After a bitter legal fight that dragged on since 1989, the Mount Soledad Cross in San Diego is coming down.
The cross was erected in 1954, replacing another that had stood on the same site for decades. But one atheist in town decided that the cross offended his tender sensibilities. I refuse to publicize his name—it’s in the links if you’re interested in learning this colossal time-waster’s identity. The atheist fought to remove the cross for 16 years, and now he’s succeeded. The cross is coming down within 90 days.
San Diegans, weary of the expensive 16-year fight, voted by a margin of nearly 60% last November to oppose Proposition K, which would have authorized a new land sale to settle the constitutional question. The city council agreed to abide by the vote when the measure was placed on the ballot. The last minute attempt to save the beautiful cross atop Mount Soledad failed this week when the San Diego City Council voted 5-3 against keeping the cross. It may seem, at first glance, that the atheist has won.
He certainly believes he’s won something. But, what exactly has he won? He now has the right to look into blank air instead of a majestic and respectful tribute to America’s war dead. Congratulations. That’s a real accomplishment.
It’s astounding that so much time, energy, and money could be channeled into such a pointless battle. It’s even more astonishing that the atheist thinks he’s smarter than people who think the cross belongs on its time-honored hill. I wonder, what useful and productive pastimes might this industrious and dedicated atheist have found to fill his hours, if only the sight of a simple cross standing on a mountaintop, in the midst of a war memorial, did not enrage him so?
So, you busy and devoted atheist, what’s next on your anti-religion crusade? Arlington National Cemetery? Now, there’s a lifetime vocation for such a fervent atheist. Why, that’s Federal land! And look, it’s literally covered in a sea of 32 government approved religious symbols! There are not only a dizzying variety of crosses, but also emblems of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism—in total, 32 religions. Oh yes, you kindly, tolerant San Diego atheist, you had best get busy.
Of course, the Ninth “Circus” Court of Appeals will do all it can to assist, as it did in 2002 by ruling unconstitutional two attempted sales of the land on which the cross stands. Fortunately for America, Arlington National Cemetery is outside the Ninth Court’s jurisdiction.
San Diego’s conscientious atheist, who works so feverishly to erase the marks of our nation’s faith and heritage, is a cross to bear for all Americans who cherish religious freedom and “the free exercise thereof” guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Maybe now that he has a bit more free time on his hands, San Diego’s devoted atheist will actually read that document.
Even better, perhaps the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will do the same.
