Atheists Demand Marines Remove Cross Commemorating Fallen U.S. Soldiers
- Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:55am by
Billy Hallowell
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Image Credit: Los Angeles Times
An atheist group is clashing with U.S. marines at Camp Pendleton in California. The group, the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF), is demanding that a cross that was put up on the base to commemorate fallen soldiers be removed.
In recent months, the MAAF has made a splash by taking on Christian themes in the military and championing atheism in the U.S. Armed Forces. Led by Jason Torpy, who was a West Point graduate and who fought in Iraq, the group seems to be following along the same somewhat antagonistic path as the Freedom From Religion Foundation, among other “freethinking” groups.
Recently, Torpy also came out in support of the installment of atheist military chaplains, an interesting proposal considering the notion that it would require non-believers to register as a faith group of sorts.
The latest drama surrounding the Christian symbol unfolded when, on Veterans Day, Marines erected a 13-foot cross to commemorate the lives of their comrades who perished in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Justin Rettenberger, one of the four individuals who is responsible for erecting the cross, explains that the memorial was done to honor Maj. Douglas Zembiec, Maj. Ray Mendoza, Lance Cpl. Aaron Austin and Lance Cpl. Robert Zurheide.
The L.A. Times documented the cross’ placement at the military base:
“We wanted them all to know that they’ll always be in our hearts, that they’ll never be forgotten,” Rettenberger told the Los Angeles Times.
But Torpy, though he understands the urge to remember the lost, says that, because of its placement on federal lands, the cross simply isn’t appropriate. While he claims he typically doesn’t get involved in issues like this, some of his atheist members who serve at Pendleton have asked him to intervene.
“In a lot of ways this is commendable – they’re honoring friends who were probably Christian,” Torpy said. “I think the memorial is appropriate for the individuals who put it up and the friends they’re honoring, but you just can’t walk onto federal land and do it.”
While he says he doesn’t want to be the bad guy, he says that he shouldn’t be the only one standing up in opposition to the cross. It “privileges one religion over another,” he says, going on to claim that ”[Camp Pendleton} should have known better."
In this Nov. 10, 2011 photo, from left to right, Scott Radetski, Karen Mendoza, Jon Gross and Shannon Book carry a 13-foot cross to the top of a mountain at Camp Pendleton to recognize those Marines who have fallen or been wounded in combat. (AP Photo/Los Angeles Times, Rick Loomis)
The L.A. Times has an excellent slideshow that documents the cross’ story.
Pendleton released a statement saying that the four Marines who put the cross up were not acting in “any official position or capacity” and that the Department of Defense and the U.S. Marine Corps were not endorsing the cross. Torpy, though, says that the religious symbol should have been prevented from being placed on federal land.
According to FOX News, there’s been some strong reaction to atheists demands that the cross be removed. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council and a former marine, is frustrated over what he sees as “radical” attacks on the military.
“It’s really outrageous and it shows the hostile environment that’s been created by this (Obama) administration towards religious freedom,” he says. “At some point, we have to say, enough is enough.”
Currently, officials are reviewing the situation to determine the appropriateness of the cross’ placement on federal lands.
(H/T: Military.com)
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Comments (545)
John 3:16
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:36amI’m really beginning to think Athiests should be outlawed in America, they are America’s HEMROIDS!!!!
Report Post »NewLife56
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:39amThat is the best post of the month LOL, and true
Report Post »GeorgeWashingtonslept here
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:45amHey AZJeff1963………………that’s what I was gonna say but you beat me to it! LOL
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:54amIt seems like someone is just trying to make a mountain out of a stupid atheist complainer. I agree that we need to be eternally vigilant, but crying wolf so often makes Veterans groups seem like wussies and whiners. Just ignore the atheist fools like everybody else does and carry on.
TEA
Report Post »TX VOL
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:54amWell said AZ, well said!! LOL
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:09amAny federal court ruling either pro or con is Unconstitutional. Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohiobil; the free exercise there of.
Report Post »ltb
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:21am“Recently, Torpy also came out in support of the installment of atheist military chaplains, an interesting proposal considering the notion that it would require non-believers to register as a faith group of sorts.”
—–
Atheism is a religion, which worships Self as the supreme being. As a matter of fact, the federal courts have even ruled that atheism is a religion (Kaufman v. McCaughtry). Here’s what’s I want to know… Since atheism is a religion and since Evolution is a doctrine of atheism (i.e., according to the first plank of the Humanist Manifesto), why haven’t any Christians filed lawsuits to stop the State from favoring the atheist doctrine of Evolution over the Christian doctrine of Creation in our public schools? If I had children in public schools, I would have filed a lawsuit a long time ago.
Get off of your couches people and start fighting back. If you call yourself a Christian and are sitting on the sidelines, do nothing, you should be ashamed.
Primekid
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:30amThank you smithclar3nc3.
We have a constitutional right to freedom of religion and freedom to practice our religion under the first amendment. There is no such thing as a required “Separation of church and state” anywhere in the constitution, only that the government shall make no law respecting a particular religion. Exercising an individual’s freedom of religion and/or practicing their religion, regardless of where it occurs, does not equate to government making a law. Nor does it automatically imply government endorsement. And as such, does not preclude the individual’s right to freedom of religion and/or practicing that religion.
And if the site of the Christian cross that represents the religion of the founders of this country and the principles under which they founded it bother your delicate, tearing eyes, then too damn bad. There is also, fortunately, no “right to not be offended” anywhere in the constitution either!!
Report Post »ltb
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:32amYou’re absolutely right smithclar3nc3. As a matter of fact, absent any law passed by Congress that states something like “A cross shall be prominently displayed at every military base in America,” no violation of the Constitution has occurred and Camp Pendleton can display a cross if that’s what a majority of the soldiers want. What it boils down to is whether the administrators at Camp Pendleton are willing to stand up to a tiny minority of loud mouth atheists, or if they are going to be cowards and give in. This is just another attempt by communists / liberals / progressives / whatever-the-hell-they-wan-to-be-called to infiltrate our institutions and destroy America from within.
Report Post »000degrees
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:36amCurrently, officials are reviewing the situation to determine the appropriateness of the cross’ placement on federal lands.
Bet they have it removed……ant takers???
Report Post »Delta_River_Folk
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:38amThey have the right to put it up, just like others have the right to ignor it.
Report Post »your sensei
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:45amLTB . . . “Atheism is a religion, which worships Self as the supreme being.”
Sorry, but I believe that‘s Atlas Shrugged you’re thinking of.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:47amAs believers,we know God could have ZAPPED all of mankind many times….Adam’s sin, the flood, Tower of Babel etc. but He sent THE REEDEMER and this AGE OF GRACE continues. God’s timing, not mankind’s timing, and the unbelievers will know GOD’S RATH and when the second death has approached, there will be many regrets about being seperated from God for eternity. Mankind must ask themselves this question, WHERE WILL I SPEND ETERNITY ?…..with God or into the LAKE OF FIRE….not my words but God’s PROMISES.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:49amYou are absolutely right. BOTH atheism and Islam are against freedom of religion (except their own).
Report Post »They are ILLEGAL already ! It only needs to be enforced. Freedom to practice one’s own religion is one of the few GIVEN dictates of the Federal Government. It’s a great example of why Washington needs to be stripped down to their GIVEN responsibilities. Progressives have ruined Washington and it is time to take it away from them!
Choctaw25
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:52amTorpy is the type of so-called solider that met with unforseen dangers in Nam, perhaps even being left on the PZ to discuss his opinions with the VC and hope they shared his views on American soliders. Just saying, it could have happened.
Report Post »I hope his fellow Marines have long and Christian memories of his actions.
WAR IS HE!!.
Unix
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:54amAmerica is being forced to turn it’s back on God, it is part of the plan Satan has, and it is slowly working. While these athiests have a right to speak out, they are a scourge on our country, a pox in our house, along with the Islamo-Fascists and Liberal Socialists, gays and Marxist unions, they are destroying our country, right under our noses!
Viva TEA
Report Post »God Bless America
mikem1969
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:55amI still don‘t get how people that don’t believe in any type of God can be so threatened by a symbol. Some freaking people just have to have something to complain about I guess.
Report Post »agameofthrones
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:08amIt seems that without Christians, atheists would have no reason to exist. Notice that they are never happy? Fighting against religion is the only thing that gives meaning to their otherwise meaningless lives.
Report Post »Gravejoke
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:11amIt’s conceivably possible. The Bill of Rights guarantees the freedom to practice any religion, not the lack thereof. =)
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:11amWe are a tolerant, loving nation; not a theocratic dictatorship.
We need to embrace dissent, and then totally Ignore It!
TEA !!!
Report Post »RavenGlenn
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:16amReally now…Atheism should be illegal? Aetheists are just here to fight with Christians?
You lot need to grow up. I’m an atheist and I think the ones pestering the military base need to get a life. What others choose to believe or how they wish to show it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I likely know more about a wide-swath of religions than most “religious” people because I actually took time to study a variety of them before making my decision on what I believe.
But, just because I don’t believe that there is some mystical all-knowing being in the heavens, that doesn‘t meant that you can’t believe that.
See, these atheist groups that come out at like the crazy 1% of atheists. They are no different than the Westboro Baptist Church. You all scream at the top of your lungs that they don’t represent your religion…well these idiots don’t represent Atheists either. Most Atheists simply don’t care if you want a cross up at a military base. Go for it. Doesn’t make a lick of difference. It doesn‘t force ANYONE to believe something or worship something that they don’t want to.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:33amMany of the founders were diests but keep telling yourselves they were christian.
Report Post »common cents
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:39amI missed that scripture, It must be somewhere between Love your enemies and return good for evil?
Report Post »The very Lord that cross represents, prayed for the ones who nailed him to it. “Forgive them Father, they know not what they do” And neither do these people, but I doubt our savior would have used this acronyms.
lemmings4obama
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:42amOn the hill right next to the cross there is “nothing.“ That specific ”nothing” represents the Athiests so I don’t see what the problem is. Until they come up with a better “nothing” symbol to represent their belief in “nothing” then “nothing” will represent them.
Report Post »Shiroi Raion
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:50amFreethinkers? Sure. Were they laughing at the irony when they named this group?
Report Post »colt1860
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:02pm@Bible Quotin‘ Science Fearin’ Conservative American
Most of the founders were Christian, and the Deists gladly embraced the principles of Christianity and encouraged a Christian society.
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:07pmpoor widdle atheists..such fragile sensibilities….
Report Post »Citizen
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:10pmAs a Christian i dont like the cross its too much like symbols all the pagens and false god worshipers use. rip it down keep it up it doesnt matter God will deal with everyone and what is in thier heart.
the good news is no one is going to escape it. so dont worry about who wrongs you or deals unjustly with you, forgive them and God will deal with them. people all run around on this planet thinking they will get justice its like watching children play in thier fantasy world. there is no justice here dont you know that yet ?
if the world was just Christ wouldnt have been on the cross.
Report Post »charleyrocks
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:13pmThey remind me of some gay people who have to wear stupid costumes to show off what they are. Why can’t these people just not believe and leave everyone alone what is their purpose, do they not know that they always lose with the devil!
Report Post »1chancey1
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:17pmMonicne (Encinom) your little charade is getting stale. You are a Troll and don’t have a clue what the Tea Party is about. Please stop representing something you are not.
Report Post »dutchy
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:21pmAmen!
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:21pmFirst they ban the symbols, then they ban the churches.
Report Post »Ironmike64
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:32pmI often wonder, if Athiests don’t believe in God, why do they spend so much time being offended? Ignoring the issue won’t make them go away. It may seem like a cliche’ but many vets have committed a large portion of their lives protecting the rights of Americans. There is nothing wrong with vets fighting to protecting their own rights too.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:34pmMy thoughts exactly–Someone ought to remove these Atheists.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:43pmWrong. The only place a cross can‘t be placed is on PRIVATE property of a PERSON who doesn’t want the cross there. Public land is PUBLIC. FEDERAL LAND IS PUBLIC. Fact: We, The People OWN ALL PUBLIC land. Fact: Public land is subjected to the constitution. Fact: The constitution grants Freedom of Religion not freedom FROM anything. sorry to break that too you.
It is was privately owned land, they would have a case, but it’s not.
Report Post »PhantomsPhorever
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:47pmSOLDIERS? They are MARINES!! You wouldn’t call a Sailor a Soldier, because he’s not….. Why do they call Marines Soldiers? It is very much an insult. Joe Rosenthall would approve of the photo of that cross being raised. I can almost smell the ocean air mixed with licorice plant wafting on those hills. One of the best smells on earth. Semper Fi
Report Post »ilovejiggys
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:55pmI wonder if they have the “BALLS” to go after MUSLIMS?
Report Post »burningfordirk
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:06pmYou do realize that some of our founding fathers (Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington) were all deists like me? Freedom of religion is a must. It’s just morons like these that abuse that right; point the sword in the other direction.
No, atheists are fine. These jackasses are exactly why I don’t believe in organized religion. Believe what you want, so long as you’re not hurting anybody. Thats what our founding fathers believed in
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:08pmIsn’t it ironic that “free thinking” groups are so closed minded when it comes to religion?
Huh…
Report Post »old white guy
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:24pmlets hang them all from a cross and see if the come back. these people are nuts. Christians are not nuts. God is going to crap on these people big time. why do they want to destroy what we, so many people believe. one word fits. they are evil. i don‘t care if they don’t believe, why do we have to care that they don’t believe. they will reap the benefit of their beliefs.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:29pmHey bqsfca,
Report Post »Most of the founders were Christian in one domination or another. It’s why the establishment clause was put in place. The stop congress from declaring one domination or another from being the national religion. And to stop what every religious group that might hold the most seats in Congress from passing laws against another religious group. They all agreed that man was giving certain rights by their CREATOR rights that no man can take UNALIENABLE ring a bell. That is in our Declaration so even your deitist SIGNED IT.
THERE IS NO SEPERATION CLAUSE….THAT’S A MYTH LIKE FREE LOVE OR THE LOCHNESS MONSTER. There is a laws that forbits intrusion by CONGRESS it neither seperates or merges the people with Religion.
Ruler4You
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:42pm“Atheist” is just a grown up name for the excuse of malicious and destructive behavior. Simply put, they are immature malcontents.
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:48pmCalling these guys athiests is like calling the David Koresh followers christians… Make no mistake, 99% of atheists wouldn’t even waste a second of their time on this. These are just anti-christian hate groups.
Report Post »Patriot Z
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:01pmso ya want to do the same thing muslims want huh..fantastic. im athiest and think thoes guys are idiots. dont lump most athiests in with a noisy group of fools. i say keep the cross as even though it is a religious symbol it was put there honoring ALL fallen, not just christian ones and not promoting a religion but giving blessings in their own way. these athiests arebelievers make no mistake. thats why they are upset. they are mad at their perception of god for what ever reason. if they truly didntbelieve as i do then they could see it as a nicety. it is like a kid giving a soldie their toy or good luck charm ad saying it will protect them. these people i feel would actually get upset with that which does not make them athiest but bitter man spirtited fools.
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:01pm@ Sensei…………Atheism is simply age old Humanism repackaged around modern day language. Historically however, the two are essentially identical. Of course, given your lack of knowledge regarding history that was on display the other day I wouldn’t expect you to know anything about what I just posted. Of course, you will try your best at some lame nit wit derogatory comment towards me to try and cover for your lack of factual knowledge about historical information, but it will simply prove my point all the more. Still waiting on the challenge I posted the other day to you about the number of people killed by atheistic leaders in the modern age. I put the number at around 120 million. These include, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler, Stalin. Again cite credible sources to back your answer. I won’t hold my breath…….
Report Post »Scruff
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:22pm@ BIBLE QUOTIN’:
Report Post »Syllogism:
A. Deist‘s don’t believe that God intervenes in the affairs of men and therefore they do not pray. B. The Founders believed in the providencial power of God and therefore they did prayed. Therefore, the Founders weren’t Deists and it is ridiculous to keep on insisting that they were.
COFemale
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 3:15pmWell Moncine would do that; ignore them, but they like to sue when they get reminded they are going to hell. Perhaps if they would just shut up, mind their own business, they would be happy people. Apparently they are so threatened by Christians and Christians symbols they want to eliminate them from their site.
As I said before, they offend me so can I eliminate them? NO, I can’t because 1. I’d go to jail. 2. I’d be breaking a commandment by taking a human life.
Report Post »hud
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 3:29pmAlong with those peace loving mooslims (bleeding hemorrhoids).
Report Post »arx
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 4:20pmHey Monicne. My dog just left a steamy pile on the front lawn. Come on over and eat it. It could only improve what’s in that stinkhole of yours.
Report Post »Ivey123
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 4:47pmThese Atheists obviously do not know this country’s history and should get kicked out of this country !!!
America was founded in GOD’s name, and the founding fathers and many great men (and women) have operated and are operating “under God” and his wisdom and direction.
They should be vanished for the crimes against the foundation of this great country !!! I pray that this country wakes up and takes back America, the America whose foundation was strong because it operated under a higher power !!!!
Report Post »pollyanna
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:39pmNo doubt @JOHN 3:16…Why are they so pissed off at Someone/something they don’t believe exists?
Report Post »getalong
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:52pmLove it! GFYS Don‘t these people have anything better to do than go around and stump on Christian’s rights. I can’t imagine life without God. It must be really boring!!!
Report Post »navypop
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 5:54pmatheists are rligiously trying to diprove GOD, so isn’t that a religion?
Report Post »lattero65
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:16pmLet the Atheist mount a plaque near the Cross directing them the the nearest cliff to jump off. Problem solved equitably.
Report Post »GONESURFING
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:00pmThe fool has said in his heart that there is no God.
Report Post »HARDWORKPAYS
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:27pmWe have a right to our religion and athiests can not stop us. If they are insulted by a cross, they can put a sign up next to it to reflect their beliefs. It could say “You live, you die, and your worm food” or something. How inspirational and beneficial to humanity that would be? The cross only reminds them of what sinners they are. It is so much easier to deny a higher power, and deny the conscience that God gave them when they were born.
Report Post »ThankBabyJesus
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:31pm@Bible Quotin‘ Science Fearin’ Conservative American
You are right BQSFCA, America was not founded on Christianity, but by design of out founding fathers ideals of America was open to seek the truth. Christianity has it’s moral base proven true time and time again. Intelligent design.
Report Post »NoRoomForSocialismHere
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:50pmYeah Citizen, you lay around like that and you will be murdered where you sit. We do not have a bubble around us provided by God. If true none would die and we would need no protection or even be aware of the dangers round bout us. You are silly and not fully informed of the Word of God as it exists.
The Apostles had their swords with them.
The Word tells the story about the master of his house is responsible for his families protection and guards the night against intruders and thieves.
If we lay down like little sheep then we would not keep our obligation to protect our family. As Christians we built this nation under the influence of God and he said obey the law of the land (or give unto Caesar, Ceasars stuff and unto God, Gods stuff) and in this case it is our land and our laws. Now go to arabland and just Stand in the streets or NY and see what happens. If we are all killed and no one left to spread the message God gave us as a command then what, you will stand in judgment for that citizen
Report Post »uzi4u2
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:28pmAnd the Marines told the athiest to “come and get it down yourself, we dare you….” Hope they try
Report Post »molleighsgm
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:51pmMy feeling is that this cross will stay put. The man in the piece said that a cross was there before but burned down so in my opinion that would make this cross a replacement and this one soldier has no legal grounds whatsoever. I think what needs to be remembered is that it is a military installation technically but to the people that live on this base that is their home and therefore should be thought of accordingly. I am an Air Force Brat and this is akin to a town deciding to put up a cross as a memorial for a fallen hero. I spent my life living on bases and posts. I didn’t see it as federal property… I saw it as my home and my community. Military families are a close knit family that looks out for each other and when we lose someone we memorialize them and remember their sacrifice and their life by putting up a memorial that will be there for years to come as well as celebrate their lives. I for one am sick and tired of these groups trying to tear down the strong tradition of faith that lives in the military community.
Report Post »The Jewish Avenger
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:50am@Cesium
“Calling these guys athiests is like calling the David Koresh followers Christians… Make no mistake, 99% of atheists wouldn’t even waste a second of their time on this. These are just anti-christian hate groups.”
Boy, I hope that’s true… Although I’d rather have the 99% find God… but if they are not this destructive really and its just nutbags being attention whores, I can respect that. Not agree with it, but respect it.
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 7:30amSome US Marines need to help Jason Torpy fall off a curb. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2719883/posts
Report Post »Redhead Leann
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:20pmThese athiest asses make me sick. So what if you don’t believe… too bad for you, stay out of our life! You know that old saying “misery loves company” , shut up and keep to yourselves. What do you thinnk we stand for? Freedom. Thanks for your service to this nation, but keep your bias and hatred to yourself or with your disgusting little group. I Love what these 4 soldiers have done. How beautiful and awsome the tribute and respect. Oh and Domince, you sound like an idiot. Who did you say was whining?? Our soldiers? You dumba**, idiot, blonde bimbo.
Report Post »bioengineer
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:34pmPerhaps crosses should be removed from the headstones at Arlington cemetary too. There is no limit to their selfish egos. I’m amazed that anybody gives these people the time of day at all.
Report Post »Conservativegirlygirl
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:57pmYour comment is hilarious, but the fact of the matter is those people probably live in Cambridge MA, LMAO
Report Post »TheVoice1
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:23pmltb
Excellent post!!!
Report Post »TheVoice1
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:26pmRavenGlenn
Now that makes sense..
Stand Strong America
Report Post »ltb
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:30pmBible Quotin‘ Science Fearin’ Conservative American wrote “Many of the founders were diests but keep telling yourselves they were christian.”
—–
Even if every single one of the founding fathers was a deist, which they weren’t, you would have to be insane or a profligate liar to claim that these people, who held church services in the Capitol building and who started public schools so children could learn the Bible, intended for the Constitution to be used to ban crosses from public property.
Report Post »UPSETVET
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 7:13amAs a Christian American citizen I have the constitutional right to practice my religion which includes the placement of Christian simbols and artifacts. As an atheist a person has his or her constitutional right not to practice any religion. No American citizen has the constitutional right to deny me the liberty to practice my religion as my conscience dictates.
I have the freedom to express my belief in God and atheists have the freedom to express their non belief in God. If a Christian dies and learns he or she was wrong, nothing has been lost. If an atheist dies and learns he or she was wrong, everything has been lost. Personally I’ll take my chances as a believer.
In Joshua 24:15, as the God chosen leader of the Israelites Joshua challenged them saying, ” If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house (family) we will serve the Lord.” Everybody serves someone or something and we all must make that choice of who or what we’ll serve.
Religion or no religion is a personal choice that all American citizens have. We have the freedom and right to make our own personal choice, but If I were you I’d choose very carefully. If God doesn’t exist, a Christian has lived a better life and is a better person because of his or her Christian beliefs. If God does exist, what will an atheist say when He asked him or her why they denied His existence?
Report Post »iwalkalone
Posted on November 24, 2011 at 10:56pmI agree but the real problem is the govt uses these useful idiots to accomplish their goals. The victim, the offended, the weak, and the females that are granted powers above and beyond ordinary citizens rights of free speech and liberty. The power to silence those that offend is a tool of fascists and tyrants. The false use of the constitution to repress any group is so unAmerican only a tyrannical govt supported by tyrannical judges would do it.
Report Post »Lordchamp
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:34amAn just why can’t we as citizens put something on “federal” land that does NO harm? WE PAID FOR THE LAND WITH OUR TAX DOLLARS!! That makes us the rightful owners.
Same stupid separation of church and state argument that holds no Constitutional water except in the warped minds of liberal lawyers and of course the academia that taught them how to be brainless sheeple.
Report Post »wbedding
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:59amspot on, LORDCHAMP. no one has said that people cannot place any other markers or monuments to remember their fallen brethren. seems to me that the hypocrisy of the situation is quite thick. when Christians complain about open pornography, the liberals scream, “change the channel or just don’t look.” why does this not apply to them in this situation? situational ethics has this country headed to hell in a hand basket.
Report Post »Missouri_Patriot
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:05amAtheists need to read the first amendment….
“Congress shall make no law with respect to the establishment of a religion OR THE FREE PRACTICE THEREOF” If there is such a thing as a separation of church and state, then that has to go both ways….religion can‘t interfere with government and government CAN’T INTERFERE WITH RELIGION!!
How does this action not violate the last part of the first amendment??? Does the federal government only use the tax dollars of atheists and agnostics to purchase federal land??? And if God doesn’t believe in atheists, does it then stand to reason that atheists don’t exist??
The truth of the matter is, GOVERNMENT is the religion of the atheist and agnostics….and they’re hell bent on forcing their views on the rest of us. Enough is enough!
Report Post »poagman
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:13amWhat about Arlington? Is that not federal land?
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:47am[An just why can’t we as citizens put something on “federal” land that does NO harm?]
A Nine Pointed Star does no harm.
A Ankh does no harm.
A pentagram does no harm.
A Star and Crescent does no harm.
An upside down cross does no harm.
Doing without your religious symbols on federal land also does NO harm.
[WE PAID FOR THE LAND WITH OUR TAX DOLLARS!! That makes us the rightful owners.]
Report Post »No, we “ALL” pay for the land, there are no “rightful owners”. You’re a selfish ignoramus to imply that Christians are the only ones paying taxes or dying while serving this country.
Mtroom
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:48amI just don’t understand how anyone can get this involved in attacking something that makes others happy..I don’t wake up in the morning all pissed off at any group who put up anything, billboard, sign, or symbol and go so far as to take them to court over it…I really think these atheists or so shakey in their beliefs that they can’t function in a society that has different beliefs…I know no matter what they put up or claim or even promote will never shake my beliefs…I’m proud of my beliefs and defend them, but I will not attack someone else over their beliefs…Ridiculous…
Report Post »shirleyandpearl
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:18amThat’s true… Atheists need to adhere to the first and stop being so self righteous. They get listened to enough and display their ugly billboards Christians see. Displaying a cross is not exactly thumping a bible over their heads….Thin skinned, atheists, live and let live and go bark up another tree if you must!
Report Post »disgustedAmerican
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:39pm@Poagman
Report Post »They are actually trying to have all the crosses in Arlington replaced. It is disrespectful to presume that the crosses in Arlington are hurting anyone, and if they are, then that particular group or person is not a true American
flik221
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:34amput it to a VOTE
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:41amWhy should there be a vote on a Constitutional right? If you can vote to take away a person’s rights then they are no longer rights, we are no longer a republic, and every other right including the right to life becomes less sacred and more subjective to the will of the masses.
Report Post »db321
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:32amWhere would they vote – hopefully not in California – The Cross should stay period! If you want the cross down – come and take it from the Marines!
Report Post »Female
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:49amTime to bow to all the atheists, again? Let’s just remove every intersection were the roads somehow appear to form a “T”; every telephone or electric pole which form a “T” and of course the letter “T” from our alphabet. Here we go!
“ime to bow o all he aheises, again? Le’s jus remove every inersection were the roads somehow appear to form a “ ”; every elephone or elecric pole which form a “ ” and of course the leer “” from our alphabe. Here we go!”
Probably should remove the letter “D”, too, because with some accents it comes out as a “T”….I(D)OI(t)S
You see a cross, I see a “t”; you see the Holy Spirit, I see a dove; you see a i…, I see a fish; you see a budda, I see a fat guy; you see any “religious symbol or idol”, I see what it really is a form without power except what each of us impute to it.
Get over it, all you, “aheises (without a t you must add es, which incidently ends up sounding like a male snake noise when pronounced)”!
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:34amThey have no right to DEMAND anything… Freedom OF Religion.. sorry. TONY is correct. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. TIME FOR ALL MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN TO TAKE A STAND. GO UP THERE AND PROTECT THAT CROSS FROM BEING TAKEN DOWN! God Bless! OCCUPY THE CROSS.
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:58amYou need to understand we are a tolerant, loving nation; not a theocratic dictatorship. We need to embrace dissent, and then ignore it totally.
There are only a few times we need to capitalize! TEA is One!
Report Post »MommyNeedsMoreCoffee
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:02amAmen…we’re military and I wish we were still in CA.
Report Post »flik221
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:33amsatan can only prevail if good men do NOTHING, RAISE THE CROSS OF REAL HOPE
Report Post »jakartaman
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:32amSecular progressivism will be the downfall of our great nation.
Report Post »It is the plan of Barry and all one world nuts.
If Barry gets back in for 4 years – we will have depression/civil disorder/marshall law / a restructure of our constitution and government
And real American will not like it!
2012
SgtB
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:31amThis atheist association is a bunch of f’ing morons. They say that the placement of a cross on federally owned land is wrong. Well, I spent about 4 years at that base and I can tell you that there a alot of white crosses dotting the hills of Camp Pendleton. They were placed there by the men who owned the large ranch that used to be Camp Pendleton and they were like road markers pointing the way to their home / inn.
Also, I’m not sure if the atheist group knows this, but there is a chapel up on the mainside of the base just across from medical and dental. I’m prett sure they could find enough to piss them off in this large white building to keep them busy requesting we remove objects for years.
If this group really had any “free thinkers” then they would shut the hell up and come up with a way to commemorate fallen Marines in their own way instead of griping about how everyone else does it.
Report Post »NICHOLAS.STL
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:11amAs an atheist veteran I agree. Instead of always b!tching, we should find a way to commerate fallen atheist soldiers. It is tough being an athiest republican, having to defend some crazy complaints. Honestly, the cross really doesn’t bother me. There are a lot bigger issues in this country than two sticks tied together on a military base. I’d rather hang out with christians than ******* anyday of the week.
So please, don’t let this article give you preconceived notions about atheist. I’m no different than any red blooded American. I just sleep in on sundays! lol
Report Post »Wyocalgirl
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:26amYou’re right, SGTB. I have been aboard Camp Pendleton many many times over the last five years during my son’s years of service, and now as I continue to volunteer with his battalion since he got out. There are many, many crosses on the base. I am thinking in particular of the really tall ones that you can see over the trees/bushes off the road that are located when you come in the main gate out there around the main chapel. And each area has its own chapel. It’s “God, Country, Corps” and I hope that MajGen Bailey stands firm about this.
Report Post »warveteran
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:31amWe Christians also own that land.
Report Post »ICanComment
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:56amWARVETERAN, that is nothing short of succinct brilliance. We pay taxes for that land, too. What’s more, if the atheists want atheist chaplains for their allegedly nonexistent religion, then they’re declaring that it is a form of religion (as it requires faith). Thus, if they don’t want to promote one religion over another, theirs included, they must concede that a Christian display is as valid as any other. If they don’t agree with Christianity, I respect that. But I also don’t agree with atheism. So what then? Mind you, I don’t hate any of you atheists or anything like that, and I’m not calling you names or anything. I’ve got atheists in my family and I love them the same.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:37pmAnd we more thant likely have paid for it over and over again .
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:30amMore domestic terrorism from obama’s atheists/occupiers/rioters/defecaters.
Report Post »Wayne
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:38amHey I have and idea, you low life scrum that want the cross down why don’t you go and kick the Marines butts and take it down yourselfs. Ha Ha .
Report Post »ROMANS 10-9
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:30amFight for Jesus!
Don’t let these lost few
attack our Christian Values!
Fight Them!
Report Post »Sheepdog911
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:28amChristians should the athiests over all the monuments to their beliefs. Any hill that doesn’t have a cross by default is a monument to their foolish lack of belief. What standing do these idiots have to protest this? None.
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:00amOne day…every knee shall bow..every tongue confess..Romans 14:11
Report Post »alpha2omega47
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:27amAll of these freakos should get back in their respective closets and be quiet.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:05amWe were so much better off when they were…
Report Post »mean_conservative_teacher
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:27amI hope everyone realizes that, by its very nature, the forced removal of a religious symbol is the forced erection of an atheist one…
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:29amExactly — during the governance of the French Revolution they abolished all organized religion and instituted a atheistic form, with a “godess of reason” in its place; in short as you stated, the removal of one religion with the replacement of another by the force of the government.
Which is exactly what Mr Obama wants — pressure, pressure, pressure.
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:35amSave a seal, club an atheist.
Later tonight I’m going to have one of my nephew locking and loading to bring down his first deer. He’s stoked for dinner. My only real regret is that we’re not in the Arctic so he could bring down his first polar bear. Y U M M Y!
Environmentalists can go eat straw, and even that’s too good a mean for them.
Report Post »kevin1122
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:38amExactly! Atheism is a belief system. Atheism is a religion, so when Mr Tropy says, “It “privileges one religion over another” and therefor the cross cannot be displayed, he is imposing his belief system on everyone else and his religion is the one receiving privilege.
Report Post »Mandors
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:38amNice point.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:44am@ mean _coservative -_teacher
Great piont…!
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:25amThe atheists can GTH, whether they believe in it or not. There are more Christians than atheists, who are they to be demanding anything? They are spoiled, attention-seeking, brats who are convinced that they were blessed with more intelligence than everyone else.
Report Post »mom4times
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:28amAMEN….and God Bless You for that comment
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:37amI’ve never met an atheist with an IQ above a 3.
Report Post »mean_conservative_teacher
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:25amDoes anyone else see how Orwellian it is to call these people “freethinkers”? It’s obvious that they endorse free thought only if it is in line with their world view. If someone dares to freely think that Christianity might be correct, then they are suddenly very against it. Such as these “freethinkers” will gleefully point to the Westboro Baptists’ disruption of military funerals as an indication of how rotten Christianity is, but what these atheists are doing here, disrupting the memorial of these fallen soldiers, is highly similar in both action and intent.
Report Post »scrapadapolis
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:24amHey Blaze this is not written in the right! As you say somewhat and agnostic something?I’m agnostic and as an agnostic we believe in many and all faiths that coraspond with human wellbeing.And yes we believe in a god or gods and many other peoples gods.We just cant set faith to only one being.I on the other hand will never accept the muslims because Alla isnt a true known being of sorts hes a made up thing to further an adgenda of a brutal nation.
Report Post »ROMANS 10-9
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:32amRomans 10:9
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:36amI’ve got to agree with you. I‘d have to call myself agnostic because I don’t feel that any religion or denomination is right about God… But whenever I think about how we are made up of microscopic cells that are made up of even smaller proteins that are coordinated in their chemical reactions by some as of yet unknown force that creates spontaneous cell division, life, and ultimately sentient conciousness, I cannot help but believe that there must be a God. Anyone who can look at themself and believe that they are the product of random interactions between elements is fooling themself.
Too many people confuse agnostic for atheist and too many atheists claim to be agnostic.
Report Post »Wakeup Maggie
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:24amFirst of all…it’s hilarious that NBC waste their money advertising on the blaze–like any of us will be watching that piece of crap station. Secondly…the atheist group should more accurately rename themselves to satans pathetic evildoers.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:22amWhat gives the atheists the right to tramp on OUR rights? I bet that they expect to be off work and get paid for Dec.25th
Report Post »your sensei
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:47amYeah! It’s like these protestors speaking up from the audience at speeches being given by Republican candidates. What gives them the right? I mean other than the Constitution.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:59am@ your sensei
Report Post »Sounds like your a Lib. by your post. I forgot if your a Lib. you have the right to take away others rights. Keep telling yourself that as it was said by someone in the past ( I’m afraid we have waken up a sleeping giant ) A lot more people are seeing through the lefts smoke screen ………
Twobyfour
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:21pmAJAYW, we call it Nonsense(i).
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:20amMagnificently mindless and useless, these Godless ones. Whatever, next story…
Report Post »TheLeftMadeMeRight
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:20amOr how about this one;
Angry citizens demand Marines remove atheists from planet…
Report Post »warveteran
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:20amNo. Period.
Report Post »Seede
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:19amHow does that work on the battlefield? If a Christian sees an atheist getting the short end of the stick the Christian simply turns his head the other way or the other way around? Sure makes sense to me. You booty pumpers had better wake up to the real world.
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:19amSo are we next going to get demands to go to Arlington Cemetery and remove all religious symbols from the markers there? I am willing to be that sometime in the future we are going to have a law suit to do just that.
Report Post »Eblaze44
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:58pmIt’s already being taken to court to remove all crosses from “government” cemeteries. I know I read that in the last few months.
Report Post »Dalady
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:14amAtheist motto…Let us prey.
Report Post »ruffnex
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:52amGreat Post!
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:11am.
Report Post »I say we have a Cage Match to settle this crap once and for all………………
flasho
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:18amHere, here !!!!
Report Post »maumau
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:20amReally…..they know they cant win, they know we have the Lord God Almighty on our side and the few that aren‘t sure don’t want to chance it. In this country you only have freedom of religion if you are not a christian and if you are well then its best not to offend anyone.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:22amSpecial forces vs the potus?
I get the match two seconds…
Report Post »possom
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:39pmditto!
Report Post »