federal land.

Oh well. Maybe tonight just isn’t my night.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:11 PM

Probably tea party people angry over their house being foreclosed on by greedy banks who needed steel beams to build a tent and so Faux news could start a false meme about some atheists acting like zealots when really only right wing nuts do that sort of thing or something like that. (Oh I hope I don’t need a sarc symbol)

KW64 on May 11, 2010 at 10:13 PM

I said right here a couple weeks ago I was surprised some know-it-all evangelical-esque atheists hadn’t destroyed this cross just to do what they do best, be an ass. And they didn’t disappoint. Hope they get whats coming to them.

brak on May 11, 2010 at 10:13 PM

http://www.zooomr.com/z/photos/zoom/3903035/size-16

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 10:07 PM

They would never manage to get that down without getting caught.

There was a cross in OKC on I 35. The argument about letting it stand, that they were trying to apply using zoning ordinance…the height of any sign bill, board etc…could only be so high. I don’t know if the Church in Edmond won and was able to leave their cross up.

When you think about it – it’s kind of a punk act to steal something out in the middle of the desert, they really reduced their odds on getting caught. So it didn’t take any kind of daring personality IMO.

Removing/Stealing a memorial to American war dead in the desert as an act of what? rebellion? defiance? It comes off as a futile exercise to me.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:17 PM

Hunt the rat basturds down and embed the monument where the sun don’t shine.

That’ll fix ‘em.

God bless America.

locomotivebreath1901 on May 11, 2010 at 10:19 PM

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:17 PM

I think motivation might have been “just to be tools and ruin everyone’s day”. Some people do stuff because it’s the way to make the most people mad. Like in this case.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:11 PM

No the Government tried to remedy the problem by selling it to I think the VFW? A Veterans organization anyway. So the land wasn’t government land anymore. This just made the folks who wanted the Cross down more determined for it to be removed -they lost in court.

Someone with the Vet Org, should put out an announcement asking for Memorial Ideas to replace the Cross. Put up something that can’t be easily removed, and bigger, more elaborate, and when it’s unveiled, will get all kinds of media attention SMILE.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:24 PM

I think motivation might have been “just to be tools and ruin everyone’s day”. Some people do stuff because it’s the way to make the most people mad. Like in this case.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Probably but a person would have to have OCD at some point they couldn’t just let it go? Must have been someone with a lot of time on their hands….I’m going to stick with a Progressive ;)

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:26 PM

From the article, it certainly seems like this is something more than just a prank or the work of opportunists.

It took a lot of work and coordination to pull this off…

…thus I think we can safely exclude bored teenagers and people wanting the scrap metal.

The timing IS interesting and I’m not a big believer in coincidence.

My guess is that it will be some radical leftist group with marxist and anti-religious beliefs (and probably associated with the ACLU in some shape or form).

And, as someone said earlier, they won’t be atheists in the true sense of the word for they see (and fear) the power of the cross. A true atheist wouldn’t be bothered at all by something that means nothing to them.

No, this wasn’t the work of atheists, it was the work of ANTI-theists who THINK (!) they’re atheists.

Religious_Zealot on May 11, 2010 at 10:28 PM

This cross was put up to memorialize and honor those who gave their lives in WWI (not WWII as I stated earlier), right?

Yes removing this memorial was wrong and at the very least involved trespassing on private property and destruction/theft of private property.

But this act doesn’t take away from what our guys did and the heroic sacrifice they made.

It’s not like memorials make the war dead heroic, they did that themselves. it’s not like the war dead need affirmation, they know what they did.

Memorials are there to remind us of what they did for us. Ironically, whoever stole this has made this particular memorial more in the forefront than if they just left it.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:28 PM

O.k. I’m going to restate what has got to be the most despised comment of the night:

Why did it have to be a cross?

At any rate I agree with Dr. Evil. Rebuild the sucker and make it 20 crosses, a Star of David, and a tank battalion. Let them try and remove it then.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:30 PM

With atheism, there _is no binding_, nor will there ever be.

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 10:07 PM

Incorrect. There is one’s own brain, whence came all writings.

OldEnglish on May 11, 2010 at 10:31 PM

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:24 PM

I like your strategy.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 10:32 PM

No, this wasn’t the work of atheists, it was the work of ANTI-theists who THINK (!) they’re atheists.

Religious_Zealot on May 11, 2010 at 10:28 PM

Thank you!

OldEnglish on May 11, 2010 at 10:34 PM

Hmmmm.

I strongly advocate an Aztec funeral for all involved.

Sun. Obsidian knife. Still beating heart. Assemble at need.

memomachine on May 11, 2010 at 10:35 PM

the cross don’t work cause the vandals took the sandals.

km on May 11, 2010 at 10:45 PM

Shouldn’t Obama’s anti-Christian rhetoric be blamed here? Isn’t he fanning the flames of hatred when he says things like America is not a christian nation?

JellyToast on May 11, 2010 at 10:55 PM

Removing/Stealing a memorial to American war dead in the desert as an act of what? rebellion? defiance? It comes off as a futile exercise to me.

Dr Evil on May 11, 2010 at 10:17 PM

Dr Evil:Fully agree,I look upon it as a very sick
individual(s),can`t even wrap my brain around
such vile HATE!:)

When I was younger,in the junior Navy League,
I paraded to many monuments,Rememberance Day,
Battle of the Atlantic Rememberance,and it was
an honour to be part of that,so,like I’ve said
these are sick people!:)

canopfor on May 11, 2010 at 11:00 PM

Put two up, twice as big.

clement on May 11, 2010 at 11:07 PM

Mojave desert cross stolen by vandals

“For the love of Christ?”

Blacksmith on May 11, 2010 at 11:39 PM

Incorrect. There is one’s own brain, whence came all writings.

OldEnglish on May 11, 2010 at 10:31 PM

And also from whence the idea for this escapade came from. Essentially you are saying that your binding is from your belief in something you made up – so what’s to stop you when your fickle brain decides something else is better?

Nothing. And hence, no real binding at all.

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 11:40 PM

The only religion where it’s socially acceptable to attack and disrespect is Christianity.

OxyCon on May 11, 2010 at 11:46 PM

At some point you all have to admit and accept the people you are aligned against believe in one thing- winning.

The ends justify the means.

They tried the courts and lost so they resorted to theft.

We shouldn’t be surprised when Obama and his crew do the same.

archer52 on May 11, 2010 at 11:54 PM

A response from a dear friend to my Facebook page when I posted this story:

I’m praying that carrying God’s cross (even in theft) will have an impact on the thieve’s spirits. I pray that it changes their hearts and even if only for a moment they consider Jesus being nailed to a cros in agony for the sake of love.

keebs on May 11, 2010 at 11:55 PM

no real binding at all.

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 11:40 PM

Correct. I am free to follow my own better judgement.

OldEnglish on May 11, 2010 at 11:57 PM

keebs on May 11, 2010 at 11:55 PM

That would be a nice turnout.

Considering this cross weighs way more than what Jesus carried, I hope it gives them just as much trouble.

Rightwingguy on May 12, 2010 at 12:03 AM

With atheism, there _is no binding_, nor will there ever be.

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 10:07 PM

Incorrect. There is one’s own brain, whence came all writings.

OldEnglish on May 11, 2010 at 10:31 PM

And also from whence the idea for this escapade came from. Essentially you are saying that your binding is from your belief in something you made up – so what’s to stop you when your fickle brain decides something else is better?

Nothing. And hence, no real binding at all.

DrRansom on May 11, 2010 at 11:40 PM

Correct. I am free to follow my own better judgement.

OldEnglish on May 11, 2010 at 11:57 PM

Well, you wrapped up that point nicely for me. And when you vote lackwits like this into public office, they go merrily along their way until someone offers a better deal – hence the phrase “expiration dates” on promises.

DrRansom on May 12, 2010 at 12:07 AM

DrRansom on May 12, 2010 at 12:07 AM

Unless, of course, my better judgement is more in keeping with a rational and ethical behaviour than is offered by others.

That is the point of exercising one’s own free will, there is no compulsion to follow the lead of another – wherever it may go.

OldEnglish on May 12, 2010 at 12:35 AM

Correct. I am free to follow my own better judgement.

OldEnglish on May 11, 2010 at 11:57 PM

Your own judgement yes. Whether it is better might be debatable.

chemman on May 12, 2010 at 12:49 AM

chemman on May 12, 2010 at 12:49 AM

Agreed. But that is what living one’s own life is all about. Making decisions and gathering just reward.

OldEnglish on May 12, 2010 at 12:58 AM

The cross should be replaced, with the vandals crucified upon it.

rayra on May 12, 2010 at 1:18 AM

I don’t support your socialistic church-going agenda and you tell me to go to China. I’m fighting for conservatism here. I’m fighting to have organized religion banned so we as individuals can worship God without having to provide welfare for preachers. You can throw your man-made so called holy books in the toilet and embrace rationalism.

Narutoboy on May 11, 2010 at 8:48 PM

You’re a damnable fraud.

rayra on May 12, 2010 at 1:28 AM

Narutoboy on May 11, 2010 at 8:48 PM

You’re a damnable fraud.
rayra on May 12, 2010 at 1:28 AM

++ On the subject of frauds, trolls and other site-gamers:

I’m not sure why we are so set on having a cross to memorialize those war dead. I think there should be a memorial, but I’m not sure why it has to be a cross considering all of our guys who died who weren’t Christian in WWII.

Rightwingguy on May 11, 2010 at 9:09 PM

Who the he– said anything about World War Two??

What ‘consideration’ are you trying to articulate, exactly, lest people here conclude you’re a fool?

RD on May 12, 2010 at 2:10 AM

The cross should be replaced, with the vandals crucified upon it.

rayra on May 12, 2010 at 1:18 AM

+1

Khun Joe on May 12, 2010 at 3:13 AM

I’m an atheist who wouldn’t mind seeing the punks who stole the cross, being under it when hopefully it’s put back where it belongs.

TiminPhx on May 11, 2010 at 9:20 PM

I’m another who would love to see the same. Well said!

MJBrutus on May 12, 2010 at 6:15 AM

Hate crime! Were it a muslim symbol the FBI would be involved by now.

Alden Pyle on May 12, 2010 at 6:15 AM

Hate crime! Were it a muslim symbol the FBI would be involved by now.

Alden Pyle on May 12, 2010 at 6:15 AM

How do you know they’re not? I sure hope they are.

MJBrutus on May 12, 2010 at 6:24 AM

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