Mr. Mackie says that separation of church and state does not mean that the public display of religious symbols is prohibited. Well sir, courts have consistently found that it pretty much does mean exactly that. Mr. Mackie says Christians are just asking for their right to express their beliefs. (The right certainly exists, but his comment makes it sound like Christians are somehow being persecuted, which they aren't.)
It's important to remember that the events of September 11, 2001 constituted a terrorist attack, not an attack on Christianity. The 9/11 Memorial is a public museum, not a Christian one. Installing a cross adds an unnecessary -- not offensive, just unnecessary -- religious element. People of all faiths died that day. Why focus on just one? If there's to be a cross, then let's also have a Buddha, and a Hindu Brahman, and the Muslim Star & Crescent, and the Jewish Star of David, etc.
The particular cross in question is constructed of fallen I-beams and was previously displayed in the area for years. Some say it's therefore an "artifact," not a religious icon. Hmmm. Personally, I don't care -- have the cross, don't have the cross, it doesn't really matter, and it doesn't bother me one way or the other. That's not the point of the museum. Crosses and so forth are just symbols, which I leave to the symbol-minded.
In the bigger picture, Christians should not assume a superiority of their own beliefs, nor more rights than any other group. Christians, like all others, certainly do have a right to express their beliefs, but not a right to express them everywhere. Religious beliefs are best expressed in the church and in the home, not in the public square.
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