Been a while since I last visited Free Republic. Just got back and wow!

[one_voice]

130. Yeah. BtA and I are good friends...

no need to show me what he said. Thanks.

ADL...

The origins of the Celtic Cross date back to pre-Christian times, to a “sun cross” or a “wheel cross” used in ancient Europe. The “sun cross” differs from the Celtic cross as we most commonly see it today – all of the arms of the cross being the same length. When the symbol was adapted into Christianity, one of the arms was elongated to symbolize the shape of cross generally associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The League reports that it is most commonly the “sun cross” version of the Celtic Cross that is used by White Supremacists, although this, too, may not always be true. Many people of Irish birth and heritage remain unaware of the hateful ways in which this important part of Irish culture is used by others.

“The Celtic Cross, as typically depicted, is a traditional Christian symbol used for religious purposes as well as to symbolize concepts like Irish pride,” the League's web site explains.

“As such, it is a very common symbol and primarily used by non-extremists.”

“The overwhelming use of this version of the Celtic Cross is non-extremist and, in the absence of other hate symbols, does not denote white supremacy or racism.”

BtA words:

It is a definitely a symbol, at least in travels, associated with pagans, but I have seen it used by many neo-Nazis. It is a situation where context will determine whether it is being used for good or ill.

Yeah, some nasty people use it. Note the word some SOME. My brother has this as part of a tattoo. He's not a Nazi. It's his tattoo to honor my grandmother & his son after their deaths.

There's a concerted effort recently to harass posters that use this as their avatar. Some have used it since forever. It's a bullying tactic. It's been insinuated that they might be 'those people' . And it sucks. If really fucking sucks.

I will point it out every time I see it. Not just because it's bullying, but because it's part of my heritage. My brother wears this on his body to honor his dead son (my nephew) and my granny. Anyone that wants to insinuate 'Nazism'..well I will speak up.

Have a nice day.