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Archiver > CEMETERY > 1998-09 > 0905259445


From: "Ted Brooke" <>
Subject: Re: [CEMETERY-L] definition of desecration?
Date: Tue, 8 Sep 1998 08:57:25 -0400


Now, maybe what we need is a definition of "desecration". The two extremes
we can probably use are: (1) 100 % would probably agree that digging up a
coffin, plundering the contents, etc, is desecration, (2) 100 % would
probably agree that walking in a cemetery, pressing down grass, overturning
an occasional rock or pebble, etc, is not desecration. So the definition
must lie somewhere between the two extremes. What about taking a rock or
pebble as a thoughtful keepsake of your visit? What about pulling and
discarding vegetation in the cemetery? Would weeds be OK and not flowering
plants, or what about ANY plants? What about moving headstones, rock
borders, etc? What about picking up a "pop-top" and taking it away; if so,
then what about any other object, rotted stuffed toys which have been in the
elements far too long, the same with flowers, pictures, etc. What about
picking up a coin or removing some vegetation for purpose of rooting it at
home for a planting there? And, lest anyone think this is silly, anyone will
not who has ever seen the results of a "cemetery cleanup", with sandblasted
markers, all rock markers pulled up and piled aside, with all broken
markers, metal funeral home markers, etc, removed "so the grass can be
mowed". And just what is the real definition of "desecration" - Webster says
it pretty well, I suppose. Seems it's as much an attitude as an action. But
we all need to be vigilant for anyone who would destroy anything, especially
a weed or remove anything, including trash, from any cemetery. After all, it
could get in the way of the bulldozers and the blacktoppers. And, in
Washington State, the former may land one in the pokey. (sarcastic face).
Lighten up, y'all, lighten up. I don't think this is our purpose; I know
it's not mine and, if I'm wrong, please correct me, for I could be mistaken.
Do a cemetery a favor today - survey it!!
Ted Brooke, 2055 Foster Dr,, Cumming. GA 30040
-----Original Message-----
From: <>
To: <>
Date: Tuesday, September 08, 1998 8:18 AM
Subject: Re: [CEMETERY-L] Metal Detectors

>In a message dated 98-09-08 01:00:59 EDT, you write:
>
><< OK, I have to agree that metal detecting in a cemetery is small potatoes
> compared to bulldozing over graves and putting up a parking lot or
building
> skyscrapers. But I guess my concern is where do you draw the line on
this?
> <snip>
>It's okay to take a metal detector to the cemetery and search for
incidentals
>and dig it up with a small knife but it wouldn't be okay to dig up anything
>with a hand trowel or a shovel? That's like saying it's okay to shoplift
but
>not okay to rob a bank.
>
> So...where do we draw the line on protecting our cemeteries?
> >>
>
>EXCELLENT post. ANY desecration of ANY cemetery should not be tolerated or
>taken lightly. Shame on anyone suggesting otherwise.
>
>
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