http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-rodriguez19-2009oct19,0,6047841.columnThis follow-up opinion article by Gregory Rodriguez about the cross in the Mojave Desert discussed last week describes the difference in opinion between Justice Scalia and Eliasberg. Scalia is of the mindset that crosses are a common symbol for the resting place of the dead, while Eliasberg claims to have never seen a cross on a Jewish grave. In Rodriguez's opinion, Scalia points out the entanglement of religion and culture, as the cross is defined as a common memorial.
Another example used by Scalia to support his argument is the Star of David, a Jewish star that is also politically, culturally, and nationally significant. I am inclined to agree with Scalia's argument, and also point out that this is true of many symbols in the world's cultures.
Although I am personally not religious, and am inclined to agree that the presence of a cross does signify Christianity, I would also agree that symbols often possess more power than their religious significance. Even as our country moves away from religion and closer to secularism, the power of those symbols in all of their forms will remain an integral part of our culture.
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