Mosque Near Ground Zero

Tension rises over a proposed Mosque near ground zero in New York. Emotions are fueling rallies and heated debates that are melting away unity; we are attacking one another based on our beliefs, opinions and feelings.

President Obama's speech focused on the legality and right to build the Mosque; no judgments or personal opinion was included in that speech. Yet, president Osama is the target of criticism and condemnation.

In a recent article, Washington Post's writer Charles Krauthammer mocks what many a people believe was a courageous act by the president, but Krauthammer's jovial tone is anything but funny. "Your hero delivers a Ramadan speech roundly supporting the building of a mosque and Islamic center near ground zero in New York." Statements like these cause emotions to become inflamed and raises suspicions because it implies that President Obama is being deceptive. Krauthammer adds, "It takes no courage whatsoever to bask in the applause of a Muslim audience..." The lack of respect for our president, calling Obama a coward in a round about way, sends a negative message to the world.

Former Gov. George Pataki asks, "Why does it have to be at the World Trade Center site?" and when asked how far from ground zero would be appropriate his response, "It's a bigger question than that...we don't know the funding, we don't know the views of those behind it." Donald Trump, in comments to Extra called it "insensitive." In addition, the release and distribution of recordings of the imam in 2005 by Rush Limbaugh and Pamela Geller have only caused more confusion and conflict.

A radical group of Muslims carried out the 911 attacks, and the mastermind of that group, Bin Laden, is still running free. We cannot allow the same type of hatred that was in the hearts and minds of that group become our own.

As a country we must remain united, freedom of religion is a right of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Baptist, and all faiths. Building a mosque near ground zero should not divide us as a people. Emotionally, it may affect us but when we act on emotion, logic is set aside. Judging the Islamic faith and Muslims as a whole based on the evil acts of a radical group of Muslims is painting with a very broad brush.

President Obama made a valid point, building a mosque on private property is a matter of legality. Let our country remain the United States of America.

Source:
NYDaily News.com, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Gov. Paterson to huddle about mosque controversy, by Kenneth Lovett, Erik Badia and Corky Siemaszko, Aug. 23, 2010