Atheist group objects to inclusion of "steel cross" at WTC memorial

[KC]

It isn't so much a lack of freedom of speech coldshot03/04, but a lack of tolerance for differing religious views. Arguments over religious symbols is one thing, but a promise of physical violence is quite another.

I can understand why some would want the cross to remain where it was. I could be persuaded that it should be made a part of a memorial. I don't think, however, that it would be appropriate that it should be made a centerpiece of a memorial. It wasn't so much that Christinanity was attacked (it was, but as a secondary target,) but the United States; it's people, the (usual) tolerance for varied theological practices, capitalism, etc.: it was our way of life that was assualted.

It was not vampires that attacked us, and it is therefor inappropriate to use a crucifix to ward them off. The people that did this clearly want a rleigious war; don't give them one. Nobody ever won a Crusade in the long term.

 

[Kaylee]

It's been suggested that I write some closing comments here.

The Staff has been reviewing this thread and its lessons quite a bit lately, as well as options for the future. Micromanaging user's posts is labor intensive, and demeaning to you. Bad idea. Letting a free for all flare up is likewise not an option. Summary banning of users for a single offense in one thread is overkill, and again.. labor intensive.

Sadly, the only remaining course of action was the one already settled on. Devisive threads -- religious ones among them -- are to going to be summarily closed. I wish it didn't have to be this way -- none of us like prior restraint.

But.. when the constant result of these threads is sniping between members that not only destroys our own community, but also presents an ugly view of the firearms community to the world at large on this site.. that's the least bad of the available options.

So.. to those of you who took the High Road here.. thank you. You've confirmed our impressions of the vast majority of our membership, and I apologize for the tack THR has to take in closing off some avenues of discussion. To those of you who didn't... I'm dissappointed.

Blanket ban stays.

Kaylee