The Mosque

Obviously, a big thing in the news right now is the debate over the construction of a mosque on Ground Zero. I first saw it in the news just a few days ago, actually. It's a very hot topic right now - for political, moral, and religious reasons. I've seen an increasing number of posts on Facebook where people are stating their opinions, which of course opens up to a WIDE debate as everyone has an opinion. Opinions are good - here in America you aren't persecuted for your opinions...at least not by the government or a militia.

Being the nerd I am, what with my background in history and political science, I am so intrigued by this debate and have some very strong opinions myself. THIS is the type of situation I want to write about. Since I don't have many outlets, I thought I'd use the blog since well, at least I can write down what I want and save it. Maybe one day I'll write a book or some ground-breaking research paper on an important issue and can add this to it. :)

This issue can be broken down into either a political, moral, or religious debate. Depending on your background, more than likely your opinion has been formed based on one of these principles. Politically, it is turning into a debate over the 1st Amendment. Freedom of religion! Freedom to assemble! Well, yeah. Our country was FOUNDED on the basis of freedom from religious persecution. Our forefathers came to this country with the intent of allowing people to practice religion, free speech, their right to assemble. It is a very important part of our American history. I think it is what still makes this country great - you can practice Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, or be an atheist. You will not be persecuted for your beliefs by our government.

I don't think this is a political issue. I think this is a moral issue based on religion. I am not upset by the fact that a mosque may be constructed. What upsets me is the location. What upsets me is the blatant insensitivity to what occured nearly 9 years ago. I do believe Muslims have the right to have a place to worship. I do not believe that all Muslims are terrorists. I do believe their faith is being insensitive to the many, many, many lives that were innocently lost due to extremists of their religion. I do believe there is a very strategic reason they want to place a mosque there. Do they have a right to build a mosque on Ground Zero? They do. On the basis of the 1st Amendment, they do. Should they build a mosque on Ground Zero? Hell no.

Time and again, Americans have to be careful about what they do/say/think regarding hot issues. If opinions are voiced or actions are taken that other groups of people or religions feel are insensitive, it becomes an issue. Americans are intolerant. I think that Americans are incredibly tolerant people. We are the melting pot. People want to come here from all over the world to escape persecution from their own people. Then they come here and complain. That's another issue. I won't get into that now. But we welcome these people, we help them, we live in relative harmony with them. Yet they can act in a very insensitive manner toward us and it's okay. First Amendment. It's alright.

Stop hiding behind the First Amendment and do what is morally right. Why is it so important to have the mosque on Ground Zero? It's not. Choose a different location. Having a mosque there will upset not only New Yorkers, but a great many other Americans because of the insensitivity of what was done in the name of that religion. It's a calculated, strategic move to try and open this massive debate - which as worked. Here the country is debating it. What it boils down to is just plain ol' insensitivity to other Americans. Insensitivity to one of the worst acts of terrorism on American soil. Insensitivity to the many, many lives that were tragically lost due to jihad. Tolerance is a two-way street. Muslims should also be tolerant of the ideas and wishes of others. Ground Zero is not the place for a mosque - for moral reasons, not political.