Mojave Cross stolen...

Here's the story, courtesy of www.pe.com via Adrienne;

09:13 AM PDT on Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The 76-year-old Mojave Cross war memorial in San Bernardino County's High Desert has been torn down by vandals, just days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the religious symbol could remain -- at least temporarily -- on public land.

Sometime Sunday night, the cross was taken down from its perch atop Sunrise Rock in the Mojave National Preserve, according to Liberty Institute, a group that represented veterans groups and caretakers of the cross in the recent Supreme Court Case.

"This is an outrage, akin to desecrating people's graves," said institute president Kelly Shackelford. "It's a disgraceful attack on the selfless sacrifice of our veterans. We will not rest until this memorial is re-installed."

The cross was erected in the 1934 by a veterans group as a tribute to their fallen brethren in World War I. It has been the subject of a decade long court battle between those who want it to remain and those who believe it violates the separation of church and state.

In a split decision late last month, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that the cross must be removed. The High Court remanded the case back to federal district court in Southern California. The ruling was a major victory for proponents of the cross, but the American Civil Liberties Union vowed to renew its opposition to the cross.

Liberty Institute is offering an undisclosed reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the removal of VFW property.

This has a couple of facets to it worth looking at. First is the complete lack of respect shown our nation's veterans. Seems the troop haters of the 60's have infused their bile into the children of this century. I say that because its a safe bet the ones who lifted this cross weren't a group of fiftyish hippies now bathing in a tub of Ben-Gay to relieve their aching joints. That sucker was of a fair size, some younger and more physically able types were involved here.

Did any of us think the contempt for the troops had died over the years? If so this shows we're sadly mistaken. It might not be as blatant as it used to be but it's there, ready to manifest itself when able. The anti military feeling in this country dovetails neatly with the contempt shown other traditionally valued institutions. Those of us who have worn a military uniform should keep this in mind.

The second noteworthy aspect is the hatred shown a generically Christian object. To steal the cross shows not just contempt but active hatred. No, it isn't just vandalism. The size of what was stolen argues against that idea. This was done to send a message, period. Those who count ourselves Christian, as a matter of fact those of us who espouse ANY active belief in a Supreme Being should take note. These assholes don't live in a vacuum, there are plenty more just like them.

I'm only 57 but in these few short decades I don't recall any time when something of this sort would have happened. We should all consider ourselves warned.