What do you think about the possibility of a mosque near Ground Zero?? As you probably know there is a great debate on whether or not to build a place of worship near the tragedy of Ground Zero. At first I had no problem with this but when I heard it was four blocks away from where the World Trade Center stood I was not pleased to say the least. Could I visit the Temple Mount? Could I visit the Great Mosque in Mecca? Unfortunately the answer to all these questions is NO.
I have no problem with a new mosque anywhere but why does it have to be so close Ground Zero? Yes, Manhattan is a very large place. I am sure there is another place to build a mosque throughout the city. Unfortunately, no matter how often we try asking the builders to find another place to build a mosque, the First Amendment rights is invoked. This management company feels religious freedom is an excuse for discretion. In this country they do have religious freedom but like those sacred monuments I've mentioned previously, Ground Zero is sacred to Americans.
So I would love to hear my blog followers opinions - is it moral to build a house of worship to a religion that was a factor in the events that took place at Ground Zero? I don’t think it is. As a non-believer if I’m not allowed to vist the Temple Mount or the Great Mosque why should a certain religion be able to build their place of worship so close to a place where religious extremists attack our nation??
I apreciate what you have to say as a Muslim. This is a very good article.
ReplyDeleteThe only way that I can think of that would circumvent building is to label it as a historic building (which is near impossible considering it was ruled against, but you could try) or appeal to the people that want to go through with the plan. As you've read in my blog, I support it not because of the first amendment, but because they went through the proper authorities to request building there. Likewise, if a church or synagogue wanted to build there, I wouldn't mind. If you really feel like it, you can take action and start a petition.
ReplyDeleteI think this video best expresses my views on this subject: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMalASpQV3I
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, but makes a lot of sense