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Clarke is wrong about the cross Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Editor, The News: Lloyd Clarke is quoted as saying, ''It's still a Christian cross, and they belong in churches and cemeteries.'' He couldn't be more wrong. The cross of Christ belongs in our hearts and homes, where its power can be at work to make us loyal, loving Christian citizens of this great nation. Its role in the history of this nation cannot be ignored or erased just because some do not want to acknowledge it. Clarke is certainly in the minority on this subject. A hallmark of our democracy pertains to the rights of minorities -- but not at the expense of the majority. We ought not let the opinion of a small minority thwart the will of the vast majority. I urge Frankenmuth citizens and city fathers to actively oppose any attempts to remove the cross from our city shield. At the same time, I urge all of us to set aside feelings of anger and to be loving in our approach to Clarke and any others who might attempt to impose their will on us. Let's take advantage of this opportunity to witness to the love of the one who bore the pain of the cross for each of us. The Rev. Mark Brandt Frankenmuth Shame on Clarke Editor, The News: Lloyd C. Clarke has declared that a ''cross'' is meant only for cemeteries and churches and suggests that it implies a constitutional breach of our forefathers with regards to the separation of church and state. A cross has been adopted as a civic symbol and does not reflect a religion-specific endorsement. Crosses are used in many applications throughout the United States and the world for that matter. These uses are endorsed and supported by the U.S. government such as the American Red Cross. Should a lawsuit be issued because tax dollars help support such organizations? Arlington National Cemetery with its crosses? A cross has different meanings to different people. That does not mean it is tied to a religious endorsement. What is amazing to me is why Clarke would locate himself in a small community that takes pride in its heritage. The town was founded by missionary Lutherans from Germany. I see Clarke's complaint as harassment to me as a community member who takes comfort in knowing my forefathers felt strong in their faith to come to this country and settle such a wonderful community. It also is disappointing that Frankenmuth City Manager Charles Graham would even consider ''pacifying'' Clarke, and I would hope that he already would see that appeasement is never an option with extremists. I take additional comfort in knowing that many prime spots in the community are privately owned and the owners display manger scenes and crosses and Christmas trees. Shame on Clarke to move to this community and wage an attack on me and his neighbors to suit his personal political agenda. |