Civil Liberties Class - Entry 2
7.18.2003
Symbols and Speech
The first week of journals covered a range of topics. Journals discussed the rights of athletes - do they give up rights for fame? Other journal entries discussed blue laws, campus speech, the Dixie Chicks, and telemarketers. Good stuff, much of it focusing on free speech.
Of course, our first essay came up too. To many people, the three crosses are more than a logo. Some argue that since the crosses represent a part of the history of Las Cruces, they are valid symbols for the city and as such, are not religious symbols. My guess is that most of these people are Christian. Their comments express disbelief that anyone could possibly have a problem with crosses. Many comments seem to suggest that there is something wrong (morally?) with anyone who has a problem with crosses. It seems odd to suggest that a cross isn't actually a religious symbol. Doesn't it seem disingenuous for a Christian to suggest that they do not see the religious symbolism of a cross?
A few days ago the newspaper told about an effort to create a Las Cruces license plate. Three crosses appear on this plate. Given the current controversy, why would the designer of this plate, a city council member, choose this design? Is this an effort to thumb a collective nose at those who are opposed to the logo? If this plate were chosen to represent the city would people buy the plate in support of the crosses and all they represent, or would they buy the plate to support the city? Would an alternate plate be offered to those who refuse to place a Christian symbol on their car but still want to support the city?
Other cities and states have dealt with similar situations. In many cases these situations have been intentionally created as the Ten Commandments are posted on city buildings. Often this is done in a planned effort to use the courts to challenge laws that seek to maintain a separation of church and state. As a result, limited judicial resources are expended because some group or elected official has decided to place the Ten Commandments, a nativity scene, crosses, or other religious symbol in a prominent public place.
Do these efforts to attach religious symbols to government facilities and actions provide evidence of the need to be careful about endorsing a particular religion? Why is it so important to move these symbols out of church and onto public buildings? Do all religious groups try to do this or is it limited to Christianity?
Groups and individuals often use the courts to advance causes. When the Ten Commandments are posted, those who post them are daring someone to do something about it. Sometimes groups that follow prescribed processes take the challenge, in most cases this involves going to court. Other times the challenge is less official and may involve spray paint or other efforts to deface or remove the objectionable symbols. What are the implications of choosing “official” remedies verses other remedies (which are usually illegal)?
Do those of us who believe that religious groups should be allowed to post the Commandments to start a legal process also believe that the KKK should be allowed to parade down the street to express their point of view? When worn in school, does a t-shirt with a picture of Jesus get the same response as a t-shirt emblazoned with “Impeach Bush?” If political parties can recruit on campus with flyers handed to students, why can’ someone hand out “No War” flyers without fear of arrest?
I am not necessarily trying to make a political statement with this journal entry. I use examples that are political to make the point that some voices are heard while others are silenced, often through policies that are enacted and enforced by government entities. I wanted to make this point once again before moving on to other civil liberties issues. I hope you will begin seeing these restrictions in action. Some views are more likely to be supported by the government and the public. Does this mean that minority views are wrong? What happens to a society when all minority views are silenced?
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