Manhattan Mosque

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/06/mann.mosque.ground.zero/index.html?iref=obinsite

Recently, many Americans affected by the 9/11 attacks have been protesting a controversial mosque, which is actually a cultural center for performing arts, lectures, and prayer for Muslims, that is proposed to be built three blocks from ground zero. There opposition is based off of strong emotional sensitivity to the connection between the Islamic faith and the attacks of 9/11.

Some of the main arguments against the construction of this center is the emotional turmoil that it will inflict on the family members of the victims and heroes. In a nation that should honor its heroes, any symbol of disrespect, no matter the connection, should be of heavy consideration. It is very true that “Muslims” do not equate to “terrorists”, but in a nation that is so traditionally Caucasian, a representation of the “face of the enemy” on the hallowed grounds of ground zero will inevitable stir up fear and anxiety. This is not something that one, no matter how open-minded, can ignore – it is evident that this emotion exists. Those who dismiss this as nonsense forget that emotion in itself is a rather irrational concept.

On the contrary, this country has always been based on religious freedom. Always. And no race, culture, or religion should be treated differently by their government. That is a most fundamental building block of the United States of America. The idea that this mosque would indicate a victory for the terrorists is a rather ignorant concept (apologies the lady above whom I’m sure is suffering more than I). We must acknowledge that we are not a white country. We are a country that included Muslims, who we know are not all terrorists.

Bottom Line: Is withholding the principles of this nation worth the emotional turmoil of some?

Let’s not blow the bottom line out of proportion. This is not eternal suffering at the expense of Armageddon. It is an oversimplification of reasoning versus emotion. While it may be simple to dismiss emotion in any case of politics, we must acknowledge that without it, we lose the fundamental humaneness of our society. Perhaps politics is best carried out with little emotion, but an absolute emotion-free society is meaningless. It is this balance that has people debating.

My verdict is that since it is not the end of the world yet, we must, as a people, hold strong to our virtues and allow any culture to practice their faith freely. To do this, it will hurt, but this is where I believe the true strength of our nation is displayed. Perhaps it is easier to ban anything that we dislike regardless of principle. But we should not do what is easiest, we should do what is right. By no means am i insinuating that those who are sensitive to this issue should “suck it up” and “cope”. I urge them to stay strong and fight hard, for the greatness of our nation has always been exemplified by the ideals of the people.

If we can no longer hold strong and begin to waver from our principles due to foreign threat, then that would be the considerable 9/11 victory.

Lastly, I urge my fellow Americans who practice the Islamic faith to also acknowledge the sensitive nature of this proposal. It is not to be dismissed as unreasonable. Many out there are skeptical, yet still learn to accept it order to allow all walks of life the freedom that we cherish in this country.