Friday, August 13, 2010

Should there be a 'ground zero' mosque?

There's a debate raging in New York City at the moment. It's regarding plans to build a Mosque just steps away from 'Ground Zero' - the site of the former World Trade Center that was obliterated by fundamentalist terrorists in 2001.


To be honest, I totally understand the uproar.

I remember arriving in New York for the first time in 2001 - finding a city utterly in shock. 9-11 was when the impact of terrorism was brought brutally home to Americans in a manner unprecedented before or since. It was difficult not to feel resentment and outrage towards Islam, especially when the news channels showed Palestinians dancing in the streets in celebration, and even 'moderate' Muslims arguing that "America has brought this on itself."

That's a quote from Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf by the way - the man slated to be the new Imam of the 'Ground Zero Mosque.'

Ultimately, though, there are several reasons I think the 'Ground Zero' mosque should go ahead.

Primarily, the fact that this mosque will not be built on 'Ground Zero.'

It will actually be located two blocks away, on the site of a building that was damaged by falling debris on 9-11, but not destroyed by it. It's uncomfortably close, I'll agree - but where exactly does the 'Ground Zero' perimeter end? What is an 'acceptable distance' from the site of the disaster to build a mosque? Manhattan's not a large island, so carving out an arbitrary 'no mosque' zone is difficult.

Secondly, because the building site is privately-owned and building the mosque is privately-funded.

I'm enough of a capitalist to argue that the 'outraged public' has no right to dictate what can and can't be built on private property. Sure, there are zoning laws - but a mosque isn't exactly the same as a strip-club or liquor store (and I don't think Joe Sixpack should be dictating where those can and can't be built, either.)

Thirdly, there's that little thing called the 'First Amendment.'

America was founded on the notion of freedom of religious expression - and it's unconscionably unconstitutional for the 'outraged public' to dictate which houses of worship get preference in their neighborhood. If they'd allow a church, but ban a mosque, then they violate everything the Founding Fathers fought for.

And finally, with the economy the way it is, I don't think New York City should turn down millions of dollars of private investment.

The mosque means revenue for the city and for the construction industry. Ultimately, that's why New York Major Michael Bloomberg approved the move - because he's a pragmatist and a businessman at heart (and runs New York like a private business.)

That all being said, I'll admit that I don't like the idea of this mosque one little bit.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf might be hailed as a 'moderate' Muslim, but he's made some very sketchy comments in the past regarding America and 9-11.

I also think the furor this has caused will reflect negatively across the world.

Because conservatives expressed so much outrage, Islamic extremists are undoubtedly going to view the mosque as a 'victory' against the 'evil America.' In their eyes, Rauf is building a testament to the Islamic faith just steps from where 3,000 people were murdered in that faith's name.

This is why I understand the outrage, and aren't as willing to dismiss the anti-mosque conservatives as 'bigoted' or 'ignorant' as many on the left-wing do. I completely understand why they're so opposed to this mosque - and while I'll stand up and defend its construction, part of me secretly wishes they'd succeeded in not letting it be built.

9 comments:

Paul Mitchell said...

I think that I do not care if it is built, but I really want Gutfeld to build, "Outfidel," the Muslim gay bar, right next door.

That should foster more dialogue than the Muslim Victory Trophy.

Brixun said...

I don't think they stop the building of the mosque in any way, shape or form! the incident happened because of extremists and not because of the muslim or islamic faith! here in england (as u well know rolesy, coming from here urself!) we have the British National Party (BNP) they are just as racist and aggressive as anyone! yet a christian church would be allowed at ground zero!? many races n religious types were killed on that terrible day and i think if u stop people being able to express their religious views it will only end up with a bigger division between all of us!!

Brixun Mortar AKA JIM

Neil Cameron (One Salient Oversight) said...

Maybe they could also build a gay mosque to allow Gay Muslims the right to marry.

Travis Bickle probably wouldn't like it though.

Susanne said...

We were talking about this on Facebook and one of my acquaintances said that the whole thing puts America in a "loose-loose" situation. But then he said he would rather those millions go towards building the Islamic center than funding terrorism. Then he said once it was build, they could check to see if it WERE housing terrorists and if so, make it into a YWCA. :)

You've summed up my feelings quite well. As someone who recognizes freedom of religion means Islam as well, I support their right to build. I just wish they would show kindness and understanding and how wonderful they are by realizing the heartache it causes many still and decide another place would be a better sight for their center.

I'm really torn because I do see both sides.

Thanks for a good post.

Roland Hulme said...

Hey Susanne - I was interested to see what you'd say! Great thoughts, as always.

Susanne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susanne said...

Oh, I mean "lose - lose" situation. *blush*

I was rereading my comment and that's embarrassing.

Susanne said...

Sorry for spamming your blog, but you might like this which I found very interesting since Canadian Muslims wrote it ...NOT in support of the mosque..

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Mischief+Manhattan/3370303/story.html

Still, like you said with the 1st amendment it should be fine for the Muslims to build there.

OK, hopefully, no more from this too-talkative American.

Andy said...

Good post, Roland. As you know, I am a conservative. But, I can't get on the "Hell No" bandwagon.

There are other things more important working here than just situational public outrage.

I do however hope for (and anticipate) a refusal by Steel workers, Masons, Tradesmen of all types to set foot on that job-site. And, I do hope for (and anticipate) "on the ground" misery dealt out by outraged New Yorkers...not violence, mind you...just typical New Yorker orneriness.

Honestly, I don't care if they build one or not. But, I did not lose a loved one on 9-11, and I did not experience the hell of it all up close and personal, as did New Yorkers. So, I understand the outrage, as you do.

BTW, I am going to send you my address for my prize. I politely declined it earlier. But, I did not realize at the time that it was your own work. My apologies, sir! I would love to read you book. And, it is at my price, too!