[Omega]

Controversy over the planned construction of a mosque near ground zero has spread like wildfire.

There are plans to construct an Islamic community center, which includes a mosque, just two blocks north of Ground Zero. Heading the opposition to the mosque's construction is Scott Wheeler of the Republican National Trust Pact. He claims that the building of a mosque at Ground Zero would be a celebration of 9/11 for Muslims.

Interestingly enough, the location for the new mosque is already being used as a place for Muslim worship...

Is it inappropriate to build a mosque so close to ground zero?

[DizzyD]

People like Scott Wheeler are idiots. The actions taken by those responsible for 9/11 do not represent the beliefs of all Muslims.

[Mythros]

sounds like a ploy for intelligence to me.

[Sprite]

That's awful. The Muslim population are some of the worst indirect victims of 9/11 because of things like this.

[holydefiance]

The safety of the people worshipping in its walls is all I can think about. If a mosque was built, two things pop to mind: How much do you think the damages bill will be at the end of every month? And will there be an accelerated amount of violence against Muslims in the surrounding areas? With such pathetic men such as Mr. Wheeler hanging around, one can only think the worst...

[Sprite]

I think of New York as being a very accepting place. The safety of the worshipers might not be in as much danger as if it were in a place like Texas. (sorry if that offends and Texans)

[BioFuD]

This actually infuriates me. Seeing as how Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Mormon belief systems all stem from a common source at one point or another in the Old Testament, why stop at this mosque? I say if they want to do this, they should also be willing to shut down any Christian church, Jewish temple, and Mormon congregation in the general vicinity as well.

Claiming that a small radical sect of Islam reflects the entire belief system of Muslims everywhere is pretty much the same as saying that the folks over at Westboro Baptist Church (the "God Hates Fags" people) reflect the true beliefs of Christians everywhere. Do these guys even want to start a conversation about the atrocities brought about by Christianity in our history?

People are completely ignoring the true intent behind the building of this community center (to promote tolerance and coexistence of religions) because they're too comfortable believing whatever the Hell they hear from the media and too lazy to educate themselves about anything they blindly disagree with.

And all of this "We the People," majority of opinion crap that people are touting as justification for infringing upon people's religious beliefs wouldn't sit too well if societal changes shifted to push them out of the majority.

Whatever...the construction was recently unanimously approved. Sadly, I don't see the opposition stopping anytime soon.

[DizzyD]

Originally Posted by Sprite

That's awful. The Muslim population are some of the worst indirect victims of 9/11 because of things like this.

I agree with you Sprite. Contrary to what most people seem to think, muslims have suffered greatly from the events of 9/11. I almost want to say that their suffering has been greater than that of any other group.

[Partysmasher]

Building a mosque anywhere is offensive. It's the same as building a church, a kingdom hall, a temple, a synagogue. All are equally offensive to the intelligence of the human race, but we seem to tolerate it because we respect people's beleifs, even if they are stupid.

Religion is the only arena in which people's beleifs are sacred. So on principle I dont agree with the construction nor do I sympathise with the stakeholders.

[MyArete]

BioFuD -- Well put. and Partysmasher, I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes. Ah a good laugh, well put.

The two of you have summed it up quite well. Nothing to add.