[Byte1]

Originally Posted by NoVa_Jim

They are also likely not doing much to address the tragic state of race relations in our country, which the Guy who is remembered by the cross would certainly wish for them to do.

Probably because until about 8 years ago, the "state of race relations in our country" was very good. In 8 years, the perception of race relations has deteriorated. And it seems that those folks that are associated with the faith represented by the cross seem to be the ones that did NOT endorse slavery and actually were the ones that lead to the abolishment of slavery. I would bet (if I was a betting person) that the majority of those blacks are Christian today. I do not pretend to know how GOD thinks, but I do know that there has been a history of worldwide racial relations and worldwide slavery throughout history. So, I doubt anyone knows exactly what GOD is thinking about it.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Bill1701

The crosses violate the deed restrictions. Simple as that. If the people with them win the legal battle then I plan to put them up all along my property line to keep the dogs out. After all, if one is good, a hundred must be better!

The dogs might turn the white signs into yellow signs. Maybe a new law suit will be needed.

[drcar]

This post has gone off subject. The question is not about religion, it is about placing a lawn ornament in the yard which is against the agreement we all signed. The person who is fighting the rule is fighting it based on being singled out, selective enforcement. About the system of reporting. People seem to forget that the issues started out with a cross and a spinning multi colored bird. They have removed the bird, but the cross remains. The point is one lawn ornament remains. Some post say its just a small cross, well who determines what size is okay. Maybe the rules of reporting are not good, but be careful what you asked for! Fees may go up, if we start paying for people to drive around and report. Just put the cross and the bird on the porch, problem solved!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Byte1

Rules and laws are flexible, or can be flexible. Look at how laws are enforced by law enforcement and by the court system. Speeders often get warnings, and judges give probation or community service instead of the statutory penalty.
When I moved to the Villages, I did not notice the little white crosses. I do not know when residents started displaying them. I believe someone pointed one out to me a year or so ago. I did not notice that many of my neighbors display them, some in the middle of their yard in their landscaping. Now, I look for them to see how many claim to be Christian. I assume that they are Christian. Since I hardly notice them without intentionally looking for them, I do not find them to be overbearing or offensive. They do not bother me at all, and I find complaints about them to be foolish. To complain about something that gives a bit of joy and happiness to those that display them, seems to be nasty and hurtful in nature. To go out of your way to be deliberately hurtful to seniors attempting to find peace in their twilight years is (I was about to say UN-Christian) against our concept of how real Americans care for and support each other. Exactly what harm are these little crosses doing that agitates so much poison in folks? Perhaps those that are offended by the subject of divinity or the relationship of showing support for one's faith, should do a bit of introspection. Just a suggestion.
The little white crosses have been given away FREE. So, no one that I know of is making a profit from them. Who would care if they were making a profit from them?
Someone mentioned the displaying of a flag as an example. Yes, the flag is legally displayed in the Villages. What is the purpose of displaying the flag? To show your patriotism and support for your country. Does anyone have a problem with that? If not, why does showing support for one's religion or faith bother/offend you?
Granted, there are deed restrictions in certain areas of the Villages. Not where I live, so homes are pleasantly personalized with all kinds of items, including the crosses. I did not even notice the little crosses being displayed until I read about the controversy in the local newspaper. Then, I found that about half my neighbors are displaying them and I had not even noticed. Where some find it offensive (for some strange reason) I find them comforting. I did not know what they stood for until a friend informed me of the story behind them.
Someone else mentioned "would you like to see Jewish, Wicken, Buddist and Muslim symbols in yards?" I wonder why that would offend anyone. I would simply marvel at how nice it is to live in America with the Freedom of speech and religion. Atheists are offended? Yes, of course. Perhaps they should be.
Yes, there are deed restrictions. There are also laws broken in the Villages every single day of the year. I have not had a day go by where a golf cart has not busted through a Stop sign, most of the time not even slowing. Sorry, but that is violation of the LAW, not a deed restriction.
What a pitiful and petty complaint; offended by a little white cross. Like I said, better figure out why you are offended before the poison eats your soul. Everyone has preferences. What does it tell you when a little white cross or a plaster turtle in someone's yard "OFFENDS" you.
By the way, it does not offend me if you do not agree with me. Either way, GOD bless you.

Finally, a post that I can agree with and not criticize. Amazing! I won't even mention length in this case. It was a voice for moderation. Praise the great spirit of the good earth and harvest. Got to love the moderation. KUDOS!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Pam Smothers

I know of no church that sells the little white crosses. They are made by individuals and given away free of charge; donations accepted. Nor do they have anything to do with “death” (Velvet). If you care to hear the facts, here is a link to the true story behind the White Cross Movement: White crosses spread through yards with help from Lancaster couple - News - The Columbus Dispatch - Columbus, OH
Fact-checked by Snopes Frankenmuth Crosses and others.

Wow! Cute emojiis! Could you please come and paint those on the front of my house. Please, please.

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

Here is an idea. Those of you who are certain that you have a right to place a cross in your yard, go ahead and report yourself to Community Standards. Then you can put your money where your mouth is and begin your legal fight to keep it.

Or, a better idea is that everyone mind their own business. Perhaps some need to figure out if fighting a war from the wrong side of this same faith that could be very important to them in the very near future is worth an eternity of misery.
Personally, if someone told me that my deed restrictions stated that I could not have a little cross in my yard and it was proven to be so, then I would probably remove it until that restriction was changed. Restrictions are modified and changed every year. Colors of homes, screened porches, shutters, etc. are added to the approved list.
I would gladly sign any petition or support any civil suit that allowed small items such as crosses or lawn ornaments within good taste in folks' yards. I do not believe in absolutes when it comes to rules or laws. There are constant deviations from those rules and laws on a daily basis throughout the world. There is NO simple black and white on the matter. It is easy for a panel to determine what is in good taste, whether it is the consensus of the neighbors or the consensus of a panel appointed to decide. I know that it will eventually happen here in the Villages, and anyone that does not find that acceptable have the Constitutional right to exercise their freedoms to either accept the decision, challenge the decision, or move somewhere more to their fancy.

I am still amazed that there are those that find a simple little white cross to be offensive. And some are even offended by the mere presence of a cross on someone's neck. How those folks have survived this many years in health is beyond amazing. It proves one thing to me, and that is that some must be under a major conviction of the spirit if the mere presence or discussion of Christianity upsets them to such a degree.

I have no problem with those that are just adamant about any violations of the law or rules. I respect that. I also respect all persons' faith belief and have seen many instances of the gov and businesses catering to religious practices. I have seen states that allow Muslim women to wear burkas for their driver's license photos. I have seen areas set aside for daily prayer, etc. I do not believe that this great community wishes to be known as one of the sole concentration of communities that are against the free practice and display of the individual's faith. Just my opinion, but this vast development has always been known for it's fantastic charity and friendship. To be a bigot against people of faith is an ugly look and I hate to see The Villages get the stigma of that label.

Bigot is a harsh label to be sure, but if a person is intolerant of a group then he/she owns the label.

[Villagevip]

But, but I thought the little white crosses, marked the graves of their beloved little pets........

[giorgio1948]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Great first post..................Not.
I'm a Christian who signed and understood the restrictions when I moved in.
I don't need a white cross in my front yard.
Christ does not care if you have a cross in your front yard or not.

Spreading Christianity is a GOOD thing!

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Finally, a post that I can agree with and not criticize. Amazing! I won't even mention length in this case. It was a voice for moderation. Praise the great spirit of the good earth and harvest. Got to love the moderation. KUDOS!

Gracias.
I apologize for my lengthy posts. If I was as adept as you, I would be able to make my view coherent with a lot less verbiage.

You can call me "moderate" but please do not call me Liberal.....

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by Villagevip

But, but I thought the little white crosses, marked the graves of their beloved little pets........

Yikes, I hope then they were cremated. And why white crosses?
I just prefer to visit a cemetery to be reminded of death. Life is so short I like to think of it instead personally.

[Number 10 GI]

Originally Posted by quietpine

I read that the white cross originated in Wisconsin as a protest. Yes folks, the people who display those crosses are protestors! You know, like the people protesting police shootings of unarmed black men.

Source! Otherwise it's fairy tale.

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by Velvet

Yikes, I hope then they were cremated. And why white crosses?
I just prefer to visit a cemetery to be reminded of death. Life is so short I like to think of it instead personally.

The cross is not supposed to remind you of death. Rather it is supposed to remind you of the resurrection and eternal life. Just saying.

[Lgreen21]

Amen!

[Joe C.]

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!

People can be so touchy and sensitive. There are lots of things that I see and put up with that I truly find offensive. But I have thick skin and don't complain. Besides, IMHO, there are things that just annoy people and things that they don't like, but that doesn't make them offensive. They should understand the distinction. But man, do they act like a bunch of crybabies.
I think that most people here are intelligent, but they get caught up in all this crap and start acting like entitled, spoiled brats, and forget that they have dignity, class and should be above the fray.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Byte1

You must have misunderstood what I said. Apologies. The post that you commented on referred to our country being founded on Judeo-Christian principles, or whatever the exact wording might have been. And when someone suggests that the Old Testament was skipped by Christians, it shows a lack of knowledge on the subject.

Well then you misread my post. I didn't say the Old Testament was "skipped" by Christians. I said Christianity bypassed the Old Testament. Nuances and semantics but once again - I choose my words for reasons.