"Ground Zero Mosque", Idiotic debate Options

[thefunkyredcaboose]

Anyone else think this whole debate is as asinine as I do? It isn't at Ground Zero and it isn't a Mosque.

Americans...

[thefunkyredcaboose]

I maintain that there is no way to oppose this without condemning all of Islam as a result of the actions of few.

Itchy, I don't think anyone is trying to dismiss what happened to families on that day. The point is that there were Muslim families ripped apart as well. Just because the men who led the attacks were Muslims does not mean that they had the support of all Muslims, not at all! The whole religion should not be held accountable by the actions of its extremists.

I agree with those who have said that the idea of building there was somewhat foolish. I could have told them that Americans weren't ready to separate Muslim and terrorist. That said, they are doing it and the constitution allows it. Religious freedom has been shit on enough lately (see: the cross and the Buddhist shrine in the national park supreme court ruling) and it is time for that to stop.

As for the whores, that is a reference to the "Ground Zero Strip Club" which resides just as far from the site as this community center would.

[ItchyTriggerFinger]

I maintain that there is no way to oppose this without condemning all of Islam as a result of the actions of few.

Itchy, I don't think anyone is trying to dismiss what happened to families on that day. The point is that there were Muslim families ripped apart as well. Just because the men who led the attacks were Muslims does not mean that they had the support of all Muslims, not at all! The whole religion should not be held accountable by the actions of its extremists.

And I've already said they have every legal right to do so. I still don't think they should, but I'm not going to deny they have the right to do so. In fact, may of the people opposed to it have also said they have the legal right to do so.

There have also been a number of members in the Muslim community who have come out and said this is a bad idea and questioned the need for it.

I agree with those who have said that the idea of building there was somewhat foolish. I could have told them that Americans weren't ready to separate Muslim and terrorist. That said, they are doing it and the constitution allows it. Religious freedom has been shit on enough lately (see: the cross and the Buddhist shrine in the national park supreme court ruling) and it is time for that to stop.

Frankly, I think things in this country have been a lot better for Muslims in the aftermath on 9/11 than they have been in a number of European countries. I seem to recall a few countries passing increasingly prejudicial immigration laws pointed directly at Muslims. So you'll have to excuse me if I'm not on-board with this "we must stop American hate of Muslims" idea, especially where Europe is concerned.

As for the whores, that is a reference to the "Ground Zero Strip Club" which resides just as far from the site as this community center would.

Which is as distasteful as can possibly be.

[sh4rpz]

And I've already said they have every legal right to do so. I still don't think they should, but I'm not going to deny they have the right to do so. In fact, may of the people opposed to it have also said they have the legal right to do so.

There have also been a number of members in the Muslim community who have come out and said this is a bad idea and questioned the need for it.
Frankly, I think things in this country have been a lot better for Muslims in the aftermath on 9/11 than they have been in a number of European countries. I seem to recall a few countries passing increasingly prejudicial immigration laws pointed directly at Muslims. So you'll have to excuse me if I'm not on-board with this "we must stop American hate of Muslims" idea, especially where Europe is concerned.
Which is as distasteful as can possibly be.

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.