When you think about it, it is quite absurd. Most people understand that all Muslims aren't terrorists and a lot are totally unsympathetic and opposed to it. However, there is a thing called good taste which isn't being followed.
Sure, Muslims have a right to free speech, if it isn't used to promote or incite violence. But, the right to free speech doesn't mean they have a right to use any land/forum of their choosing to promote their faith.
Would Israel allow a German history museum to be prominently placed by the Wailing Wall? After all, not all Germans supported Hitler during WWII and there is plenty of good history in Germany. Would the U.S. allow a Japanese tourist attraction to be placed next to the U.S. Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Once again, Japanese aren't bad people. The whole idea is a sacred spot like either should be shielded from insensitive use. Furthermore, Muslims should realize that nothing good can come of reminding N.Y. of the 9/11 attacks by brothers of their faith.
It's so over the top, it's almost maliciously intentional. It would be interpreted as defeat for America. i.e., as in a conquest. It may not seem like any big deal to many. But, to many it is sacred ground that should be free of promoting the faith which was behind the 9/11 attacks. Furthermore, we should avoid any appearance of the terrorists of 9/11 and their extremist kin getting the last laugh.
I don't think that the American government can zone a place of worship out of an area. It's just not the American way. In fact, this is sort of a victory for American values. Even though the most extreme of a group has harmed us greatly, our tolerant nature has not been harmed. We still welcome those of all faiths with open arms.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about this mosque or the lessons it intends to teach, but this could be a great moment for America. Mayor Bloomberg ought to take this opportunity to talk to the people and maybe have some sort of groundbreaking ceremony, pledging to work together to increase tolerance, and encourage non-violent solutions to political disagreement.
- Rick
Rick, you may be right. Perhaps technically speaking they cannot prevent a mosque from being built there.
ReplyDeleteI understand the concept of a teaching moment and in a perfect world I might agree. Unfortunately, this is
not a perfect world. Unlike Japan and Germany post WWII, Islam in it's most violent form has NOT been discredited
or destroyed. In the case of Germany or Japan after WWII, there wasn't an "enemy" whom could view this as weakness
or use a mosque on Ground Zero as a "victory".
I understand where you are coming from, but don't necessary come to the same conclusion.