Happy Saturday from a beautiful and sunny People's Republic of Pasadena, Beatdowners!
I think I've held my tongue long enough on this one, so here goes my take on the mosque/Ground Zero debate...
Without a question of doubt, the project (called Park51), and those who own the PRIVATE property 2 blocks from Ground Zero have the CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to build the Islamic Center and mosque there.
Do you disagree?
Okay, then, brainiac, here is why they have the RIGHT...how about the First Amendment to the United States Constitution...ever read it?
If not, here is what it says:
"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".
FREEDOM OF RELIGION.
Period. The end. Our most important document, the United States Constitution, allows for freedom of religion. It assures Americans they can practice religion and peaceably assemble without fear of our government stepping in and restricting their right to do so.
But, all of our politicians have proverbially sh*t on the Constitution of late (and yes, that applies to Democrats, Republicans, and anyone and everyone else in DC), so it wouldn't surprise me if many don't know what it says anymore.
So there really is no argument here. I believe the folks leading the project are a husband and wife team...Mr. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and Mrs. Daisy Khan...and they have the RIGHT to build the mosque and Islamic center on the PRIVATE PROPERTY that happens to be two blocks away from Ground Zero, the spot of the worst attack on the United States of America, one carried out by radical Muslims Hell-bent on destroying our way of life in their twisted views and interpretations of one of the great religions on the plant, Islam.
Period. The end. What President Obama said at the Ramadan Dinner at the White House weeks ago was 100% dead-on accurate (and by the way, for the idiot Right Wing fanatics who give Conservatism a bad name, "W" hosted these very same dinners - it doesn't make "W" a Muslim anymore than it make Obama one - cut the sh*t):
"But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure".
Amen, Mr. President. And let me make this clear - I AM NOT A FAN OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION! But President Obama nailed this one.
And everyone had a fit. And twisted his words. And made it in to a sh*tshow. Shocker, honestly, considering the unbelievable liberal bias in our mass media outlets. But this time, the President was right.
HOWEVER...
With the freedoms and rights we as Americans are granted through the Constitution comes RESPONSIBILITY.
And that is where the true argument lies.
The RIGHT to build the mosque and Islamic Center is protected by law as stated in the First Amendment.
But is it responsible for anyone to build a mosque that close to truly hallowed ground?
My blog, my opinion...NO. It is terribly irresponsible. Yes, it must be made clear that Islam is not our enemy, and Muslims are welcome in our country. But to spit in the face of public opinion is a terrible thing to do. Why throw a match on a powder keg?
How far away from Ground Zero is responsibly far enough away to build the mosque? I'm not really sure. But more people are against the current site than are for it. It would be irresponsible to put so many people in danger - the Muslims coming to worship who are bound to be harassed by moronic hate-mongers, the common man and woman who may be harassed by a Muslim extremist trying to make a point so close to their greatest victory...too much bad ju-ju.
Flip the coin...a Jewish extremist or Catholic extremist blows up the Al-Aqsa Mosque (with the Dome of the Rock and all)...would it be responsible to build a Church or a Synagogue a few blocks away 9 or 10 years later? Absolutely not, even if the right existed.
So the RIGHT is there, and should be protected. But Mr. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and Mrs. Daisy Khan need to do the RESPONSIBLE thing here. Islam is a religion of love and peace...show the love, compassion, and hope for peace as commanded by Allah and preached by Muhammad...do not build the mosque at the proposed site. State of New York - make it an even playing field...update zoning laws to prevent ANY new religious center or place of worship from being built near Ground Zero. People of all races and creeds died on 9/11/01...Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. And they were MURDERED by radical religious fanatics whom hated AMERICA.
To quote U2 - "we;re one, but we're not the same...we get to carry each other"...
RIGHT vs. RESPONSIBILITY...
That's all I have to say about that.
Until next time...think about it.
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