
After reading the article “Local Congressmen urge defense of Soledad Cross,” (Jan. 13) about the legal battle for the cross, a couple of things caught my mind. To attorney Jim McElroy: I don’t think the cross being torn down is something that anyone on my side of the case wants. It’s a revered symbol. The thing that makes the most sense is moving it onto church property. They can erect an obelisk or something that is commonly erected for all veterans. What makes the most sense is the ability to compromise with the least expense and continue to memorialize our great country and the brave veterans who have fought and died for our flag — and all this on a great piece of land accessible and visible to all. Why not use the cross to support (symbolically and in reality) the American flag? The cross would show the support the Christians have for our great country and the flag would symbolize all the people of our great nation. My vision is using the top part of the cross to support a metal frame (or any type of material that would work best) like a thin box covering both sides down to the cross member and then stylize an American flag on both sides of that framing. Perhaps it could be electrified so that it lights up in color for three to four hours each evening. Think about it. See attached picture. I’m not a great artist, and maybe the flag could be a bit smaller than my drawing, but I hope you get the idea. Instead of paying all these lawyers (taking up all the time of our court system as they get richer), let’s get rid of them and put the money to greater use and accomplish what was intended all along — having a great memorial on a great location, symbolizing our great country and those who have fought and died for us. All of us — Christian, Jew, Muslim, blacks, whites, etc. — Bill Brooks lives in San Diego