Crosses along the highways
#31
10-13-2007, 02:41 AM
Originally Posted by golfhobo
Malakai said:
Now, if you have a problem with that (crosses painted as a memorial to someone killed on a road) you need to take a serious look at yourself, because you're obviosly not worth a f*ck in my book.
For what it's worth.... I don't think the PAINTED crosses on a rock wall would bother me as much. But, like someone said about dying on a bus.... why don't we have little crosses (descansos) in several classrooms and schoolyards throughout the country? And why not at nearly every intersection in any city? And the bigger we make them, the MORE poetry and such we can write on them.... so that someone trying to READ them, can get HIMSELF or others KILLED? As for the grieving process: I was brought up to believe we should do our grieving in private, or with close friends and relatives. I didn't come to "your" funeral because I didn't KNOW you, (although I once spent several hours sitting by the grave of a young girl who committed suicide in my H.S. and I never knew HER, either.) I'm sorry, but I just don't NEED your grief shoved in my face all day long. I appreciate all the answers given on this thread, I'm leaving out again today, and will give it much thought as I pass all the "memorials." That is... if I can quit thinking about WHY the family died there.... cellphone call? text messaging? slapping the kids in the backseat? too fast for conditions? DUI? showing off? I can see it now...20 years ftom now families all over the country will be wondering who removed the little cross they placed where they one day lost a loved one along the roadway. ...meanwhile, in a small storage shed somewhere in NC....
#32
10-13-2007, 03:13 AM
Here's an interesting "read" on Descansos. Besides the obvious bias toward any American who doesn't subscribe to the authors' religious beliefs, notice how many times they personally, "screetched to a halt" to look more closely at them. Sure would hate to be a trucker following THEM, and expecting traffic to move somewhat normally. Although, I always try to pay attention, and drive carefully, I DO have to check my mirrors or guages occaissionaly. It only takes a second for some idiot to cause another fatality.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/rant/descansos.html Note the use of rebar in some states.... this is because some poor guy has to try and MOW these grassy areas!
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#33
10-13-2007, 03:43 AM
Originally Posted by geomon
On an I-65 exit in Mobile AL, is an extremely wrecked car that is set on the grassy median by the city with a large sign stating "DON'T DRINK & DRIVE". Everytime I pass that area, there is a different car there but the sign remains the same. ...A powerful reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving.
Regarding crosses....to me, its a sad and poignant reminder of the danger that lurks just one bad decision away. It does not bother me that they are there and it might pass on a sense of peace to the relatives of whoever died there. Perhaps there should be a length of time that they are allowed to be there....for example, 5 or 10 yrs then they are removed. In Mexico, the operators of the toll roads often place a wrecked car at the toll booths with a sign asking you to please drive carefully. The states that allow families to purchase state maintained memorial signs usually remove them after 1-5 years (depending on state) and give the family the sign. Here in Las Cruces, the site of two deadly DWI accidents, the one involving Jason Jiron and the other involving a father and two children, have permanent signs installed by the city.
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#35
10-13-2007, 09:00 AM
Classic example of someone not paying attention. In Kalispell, MT a state trooper was killed in a head on collision on US Hwy 2 on Tuesday. The female driver of the pickup truck was attempting to pick up something on the floor and swerved into the trooper's vehicle and killed him instantly. I hope they DO put up a nice cross for the trooper as a reminder to those who pass it to remember the troopers sacrifice and how carelessness can cost a life.
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#36
10-13-2007, 09:32 AM
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: the Buckeye
Posts: 1,732
I dont even know how to respond. Someone died there suddenly and unexpectantly. Very likely not of their own doing, even so, they still died. Their family still grieved. Next you'll be complaining the funeral procession was too slow and made you wait too long.
If they are as plentiful as you say then maybe I see your point, I dunno. I dont notice them that often and when I do they dont bother me at all. I think if one of them was my family I'd be pretty offended right now to tell ya the truth.
#37
10-13-2007, 12:14 PM
Originally Posted by PackRatTDI
Your gripe wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that this kind of thing is a tradition that has a strong following among Latin American immigrants would it?
I think the reason for this, is because, they have all moved up here to continue their tradition. jonboy
#38
10-13-2007, 12:21 PM
[quote="DaveP"][quote="golfhobo"]Malakai said:
Now, if you have a problem with that (crosses painted as a memorial to someone killed on a road) you need to take a serious look at yourself, because you're obviosly not worth a f*ck in my book.
I saw one the other day with a six pack of beer left under it. :roll: Even war memorials need approval on public property, what gives any individual the right to use public property for their own use? Being a christian or not has absolutely nothing to do with this debate. jonboy
#39
10-13-2007, 12:38 PM
[quote="jonboy"][quote="DaveP"]
Originally Posted by golfhobo
Malakai said:
Now, if you have a problem with that (crosses painted as a memorial to someone killed on a road) you need to take a serious look at yourself, because you're obviosly not worth a f*ck in my book.
I saw one the other day with a six pack of beer left under it. :roll: Even war memorials need approval on public property, what gives any individual the right to use public property for their own use? Being a christian or not has absolutely nothing to do with this debate. jonboy Completely different with an individual/family setting up a memorial for their loved ones and maintaining it themselves.
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#40
10-13-2007, 02:25 PM
How bad is this really? You can drive for 100 miles and not see one. Typically you see them more as you get closer to the big cities. Personally, when I see one, I tend to refocus on what I'm doing and they serve as a reminder to drive safe.
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