There is a lot of controversy over the lawsuit against Utah Highway Patrol by the Utah Atheist organization. The lawsuit aims to get the crosses taken off of state highways that memorialize state highway officers. Atheists have made it clear that they want the officers to be memorialized, just not with Christian symbols.
I can understand the latter point.
I’m personally not sure, however, that a lawsuit is necessary and that, as with all activist issues, protests, letters, and other methods of being vocal about the issue might be more appropriate.
The families of slain officers have been hurt by this action and further feel that the timing of the lawsuit with the holiday season was insensitive.
I can understand that point too.
It’s hard to pick and choose methods of protesting. Sometimes we take an inappropriate path and don’t realize it until after the fact. Even though we feel our principles are the priority, there are times when the most aggressive methods turn people away instead of draw them in. Progressives are constantly talking about how to attract people who are on the fence or lean more to the right on issues. Sometimes the loudest protests fall on deaf ears and what works best in some instances is engaging in civil dialogue on controverisal issues with the understanding that there are different sides, all of which should be respected.
The issue of the crosses on the highway is one that I am leaning towards feeling that the best way to approach that one – especially in this state – is by engaging in that civil dialogue.
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 