Which is why it’s particularly galling to discover our votes have no value. Our last local election had two issues: the mayoral race and Proposition A calling for the city to hand over the Mt Soledad Cross to the federal government as part of a national veterans memorial. Both issues had strong majority votes, neither of which seem to count for much here in America’s Finest City.

Another election, San Diego voters once again voted Donna Fry as their mayor of choice. This vote didn’t seem to count either. Something about a “run-off election”, requiring fifty-one percent of the popular vote. (Imagine if national politics worked that way!)

And now, something rather simple: the Mount Soledad cross.  The Union-Tribune on Saturday, September 3, 2005 quoted Superior Court Judge Patricia Yim Cowett as saying “To maintain the memorial, as it is presently, would demonstrate the government’s lack of neutrality as to religion”. Has she been to Arlington Cemetery lately? Veteran’s memorials overwhelmingly have crosses. Other religious symbols are welcome; this is a diverse and welcoming land.  But the majority of graves carries symbols that represent the majority religion. This is fair and reasonable.

The government accepting a gift to honor veterans, a gift that has a centerpiece representing the presiding symbol of the religion of most of those so honored merely indicates honor for one religion. It in no way dishonors other religions. Nor does it preclude other religions from so representing themselves and making similar gifts. There are a lot of hills in this town. Why not have those religions that wish fair representation simply raise the funds and erect their own memorials? One religious affiliation taking initiative in no way restricts other religious groups from making similarly honoring initiatives. But I digress, this is just one person’s opinion.

Which brings me back to point. Judge Cowett is one person. She’s certainly entitled to her opinion. But her opinion should not override the will of the voters. This is a blatant misuse of the judicial system. Why should we as a people value the whining sensibilities of offended attention-seekers who won’t go to the time and expense of finding their own honoring symbols or rituals, over the rights of those who bravely gave their lives for their country?

One of our cherished constitutional rights is Freedom of Speech. However, in terms of the government, the will of the people—of the voting public—should take precedence. Otherwise the Constitution has no meaning at all.