I say deprivation of compassion is a serious ailment. If we can't allow people to freely grieve for lost loved ones in their own way, what kind of people are we? That we get all pissed off at these people for "littering" who've lost moms, dads, husbands, children because we're concerned that it looks "trashy". I say grow a f-ing heart. Who gives a flying crap that my, yours, and even the grievers tax dollars are paying for the maintenance side of the road? We'd be paying for it regardless.
And I am not a fundie. And personally, I do not feel that someone planting a cross as a memorial to the death of a loved one is being "preachy", but that is my opinion. I am agnostic and I couldn't imagine being offended by someone expressing their grief in this way. If I got my bowels in an uproar everytime I saw a cross or someone exercising a freedom of speech or religion that was contrary to mine, then I would be in a mess (pun intended). And anyway, I doubt any of them are thinking of converting, pushing their religion, or trying to violate anyone's freedoms when they erect these memorials. As a matter of fact, I am quite sure that that is the very last thing on their minds.
People who profess zero belief in god can still be compassionate, empathetic, sympathetic. If mourners want to put plastic crosses, teddy bears, ceramic angels, whatever, I could care less. And it is the fault of the driver passing by who allows him/herself to be distracted by it. That's like saying, "Stop planting azaleas and forsythia too close to the road. There just too darn beautiful and drivers are distracted by it"..."Take down all billboard advertisements and wordy signs! People are getting distracted." Puhleez. Personally, I've never been in that situation (lost someone in a car accident), but if I ever were I would hope people could at least try to be sympathetic of my misery. If you want to bust somebody's balls about street litter, rally on about those who clean out their cars while driving down the road, or those who use it for a landfill but, jesus h christ, leave these pitiful mourners the hell alone!!
Perhaps I am just fed up to my limit with American Xtian Fundamentalism. But if I see one more cross I just might sue. Free speech, but on public property others' rights are just as valid as my own and neutrality should be maintained (enforced even if people can't manage to do it on their own!)
I think you've hit the nail on the head. This discussion is NOT about American Xtian fundieism...it is about people who have had loved one's to die and are trying to deal with it in their own way. Pretty basic human function...grief. This subject is obviously dredging up other issues for you that are not really related to this topic. If you feel that your rant or your tyrannical idea about how this situation should be handled (i.e. "enforced even if people can't manage to do it on their own!") is "neutral" when your entire response reeked of bias and anti-Xtianfundieism, then perhaps you should reevaluate your post and try to do so objectively. I mean this with this utmost sincerity...
Take care
Sadie