Statue of Intolerance

I second The Carpetbagger Report completely on this:

This is disturbing on so many levels.

As the congregation of the World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church looked on and its pastor, Apostle Alton R. Williams, presided, a brown shroud much like a burqa was pulled away to reveal a giant statue of the Lady, but with the Ten Commandments under one arm and "Jehovah" inscribed on her crown.

And in place of a torch, she held aloft a large gold cross, as if to ward off the pawnshops, the car dealerships and the discount furniture outlets at the busy corner of Kirby Parkway and Winchester that is her home. A single tear graced her cheek.

It was not clear if she was crying because of her new home, her new identity as a symbol of religion or, as the pastor said, America's increasing godlessness.

The monument, called the "Statue of Liberation Through Christ," appears to be quite a sight. As shameless idolatry goes, the 72-foot-tall statue appears to have reached new heights. Or depths, depending on one's perspective.

I've seen plenty of patriotic symbols appropriated for religious use, but the World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church definitely deserves credit for pushing the envelope — of taste, patriotism, and theocratic tendencies.