Opinion on Muslim Mosque Near (not At) Ground Zero: Religious Equality, Religious Intolerance, and the First Amendment
Are You Willing to Give Up Your First Amendment Right to Stop the Building of the Mosque Near Ground Zero?
On May 11th, 2010 my facebook status read, "I'm all for religious equality. IF you put a church, synagogue, temple, mosque and any other religious structure in the area for people of all faiths. But just a mosque at Ground Zero would seem to me to be quite offensive to the victims of 9/11 especially that they are going to break ground for the building on 9/11/2011, the 10th anniversary of the attacks. This is just so sad." And a link to the New York Daily News article "Plans for Mosque Near World Trade Center to Move Ahead". I also proposed the idea of a community center for all people of all faiths in the follow up comments.
I still believe that a community center for all faiths is what should be near Ground Zero in New York but my feelings on the Mosque have altered, a little.
First, I'd like to state that I am not against the Mosque being built where it is planned to be built. After doing some soul-searching and some research, I realized that I would be just as bad as those who do not tolerate my faith if I were to be against any religion having a place to worship. I have had my fair share of hate and intolerance because I do not believe in one God. I am, however, adamantly against the groundbreaking of the Muslim Mosque on the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks.
My biggest issue with the Mosque being built is that small piece of information. That is what is appalling, galling and what I consider to be a slap in the face to the American people who witnessed the destruction and demise of the World Trade Center and the people who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. There is absolutely no reason that the groundbreaking could not be held on another day. And in my personal opinion, it should be held on another day.
I'd like it to be noted also that the Mosque is to be built 2 blocks away from Ground Zero not as close to the hallowed ground as some media outlets would lead us to believe. And if we, the American people, cannot or will not tolerate another place of worship being brought into the area, then we should get rid of all the other religion(s) already in the area. I'd like to point out that there are Christian Churches, Catholic Churches, Jewish Synagogues and Temples (at least six that I can name offhand) all within 2 blocks of the World Trade Center. Some much closer than the Mosque will be. Are we willing to rid ourselves of those religious structures? If we are not, then how can we oppose another persons place of worship?
Article 1 of the Bill of Rights states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (Source)
Before you decide if you are for or against the proposed Mosque near (but not at) Ground Zero, ask yourself if you are willing to give up your own religious freedom.
Published by Linda StCyr
Linda St.Cyr has been a featured contributor for Associated Content from Yahoo!, she is the author of several short stories including the story "Leaving" published in the anthology collection, Elements of Ti... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentNice treatment Linda, with some differences: Where a house of worship is built IS NOT a guaranteed protection. The protection of the first amendment is entirely that gov't cannot abridge ones right to practice their faith, but it is NOT, repeat NOT, a carte blanche to build a house of worship where one desires. To make that argument is misinformed or disingenuous, and I know you are not disingenuous, so reconsider your founding principle in your opinion Linda. I am all for equality for sure. Build the mosque a mile or so away and no one will gripe, but NEAR ground zero is a slap in Christian's faces, and I am not even an F-ing Christian, but I see the forest for the trees. Muslim's have a long history of building mosques where they defeat an enemy to show their dominance. Read up on it. I swear it is the dead on truth!
leveled point of view, thank you for not calling those of us adamantly opposed to Imam Rauf's Victory Mosque to be erected 600-feet from the WTC footprint bigots. His mosque to be housed on the top floor of the Cordoba Initiative's center will command stunning views over GZ. Regardless, this is not about religious freedom at all..well in essence it is..opponents champion the first amendment by rejecting the radical imam's endeavors to usurp the Constitution via Sharia Law..it's about the imam & his nefarious designs & connections. The fact he wanted to open on the anniv of 9/11 & the name of his project is very telling..he can't because of construction delays.
Wonderful article, very heartfelt.
I read some bigot's remarks the other day that this mosque would cauase terrorists to dance on the graves of those who died in the 2001 attacks. The ones who are really dancing on those graves are those who oppose the mosque, because they are showing themselves to be like the terrorists. This mosque will be a monument to the defeat of the terrorists.
Thanks for your sincere point of view.
Linda, your sincerity is appreciated!
I see no problem with a mosque a few blocks from Ground Zero especially since the people building it profess peaceful intentions. As far a the symbolic opening day, consider their point of view. Many peaceful Muslims were tarred by 9-11, discriminated against, and generally treated as if they were criminals. Opening a peaceful mosque to show the positive side of the Muslim faith that the majority of Muslims practice on the day that a small group tarnished their reputation should not be a slap in anyone's face except the terrorists.
By choosing the anniversary they seek to honor the dead -- that's what I'd like to believe. Thanks for your sincere and heartfelt opinion. It's well expressed!
You gave much more information than most of the news stories I have read! Your statements and opinions of the Mosque being built near Ground Zero should also give people food for thought.