Religious Freedom Means Everyone...Or Does It?

I am torn over the recent debate over the so-called “mosque” being planned at “ground zero” in New York City.

Mixed feelings jockey back and forth within me--ones that accrue from feeling strongly about the right to religious freedom for all---and simultaneously having a visceral emotion that says that the location is in bad taste.

A few factual tidbits may clear up the situation for those still struggling with their own feelings on the issue:

1) The proposed building is actually a “community center”, not a mosque. A center, that while including a Muslim “prayer room” as part of the design, the facility is meant to be open to everyone.
2) The location is not technically at “ground zero”. It is a couple of blocks away. There are supposedly bars and strip joints closer to the former site of the World Trade Center towers than the proposed building.

Intellectually, I know that Islam—as a religion---does not preach violence. To equate the teachings of Mohammed to terrorism is simply, factually, incorrect.

That said, Islamic extremists, acting on their INTERPRETATION of the Quoran, nonetheless have committed thousands of acts of murder and violence in the name of Islam. This lingering truth has understandably caused millions of Americans to draw a correlation that connects the Muslim world directly to terrorism.

I guess my “opinion” would be summed up by saying; “They have a right to build it there, but I really wish they wouldn’t”.

President Obama has been put in an impossible situation by commenting on the controversy. It’s a no-win scenario—and a political depth charge that will no doubt resonate with voters in the midterm elections. Republicans like Newt Gingrich have already attacked the President. The knives are out—and they will probably be wielded right up until election day, where emotionally charged voters will punish those who support this project. And, make no mistake—no candidate, regardless of the location of their race—will escape weighing in on this topic.

Truthfully, there may be violence and/or terrorism if this center is built. If so, it is likely to be committed by non-Muslims and directed at the Islamic community.

Three short videos today:

A) President Obama’s statement
B) A YouTube statement against the mosque by a British man, who, while obviously not a fan of Islam, is at least articulate in his views.
C) A monologue by MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann, who views are no less emotionally charged-and is likewise skilled in delivering them.


Watch all three—and decide for yourself:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGxErTnYHrM




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjS0Novt3X4



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZpT2Muxoo0


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