Freedom, (and religious freedom especially) was what was attacked on 9/11, and it would be a shame if we succumb to religious intolerance ourselves within the very shadow of this vicious attack. If Christians don't like a Muslim mosque on the location, then build a Church themselves, and get out and convert the Muslims, that is how one disagrees in a free and open society.
I am a Christian and a conservative to boot, but on this particular issue I appear to depart from the majority of my party. I feel shocked to find myself in agreement with President Obama (someone I almost NEVER agree with), but Muslims have the legal right to build on private property they own (what he said) but I question the wisdom of their choosing that spot (also what he said). They have the right, but I question their choice. Almost exactly what Obama said..... (wow).
Although I question the wisdom of their choice of locations, if you believe in freedom, and in religious freedom especially, you have to give all people the same freedoms you yourself want. If you want the freedom to build Christian churches wherever you want (which I do), then you MUST grant the right to build Mosques wherever they want, even if they are being stupid about their choice.
I find it fascinating to see organizations like AFA who so often complain about religious persecution of Christians being the first ones to take up the banner against the Muslim mosque. Freedom means freedom, even for people you disagree with (and those who know me know that I disagree with Muslim ideology strenuously and vocally). But freedom is freedom, it has consequences, like having a Mosque where nearly any sane person knows one shouldn't be, but the price of those consequences is worth paying.
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4 comments:
Of course they have the freedom to build there. Only the crazies are arguing that they don't. What most people are arguing is that being boorish, while it may be legal, is never a good way to get along with your neighbors.
Carl, Clearly it is an awful idea to build there, and as you put it "not a good way to get along with your neighbors."
I wish/hope you are right about "only the crazies" arguing that they don't have the "right." Unfortunately I have seen SEVERAL republicans who until that moment I respected and didn't consider "crazy" call Obama down for pointing out that very fact... and I wonder, what in the world do THEY believe then? Do they believe that they don't have the "right?"
It's unfortunate, because I consider myself a Republican, and just HATE to see prominent members of my party make such a fool out of themselves.
And I worry that the "average" person won't actually think things through as you have apparently done.
Maybe I should have said "People who allowed their emotions to speak before their rational side had a chance to evaluate the situation". Then again, I'm glad I just said "crazies" because the foregoing is a pretty big moniker.
That said, I think it would be appropriate for the American people to do a boycott of the anybody that decides it's OK to sell the materials to build that particular mosque. I.e. anybody that sells them a bucket of concrete should be hit where it hurts.
I did find it amusing to watch Glenn Beck and some other dude discussing possible names for the gay bar that ought to be built right next to the ground zero mosque. The best one, in my opinion, was "Outfidels".
Carl, you should watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZpT2Muxoo0
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