I will just tell you up front that I am breaking ranks with a lot of folks on this, but common sense has been lost in the debate. Let me also state that I am conservative in my views on religion, politics and life. I lean more to libertarian views than republican. I have become convinced that the 2 party system is failing and is nothing about this country and the benefits to it's citizens, it is about who has power and what can we do with it.
Now back to the mosque. If you are of the persuasion that it shouldn't be built because it is a mosque or because of it's Islamic religion then maybe you haven't considered the consequences to opposing it's being built. Would you want to be told you can't build the church of your religion on property you own if it is in the proper zoning area? I don't think we would. So, if we succeed to stop this renovation and conversion, however ill advised it may be, then we run the risk of just that happening. Our nation's constitution, guarantees us the right to the free expression of religion, so, do we want that right revoked? Is if fair that I get my way for my beliefs but they can't theirs? Does that mean that Mormon's, Buddhist, and Hindus, can't do as they wish because our beliefs differ? Grant it none of those were involved on the worst attack in American history, but does that mean that every Muslim is dangerous? Are we closing down churches that preach the Nazi views and have the swastika incorporated as their symbol? Not unless it can be proven that particular church is involved in plotting violence against the people or government of America. Anyway just how close is it to the site of the World Trade Center? You can't even see ground zero from the proposed mosque site.
I believe that people's feelings are still very raw over the attacks of 9/11 and if Islam is a true religion of peace, then it would be more sensitive to the situation at hand. But if they choose not to be then they have a fundamental, constitutional right to worship as they see fit and that is all any of us really want. The constitution provides protections against a majority mob rule and for that I am thankful. So, before we jump into the hot skillet, we should pray, think and pick our battles wisely.
