Here’s the SD Online story. The crux of the story is summed up in a few paragraphs:
Charles LiMandri, a lawyer with the Thomas More Law Center…said Kennedy’s order means the Aug. 1 deadline to remove the cross is off.
"The way I read it, that is a granting of our application," he said. LiMandri said he did not think Kennedy would issue a stay "just to read the papers" and issue another order later.
"That is the only reasonable interpretation of what he did today," he said. "It allows this case to be litigated on the merits in the appeals court."
Here also are the just-released comments from Phil Thalheimer, chairman of San Diegans for the Mount Soledad National War Memorial:
"We are absolutely elated with today’s news. I am glad the courts have finally realized this issue is in no way about religion, and that it is simply about protecting a part of San Diego’s history and honoring those who gallantly risked their lives to protect our freedom.
"This has been an up-hill battle for so many years and the Supreme Court stay of Judge Thompson’s order to remove the cross or face huge fines, is a definite step in the right direction – a direction that 76% of San Diegans have previously demanded. I am hopeful this decision will set a precedent for the future Supreme Court Appeal appointment, slated for October, and for the upcoming State Appeal.
"Additionally, I strongly urge people around the country to contact their representatives and ask them to support the new legislation introduced by Congressmen Hunter, Bilbray and Issa. It is about time the people of this country, especially government officials, stand united in a showing of appreciation of the hard work and sacrifices of our fallen veterans."
For more info on this continuing battle, visit www.savesoledad.com
July 4th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Barry:
For people outside San Diego … Phil Thalheiner is the son of a Jewish Holocaust
survivor. The resistance to the Atheist assault on that Cross is a marvelous example
of Judeo-Christian unity.
Former SD Mayor and current talk host Roger Hedgecock has been a vocal defender
of the Mt. Soledad memorial for years. Present Mayor Jerry Sanders has also done
good work, along with new GOP Councilman Kevin Faulconer.
Justice Anthony Kennedy, a Ronald Reagan appointee, is a Californian and this
must have contributed to his much-appreciated action.
The years pass by, and Ronald Reagan continues to rescue good people and causes.