fly as hale wrote:
Muslim-Americans deserve to have a prayer/community center wherever they choose to build one. Don't forget that they were also vicitimized by 9/11.
Thumbs freakin up to this. I've been staying somewhat informed upon this whole thing, and honestly this situation just pisses me off. People of the Islamic faith have as much of a right as someone of the Christian faith to build a place where they can practice their beliefs. Like you said, Muslim-Americans were affected by 9/11 just as much as everyone else. If this was a Christian church being built, everything would be fine and dandy. No one would make so much as a peep about it. But, of course, since it's a "mosque" everyone gets up in arms. I understand how some can see it as insensitive, but to be so against it as so many people are, and for the reasons they are against it (namely being the distance, from what I can tell of the majority of the people)... that's just bigotry.
Also, can anyone find an actual confirmed report that they intend to build it on 9/11? Because, if not, there is no other reason people should be against it. Distance is no reason to shut this thing down, because if you took that logic, how close is too close? Can they build it 4 blocks away? Are they allowed to have mosques in NYC in general? Or should we close down all the mosques in the NYC area and boot out those who practice there? Everyone in this country has the right to freedom of religion, and the freedom to practice their religion where they choose. Or is this just an exception? All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others, huh?