Arrest Over Virgin Mary Underpass Graffiti

[Ralph 123]

The open-minded people of tollerance and understanding strike again!<br /><br />Arrest Over Virgin Mary Underpass Graffiti<br /><br />CHICAGO (AP) -May 6, 2005 — A man was arrested for allegedly scrawling "Big Lie" over a stain on an expressway underpass that some believed was an image of the Virgin Mary. <br />Authorities then painted over the stain because it had been defaced, police spokesman David Banks said Friday. The name of the 37-year-old suspect was not released. <br /><br />A steady stream of the faithful and the curious, many carrying flowers and candles, had flocked to the emergency turnoff area under the Kennedy Expressway since last month. <br /><br />The stain was likely the result of salt run-off, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. <br /><br />Worldwide, people have been drawn to images believed to resemble the Virgin Mary seen on windows, fence posts and walls.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Arrest Over Virgin Mary Underpass Graffiti

Imagine if it was portable.... it would have sold on e-bay!<br /><br />Bob

 

[eeboater]

Re: Arrest Over Virgin Mary Underpass Graffiti

I know that it was an oddity -- the fact that there was the virgin mary made of salt in the wall... but what kind of an ##$$%$#@!#$@%$#@#!@# do you need to be to do something like that?<br /><br />Sean

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Arrest Over Virgin Mary Underpass Graffiti

I guess I don't understand the point Ralph. This image was on the expressway. Limited access roadway. Where non emergency stopping is prohibited. So people should no tbe stopping. Both those who bring flowers to honor the image and those who bring spray cans to deface it. Also, at least here, graffitti is is illegal. So it is too in Chicago I believe. This guy was wrong for at least two reasons. Now I am not condoning his actions or am I condemning them either. Under free speech he can express himself anyway he wants to. But just not under the aforementioned laws. And Bob, you are so right. The truly sad thing is, there would be some kook out there who would pay thousands for it, like the pretzel, the grilled cheese sandwich and it's frying pan.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Arrest Over Virgin Mary Underpass Graffiti

The point is free speech does not allow silencing others and/or otherwise interfering with their religious practices or beliefs. If it had been anything other than a Christian symbol the outcry in the press would be deafening.

 

[eeboater]

Re: Arrest Over Virgin Mary Underpass Graffiti

I don't think that defacing public property falls under the category of "expressing one's free speech."<br /><br />I think it falls under the category of "I don't care about anyone but myself."<br /><br />Just my humble opinion.<br /><br />Sean

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Arrest Over Virgin Mary Underpass Graffiti

I hope my fist upside his head will be considered free speach as well.<br /><br />Even if it was a big lie, so what, let them look, it aint hurting anyone.<br /><br />Ken