Group flies pro-swastika banner over New York beaches

[Renew Deal]

NEW YORK (CBS) -- A banner aiming to change people's minds about what swastikas stand for has stirred outrage after it flew over beaches in New York City and on Long Island.

Some beachgoers were appalled and officials fielded complaints after a plane toted the banner Saturday. The banner featured swastikas, a peace sign, a Star of David and a "pro-swastika" message.

It was arranged by the International Raelian Movement. The group tries annually to remind people that before Adolf Hitler's rise, the swastika was an ancient symbol of well-being to Hindus and Buddhists, among others. The Raelians - who believe human beings were created by extraterrestrials - have faced controversy over similar swastika banners in summers past.

Some beachgoers say there's just no way to rehabilitate a symbol that provokes such strong feelings.
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http://www.local12.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/group-flies-proswastika-banner-over-new-york-beach-14531.shtml

[snooper2]

1. I guess everybody needs a hobby, their theory on humans does have a little more credibility

Than your standard mythical religion-

(I'm not buying it, just sayin' )

[sharp_stick]

2. Where do the Raelians

get their cash? These crazies seem to pop up every few years spouting some end of the world message.

[Skidmore]

5. UFOs bring large black valises to drop points all over the world is my guess.

They are a strange bunch.

People can throw a lot of cash into whatever craziness they choose to participate in.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

3. You sure it wasn't a tourist stunt for Swastika, New York?

They could use a few tourists, the place isn't seeing a lot of traffic these days

[eShirl]

4. too soon, guys

give it another couple hundred years

[Kurska]

7. As a jew, the biggest f u imaginable to the nazi's would be to steal back their symbols.

Which they of course stole in the first place.


Maybe we ought to wait until the last concentration camp survivor has died though.

[NightWatcher]

8. Sorry, but Hitler ruined it along with the little mustache.

[L0oniX]

9. *

?

[CBGLuthier]

10. I see a swastika every day on my walk. It is in the bricks on a house I pass.

A house that was built in 1919 before those lazy bastard nazis co-opted the symbol. I know the history (oddly enough 30 years ago i lived near another house with the symbol) but I do not know if there is any turning back from the taint.

[KamaAina]

11. I thought the real swastika faced the opposite way from the Nazi one

[conservaphobe]

12. What a waste of resources.

People should pick battles more wisely.