9/11 Museum and the “Cross”

I am sure that most have heard of the cross found at the 9/11 site . . .

For those who have not heard – this is it. An odd symbol of Christianity in chaos that some would say is proof God was with the victims. Think what YOU will, but now people are screaming that this “cross”, which is nothing more than a tangled support system of I-beams from one of the felled towers, is somehow unconstitutional. Well, the World Trade Center buildings were not a government complex. They were privately owned skyscrapers as were the majority of surrounding buildings in the area. Well, the problem is not ownership, but the tax status the World Trade Center Foundation, Inc. has filed for the museum part of the land. This is intended to become a non-profit 501c3 (For those who don’t know – tax free non-profit – not governmental, but just that no single person will profit from any donations received). Notice the World Trader Center Foundation, Inc from above. This is a private business funding a museum in memory of the tragedy on 9/11. So what is the deal with the Cross again you may ask? Since the WTCF, Inc. file tax exempt status, non-Christians are claiming they have no right to hang a Christian symbol anywhere on the property. The fundamental problem with this complaint against the 501c3 is most CHURCHES file this status. Most churches are set up as private businesses (Usually LLC) and then file 501c3 status – this includes Islamic Learning Centers. This way, any and all “donations” are tax exempt. Get it?

Now that you know most religious entities in the US are 501c3 organizations, then what is the problem with hanging a cross in a private business that filed a 501c3 status? I mean what is the problem if this were a religious symbol, which in this case, probably IS. It does not matter, this is not a government establishment (Church and State) meaning the argument is irrelevant; this is a privately owned BUSINESS! You have the right to boycott this business and NOT go there if this cross offends you somehow. This museum is not the property of the US Government so the argument of it being unconstitutional is no more valid than stating that religious centers across the US are also unconstitutional as well.

Bottom line? Stop trying to block Christianity from Americans. American citizens have the RIGHT to choose their religion, and for some reason people act as though if you choose anything non-Islamic, then you should hide that from everyone else. Not the case. Express yourself and believe in your religion like your religion requires. Do not be a “fair weather” Christian and only ACT like you believe when other Christians are around you. Believe all the time, and wear it proudly – not to start a war of sorts, but because this is what YOU believe. This cross is a great thing, and should never be thrown out of a place like this (especially when one religion blacks the eye of another). God and Christ belong here, and if you do not believe in that – then I guess go back where you come from, or just plain get over it.

– Me