Re: Having trouble understanding this - Mosque at WTC site

I heard this on 1010WINS yesterday and thought it was interesting

"Dolan compared the so-called mosque controversy to the Carmelite nuns wanting to put a convent near the Auschwitz concentration camp. Pope John Paul II intervened and the convent found another home.

“John Paul II said why don’t we get together civilly, thoughtfully, and with dignity and maybe decide a good solution. And he’s the one who said let’s keep the idea and maybe move the address. It worked there, it might work here,” Dolan told Kramer."


SOURCE



ETA: According to the fact check article someone posted- there are already 2 other mosques in the WTC area- why is it necessary to build another. IMHO, the fact that the families of 9/11 victims aren't petitioning to have the existing mosques removed shows that they aren't protesting the building of another one because of religious intolerance or ignorance- but because of sensitivity issues.

Message edited 8/19/2010 7:43:57 AM.

Re: Having trouble understanding this - Mosque at WTC site

Message edited 8/19/2010 8:03:41 AM.

Re: Having trouble understanding this - Mosque at WTC site

I was reading an interesting Op-Ed article in the times. I will not touch on the parts about Obama bc I do not want to start a secondary debate, but found some points really meaningful.

"Some critics have said the ultimate victory for Osama and the 9/11 hijackers would be to allow a mosque to be built near ground zero.

Actually, the ultimate victory for Osama and the 9/11 hijackers is the moral timidity that would ban a mosque from that neighborhood.

Our enemies struck at our heart, but did they also warp our identity?

The war against the terrorists is not a war against Islam. In fact, you can’t have an effective war against the terrorists if it is a war on Islam. "

For me this sums it up. As I said when this post first started I do understand why this touches people and is an open wound. And I do not begrudge anyone their feelings or opinions as I can clearly see and understand why they feel that way.

Of course I do, I live here too. I was effected closely by 9/11.

But to me, being an American means equality, freedom. We cannot start picking and choosing where we decide to allow these rights so basic to the core of our nation because we compromise ourselves.

Here is the full article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/opinion/18dowd.html?_r=1

Message edited 8/19/2010 8:24:30 AM.

Re: Having trouble understanding this - Mosque at WTC site

Re: Having trouble understanding this - Mosque at WTC site

This mosque should be built in another location. It's a slap in the face to all the victims of 9/11 and their families. It's just an insensitive thing to do.

But my problem is not with Muslims or the Islamic religion. My problem is Imam or whatever the heck his name is. I don't understand how the city can let this radical anti american guy who says hamas is not a terrorist group build a mosque near ground zero. This A-hole has said that america is to blame for the 9/11 attacks and the city is allowing him to build the mosque??? Makes me sick to my stomach.

And 2 blocks from Ground Zero is too close to home. Sorry but this just makes me mad.

Message edited 8/20/2010 11:50:42 PM.