I hate to get involved in this discussion – I really do – but there are a few important issues at stake in regards to the Ground Zero Mosque controversy. First, and foremost, this is a local land use issue. This is not a county issue, nor state issue, and certainly not a national issue. September 11th was a terrible tragedy, and we have made it a symbol of our national unity (“We are all New Yorkers”). But when it comes down to it, this is a decision that must be made by the council members of the City of New York in response to the will of the citizens of that – and only that – city.
It is ironic, though not surprising, that many conservatives have come out strongly against the Mosque proposal. Two of the bedrocks of conservatism are local property rights and strong adherence to the constitution (remember the religious liberty clause?), yet many conservative (and then there’s you, Mr. Reid) politicians are so worried about winning a fast-approaching election that they are recalling the tragic events 9 years ago to condemn the very principles that they claim to stand for. Some are making ridiculous statements to make their case. Mr. Gingrich said that this proposal is akin to placing a Nazi sign next to the Holocaust memorial. An extreme political party is not at all comparable to a wide-spread, world religion. Instead, a more apt comparison could be made to placing a Christian Church (Nazis were overwhelmingly Christian) next to the Holocaust memorial, which I’m sure we wouldn’t have a problem with (I’m a Christian myself, so don’t think that this statement is anti-Christian). But that argument doesn’t win votes.
I’m actually in agreement with many in the Tea Party on this one. For all of their political shortcomings, in my opinion anyway, they actually understand the heart of this issue. Rand Paul put it in perspective well when he said that his own state would not be happy if New York inserted themselves into Kentucky issues, so he is sure that New York wouldn’t appreciate Kentucky doing the same. Even the man who doesn’t seem to “get it” gets this one.
Personally, I’m really concerned that this is such a monumental issue nearly a decade after the attacks. Yes, we should always remember what happened and make sure we do what we can to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, but why are we still so fearful? Fear of attack is one thing, but fear manifested in the discrimination of a religion whose peacefulness has, historically, been at least on-par with Christianity (remember the crusades, conquistadors, Holocaust, and the conflict between Ireland and Scotland, just to name a few) is of a wholly different sort. In our post-millennium brand of politics, we have let this fear fester instead of letting it go and moving on.
Many of the people coming out against this proposal are claiming that allowing this Mosque (by the way, it’s not actually a Mosque but a community center; but “Mosque” sounds scarier) to take root 2 blocks from (not “at”) Ground Zero will be a victory for the terrorists. Mr. Gingrich has even said that this idea was planned by terrorists just so that they could celebrate their victory. Come on, Newt! Even you aren't that paranoid! Contrary to what the talking heads are saying, I think that our fearful reaction against this plan has already assured their moral victory because it is a harbinger of the dramatic changes taking place in so many of the great American ideals. We are a mere, cold shadow of who we used to (and ought to) be. Terrorism has changed our way of life, and not for the better… and this is exactly what they wanted to occur.
But my opinion doesn't really matter, and neither does yours, because unless you happen to be a resident of Manhattan, it is officially none of our business.
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Actually I'm a little surprized at your nonchalance on the subject. The chosen location for the "community center" is far too coincitental for my liking. If the imam and his clerics are peaceful muslems, the threat of radicals infiltrating and using the center as a recruiting station is very real. I understand that that very thing is probably happening all over this country of ours. But to very blatently flaunt it right next to an attack sight where so many people were murdered, muslems included, is uncontionable. I'm sure Pennsylvanians would be just as upset if the next plan would be to construct a "community center" at the sight where the plane crashed that was headed for the white house. Actually, if that were to happen, it would only lend creedance to the uproar in New York. What people seem to forget, or aren't aware of, is the mission of the muslem religion is to absorb all nations and peoples. So far they're doing a pretty good job. In fact, Islam is not only a religion but a nation unto itself. Every person or family who is a beleiver is a part of the Nation of Islam. Being a Christian person or family makes us a part of a beleif system within our community, state, or country. In my opinion, and I'm sure many others will agree, the nazi's were NOT and ARE NOT Christians. Neither were those of the crusades nor the guy who bombs the abortion clinic. They are and were mislead and either took Gods word out of context or were acting on selfish ambitions, power over the people. Our nation was founded and formed, and many have faught and died, to defend against those misguided tendencies. No true Christian cheers when someone is killed or property is destroyed "in the name of Christ!"
Back to New York, Yes, the polititions are having a hey-day with the mosque subject. I'm a conservative and even I think Newt Gingrich is a boob. How he ever came back into power after his hypocrisies is beyond me. But the railings have merit. Also, if the imam is a true koran follower, he would make peace with his accusers and win them over in that fashion, all the time showing that he and his faith are the better party. Instead, it is like you said, "Terrorism has changed our life, and not for the better....and this is exactly what they wanted to occur." We must never forget what happened at the twintowers, Pa., or the pentagon, just as we should never forget what happened at Pearl Harbor or with the Holocost. The day that we put all of that behind us and "move on" is exactly when it will rear its ugly head and happen all over again. People need to learn from the past to allow for a better future. It's when the past is forgotten that it is destined to repeat itself.
I've come to realize what the problem is between Christians and Muslims: we're too similar for our liking. It's like two brothers who have the same interests and the same friends, and like the same girls... and just can't stand each other because of it.
You are right: the great commission for Muslims is to "absorb all nations and people." But the way you describe Christianity is as though it is a nationalistic religion... namely, and American religion. This is very much not true. Most Christians in the world do not live in the United States. In addition, the great commission for Christians is also to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28). Similarly, the "nation" of Islam is almost identical to the notion of the "Kingdom" of God (a Christian term refering to our citizenship in Jesus' kingdoom). The truth is, we are both evangelistic relgions, and we have both done terrible things in the name of that religion toward each other.
What bothers me is when we claim that the violent radicals who call themselves Christians are "not really Christian," but when it comes to the violent radicals who call themselves Muslim, we are very quick to believe them to be "true" Muslims. And of course, many Muslims probably think the same thing about Christians. I think we take some sort of sick pleasure in demonizing each other. It feeds our deep psychological need to make ourselves feel superior.
But again, what it comes down to is this: this is a New York local land-use issue, and New Yorker's will decide its fate. If that comes off as nonchalant, then I guess I can't help it.
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