About that Ground Zero Mosque…
By K46620
@K46620 (1986)
United States
August 25, 2010 1:50pm CST
Park 51, commonly referred to as the “Ground Zero Mosque”, is a planned $100 million, 100,000 square foot Muslim community center which might be built about 600 feet away from the WTC site.
I happen to agree with the majority of Americans that building Park 51 in its planned location is insensitive and inappropriate. The wounds from 9/11 are still quite fresh and this mosque is offensive to many.
Yet all along I have steadfastly acknowledged and defended their right to build this mosque. Most people I have run into agree it’s their right. This issue really isn’t about religious freedom or bigotry. It’s about the appropriateness of this project’s proximity to Ground Zero.
Apparently a few would be willing to use government coercion to stop it, unfortunately, including Joe Lieberman. I have some advice, from Thomas Paine, for them:
He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself
We don’t impose our will on others, but we do have a right to voice our opinions and protests.
2 people like this
5 responses
@Lindalinda (4111)
• Canada
26 Aug 10
Like many of your responders I am of the opinion that it is their right to build the mosque wherever they want, however, considering the history of the place, being sensitive to the families of the victims and the events one would hope that another location would be chosen. Let the muslims show their true face and their loyalty to their American country. I always read that Muslims too were apalled and horrified by the events of 9/11, that they feel the pain with the victim's families. So let us hear from them. Let us hear them say: This is not a good place for an Islamic Centre. New York is a huge city, let us find a more appropriate place. It always puzzles me why Muslims are usually silent on contentious issues. Is it that their leadership in their places of worship dictate what they can say? is it that the religion itself forbids them to speak out? why are they silent? even on Mylot?
@Lindalinda (4111)
• Canada
26 Aug 10
Sharmila24
What allegation are you talking about. Are you saying 9/11 did not happen? Are you disputing the fact that the perpetrators were who they were? Are you disputing the fact that we can trace their country of origin, they places of residence in Europe and the USA. Are you disputing that the trail of money that supported their education and evil activities was not traced back to certain countries. Why are you saying Muslims are neutral, since you insinuate that you dispute certain facts.
How can compassion towards fellow human beings and innocent victims be separate from a religious outlook. Does religion all religion not teach all of us to be compassionate towards each other? I am really astonished by your post
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
27 Aug 10
Muslims will never speak up. I don’t know what Sharmila is trying to defend but this pathetic apology has been doing the rounds for several years now that ‘it’s the terrorists and not the Muslims, don’t judge a community by the atrocities of a few’…fine, but then where is the community? Sharmila herself says that Muslims cant speak out coz they are duty bound to their religion and community…isn’t that a direct contradiction and confrontation with the state? I think its time we asked a very pertinent question as to where do the general Muslims allegiance lies? Is it to their nation or is it to their religious community? Is the pan-Islamic brotherhood more important than fellow citizens? If their allegiance is to their nation and fellow citizens, then sorry, I don’t see them coming out ANYWHERE globally, condemning such terrorism or disowning the terrorists IF on the other hand, they are bound more by their religious duties, then in coming years, this is something that should be addressed head on in every secular democratic nation instead of the pathetic PC statements and policies of short-sighted governments that we see everywhere.
@connierebel (1557)
• United States
26 Aug 10
No one is accusing all Muslims of backing the attacks. But it still is very inappropriate to build the mosque at ground zero, and it seems as if all Muslims are condoning the attacks when they do such things. Not all Germans persecuted and killed Jews during the Nazi regime, but would it be appropriate to build a German cultural center on the sites of some of the most notorious concentration camps? what about building a Japanese cultural center on Pearl Harbor?
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
25 Aug 10
Hi K46620, You have made an excellent point here and I completely agree with you. The quote from Thomas Paine is something that everyone should think long and hard about before setting such a precedent. I agree too that Building park 51 on this site is insensitive and inappropriate, although I have nothing against Islam and realize that the majority of Muslims are good people. Blessings.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
8 Sep 10
If the opinions are hurtful and offensive to an entire group of people which these ones are then it is only common sense that one keeps ones feelings to ones self. Even though it is your right to express your feelings and opinions, if nothing but hurt can come from doing so then it is best to keep your thoughts quiet rather than stir things up. If you haven't anything nice to say then say nothing at all....Bambi quote.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
25 Aug 10
It is their right to practice their religion! However, like you mentioned insensitive to the proximity of WTC. This is a tough call. Most people I think hope that they will graciously decline utilizing a building so close. Time will tell what happens with this.
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
25 Aug 10
It's not a tough call at all. Muslims did not cause the WTC disaster, al-qaeda terrorists did. Grouping them together simply because they share the same religion is bigoted and what is really offensive.
1 person likes this
@sonofmercury (407)
• United States
25 Aug 10
the building that is there was damaged by the landing gear of one of the planes so I believe it qualifies as ground zero.
