The point is that the structure isn't just a mosque. I know there will be a mosque, I've acknowledged that, but have you watched any of the news reports? You will hear them talk of a thirteen story mosque and that simply isn't accurate! To call the whole building a mosque is to completely sway the story. I'm through arguing that point though, if you can't understand my beef with that now then there is no reason to keep harping on it.

As for whether it is stupid or not, I think the key there is whether the reason people are upset is legitimate or not. I don't think it is, and clearly you do and that is where we differ.

I still don't think it is possible to oppose it without believing that all of Islam should be held responsible for 9/11. If someone would make an argument for me where that isn't the ultimate implication then that would be great. As it stands, I have a huge problem with it, just like I do with those who would hold all of Christianity accountable for pediphile priests, bombed abortion clinics, the slaughter of the crusades, and Eddie K stealing from his bandmates.

I would ask whether you've seen the news reports where people claimed there was no mosque there at all? Because I've seen those too. If you're telling me that news coverage sucks, you're preaching to the choir. It's frustrating having to read 15 different accounts of the same thing just to figure out what is actually true.

And the issue you're having is you're asking people to think rationally about something that's hitting them on a visceral level. The fact that we are coming up on the 10th anniversary and so little has been accomplished has added to that nerve being exposed and rubbed raw.

Believe me, as a Catholic, I'm tired of having to take every snide comment about my religion in stride because there's not much else that can be done. So, far be it from me to hold the many responsible for the actions of the few. But that still doesn't mean I'm going to change my opinion that this was a poorly conceived idea from the get go for a group that is supposedly preaching peace and harmony. There are other ways to accomplish the goal they've set without pissing off an entire community.

The fact that they don't seem to give a damn who they hurt, despite the reasoning given for the place, doesn't speak well of them or their intentions. When the actions start matching the words, I'll be more inclined to believe them.

You make valid arguments and I find myself agreeing with you on much of what you are saying, specifically the stuff you've mentioned above. I think even the strongest arguments sanctioning the development would find it difficult to argue with anything you have stated above.

I definitely feel that there is no special prejudice against Muslims in the US. I have Muslim family and friends in the US who can defend that. This incident is not hate-speech or anything like that, nor is it Xenophobic. I think there is a genuine feeling by those opposed that this would be some sort of re-opening of old wounds - and to those who've lost family and friends, it could feel that way.

I just feel that the best way to get out of an ugly situation is to avoid it completely, and while I absolutely understand the vision and aims that the Muslim community have for the centre is within their legal right and as positive as it might be, it could very well end up being something many Americans resent.

I think that bolded statement is what is most true for the people of NYC, and you had alluded to it before. That is something I agree with entirely, but I don't think that this effort deserves the lashing it is getting because the city hasn't been able to get its shit together and do something proper. If anything hopefully this is a wake-up call.

I am completely on board with you until the last paragraph, and that is where we will just have to agree to disagree I'm afraid. I don't think either of us can judge the intent as well as we'd like to. We agree that it was a bad idea from the start, but I think we have different reasons for believing that.

In the end, I have respect for the people who were most effected by the events of that day, what I have little respect for is the rhetoric coming from those who weren't directly effected and who clearly have no understanding of religion, terrorism, etc. Their reasons for opposition just don't sit well with me and they never will.

Well said, sir!

Yes, well said.

I agree. When it comes down to it, this really is a local thing. Unfortunately, the 24/7 news cycle we live in tends to result in blowhards adding in their two cents just to make sure they remain relevant.

Well, we solved this one I'll say.

Cheers to us!