Scott Sforza’s The Passion

sforzian_cross.jpg, via NYT
Cross? Check. Jew? Check. Gavel? Check. via NYT

“President Bush’s chief political strategist, Karl Rove, told CNN he did not think the podium’s decorative woodwork looked like a cross.
“‘My God, where do they come up with this stuff?’ he said. ‘Does it look to you like it’s a cross? I don’t think so.'”
– Jewish Groups Irked by Cross on Republican Podium [Reuters, 9/1/04]

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Luke 8:10, KJV

“Beside the podium is the gavel stand [which holds a gavel, the symbol of judgment, oh, and by the way, Jesus is the Judge. -g] constructed of wood panels, with lighter shades in the center in the shape of a cross — the Christian symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus.” [Reuters]
Not to be all nit-picky, but since Jesus Himself makes the distinction: if that gavel stand symbolizes Christ The Judge, then the speaker is on His Left Hand.
[via The Revealer]