But I have trouble seeing the coercive effect of a cross in the middle of nowhere.
That, it seems to me, is an issue most effectively judged not in a court of law but one of common sense. To live at peace in a pluralistic society is to perfect the art of give and take, live and let live. It is to learn to choose your battles.
I submit that this is a battle poorly chosen. Yes, the argument arguably has legal merit, but you have to ask yourself: What's the point?
Is someone really injured by a cross in the desert? Or is this not about validating principle at all costs - even public peace and common sense?
Indeed, by the same reasoning, one might sue cities that allow crosses to be planted at roadsides where traffic fatalities have occurred. Except that if it comforts some grieving family and your only "injury" is to glimpse it while driving by at 65 mph, why would you bother? Principle absent human compassion is just intellectual masturbation.
So forgive me if I am unimpressed by the argument that a cross in the middle of nowhere is unconstitutional. Understand: I think the argument may well be correct.
But that's not the same as being right.
Leonard Pitts Jr. is a syndicated columnist. His e-mail is lpitts@miamiherald.com.
