Since I just started this blog in the past week, there's obviously a lot of content I've yet to opine on. However, I was given a little reminder today of this particular issue: Mosque at Ground Zero.
I'm a freedom loving person. I wholehearted believe in the right of my fellow citizens to practice whatever religion they want, and to build houses of worship to do just that. Except this one.
You can call me biased, maybe so. This is the way I see it. When rabid members of a particular religious group kill 3000 Americans, in the name of said religion, it's going to be a little difficult convincing the local inhabitants that it's really peace loving. I know plenty of peaceful Muslims. I work with them and they're great people. However, not one of them would ever think this new mega-mosque is a good idea. It's rubbing salt in the wound.
Now besides the somewhat fringe opinion that the building of the actual mosque symbolizes conquest. Historically in Muslim conquests back in the day, the caliphs would make deals with the locals. Those who submitted got to keep their churches. Those who didn't had their worship places confiscated and turned into mosques (check out the history of Islam in Damascus). I don't think that is the case here necessarily.
My concern is: Who the hell in the building permit office, in NEW-FREAKIN-YORK of all places, would EVER have approved this? Did this person have no pride in their city or their country? Was there never another option? How about, "Oh sure Mr. Imam, you can build a new mosque, just not there at the site of a really painful spot for all Americans. How about some blocks away? Yeah? All right then, you can have your permit." This line of thinking obviously never occurred for the individual who made this decision. I've noticed the media has made careful the person's name has never been mentioned in any story. Well, if the media is mentioning it all, which is hardly. If it weren't for Foxnews, HotAir and some other websites there are a lot of Americans who wouldn't even know this is even happening, or the protest associated with it.
So that's what I'm saying. Mr. Imam, if you care so much about Americans, and are wanting to build some interfaith respect, move your mosque. Building it at Ground Zero is an affront to all Americans, no matter color, religion, creed or origin. It is an affront to everything this country stands for. Go build your mosque a respectful distance away.
***UPDATE 8/3/10
Board clears way for mosque All right people. It's official. My heart is officially broken for the city of New York. While I understand the 152-year old building that needs to be razed has no architectural specialness to keep it around, this doesn't mean it's still ok to build the mosque there. Hey Bloomberg, have you lost your mind?! Is there no respect left? I'm still praying there will be some kind of last-minute reprieve to this argument. Come on NY, keep shouting!
2 comments:
I could not agree more. I all for freedom this and that, but give me a flipping break! Should we sacrifice common sense and respect in the name of "we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings" nonsense?
This is ridiculous. I guarantee you, if the situation were reversed (a Hooters in the middle of Bagdad)it would not stand a chance.
New Yorkers, you are known for your bluntness and outspoken ways: man up, grow a pair and ban this ridiculous afront on our beautiful and wounded city!
I'm making it my mission to try to open a Hooters in Baghdad now.
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