The city is not being "blackmailed." There was an overtly religious symbol on city property. The city was asked to removed it. Instead, the city declared that area a "free speech zone" in which anyone could put up any monument that honors veterans. The city chose to do this instead of taking the cross down.
If the city (that's the government) allows symbols from one religion to be placed and maintained on government property, but does not allow symbols from other religions, the city is then promoting or favoring one religion over another. That is a violation of the US constitution.
This isn't complicated. The city can say no religious symbols are allowed or the city can say any religious symbols are allowed. The city cannot say only symbols from religions we approve of are allowed.
Like I said before the cross is not being represented as a religious symbol in this instance but rather a grave marker.
Free speech zones only exist in Narnia and liberals minds.
The cross is obviously a christian symbol. And the government doesn't have free speech rights. Free speech is to protect the people from the government.
Actually the Cross is a pagan symbol from the Romans but who gives a shit about history
Are you seriously trying to argue that in this country the cross isn't a christian symbol?
I'm saying it's not exclusively a religious symbol and to believe that a cross can be used only in the form of religious expression is just retarded.
What's next ban candles and bells from public places because they're parts of religious expression and may be offensive to others? Fuck that nonsense.
Yes I would agree with you there. The cross is actually another ancient symbol and predates Christianity by thousands of years.
You could say the same thing about the pentagram.
First, it hasn't been banned. Second, the government can use candles and bells, but not if it is in a way that promotes religion. This isn't complicated. Your problem seems to be with the constitution.
Let me ask you, seriously, if you would be upset if your city was maintaining on city property a monument with the islamic crescent moon on it, but would not allow a monument with a christian cross to be placed on that property. Would that upset you? If someone said, "well, the crescent moon isn't exclusively a religious symbol" would that settle the matter for you?