There is actually a good bit of truth in this. But I am not just picking on catholics here. Having been somewhat of a 'geek' in the study of religious symbols I know a little about the cross.
1. It is one of the oldest pagan symbols known
2. It is the universal symbol of the sun/fertilty
3. Crucifixion was performed on a cross because the Romans worshipped the sun and all crucifixions were 'dual' purpose in that they got rid of the 'undesirables' and served also as a sacrifice to their sun god.
4. It, the cross, was the implement of torture in the death of Christ.
Now with those things in mind, ask yourself this question - if your child was killed in Iraq by a Russian made AK47 would you memorialize his/her death by decorating your house with AK47's??? Or pictures of them?? I think not.
Then what makes people think God wants crosses all over His house/church??? What makes man think God likes the emblem of torture and death? Why would He want one hanging around your neck? Or on your walls? etc etc
Other misc cross info...
The ankh is considered to be one of the oldest pagan symbols. It is often worn on jewlery. It is a cross (male in pagan/sun culture) intercected with a loop (female). The sexual union of male and female.
Two intersected crosses (a cross over a cross) make up the ancient solar
wheels of babylonian astrologic worship. Often an obelisk was placed in the middle to symbolize the phallus. For nice picture of one these look here....
http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/tim...ers-square.htm
or here for an overhead....
http://www.eurimage.com/gallery/imagery/qb/vatican.jpg