Rex Murphy: Testing America’s tolerance

[pomtzu]

There are several mosques within a 10 block radius of ground zero. Should they be shuttered?

Not at all, and they were probably there before 9/11. The people who are opposed to the location of a new one, are simply offended by the implication. It's as tho the Muslims are thumbing their nose at the masses, and showing the world, that they can get away with anything in any country that they please, even the mighty U.S.
So build another mosque if you must - just not in this sensitive location. An ecumenical gathering place would be more welcomed, than any mosque, church, temple, synagogue, or whatever.

[Grace]

Candace - thank you for your posts, #116 and 117.

I think we need reminding that people of all faiths were greatly impacted by 911.

[pomtzu]

So build another mosque if you must - just not in this sensitive location. An ecumenical gathering place would be more welcomed, than any mosque, church, temple, synagogue, or whatever.

I think we need reminding that people of all faiths were greatly impacted by 911.

Exactly, and that's why I think an ecumenical gathering place would be welcomed by all.

[Lady's Human]

The Mosque in NYC probably won't happen at that location, as the Local Unions are against it. If you can't get the Ironworkers, Carpenters, and IBEW to lift a finger to build it, it's not going to happen.

That having been said, I am deeply disturbed by the opposition to this. If they can't build it because of their religion, which religion is the next target?

Are you going to ban churches in downtown OKC? After all, the perps there were 'Christian' terrorists.

[pomtzu]

Are you going to ban churches in downtown OKC? After all, the perps there were 'Christian' terrorists.

And that was a 2-man show, not a huge conspiracy, years in the making, by a deranged leader of terrorists not even living in this country. I don't even equate the two. And is it known that McVey and Nichols were Christian? OKC was a tragedy of course, but can't compare in the enormity of the Twin Towers. Okay - everyone can slam me for that one if you will - but no disrespect was intended. Even the death of one person by any terrorist, is totally unacceptable and deplorable.
I am not singling out any religion, but personally feel that a neutral facility of some sort, would be appropriate and acceptable at the site where they want this mosque built. Simple as that..............

[Grace]

And is it known that McVey and Nichols were Christian?

About McVeigh - from an interview with TIME magazine, back in 2003 -

Time: Are you religious?

McVeigh: I was raised Catholic. I was confirmed Catholic (received the sacrament of confirmation). Through my military years, I sort of lost touch with the religion. I never really picked it up, however I do maintain core beliefs.

Time: Do you believe in God?

McVeigh: I do believe in a God, yes. But that's as far as I want to discuss. If I get too detailed on some things that are personal like that, it gives people an easier way [to] alienate themselves from me and that's all they are looking for now.

source

[Lady's Human]

Thanks for including the link, Grace.

People would be truly amazed at the number of "christian" terror and extremist groups which are alive and well within the borders of the United Sates.

[Grace]

Got this in the mail last evening. It might answer some questions - and raise more.

http://factcheck.org/2010/08/questio...d-zero-mosque/

[Medusa]

Why does anything have to be built there at all? Perhaps a memorial to the victims and let it go at that. Any time religion enters into the equation, there are going to be disagreements.

[Karen]

Why does anything have to be built there at all? Perhaps a memorial to the victims and let it go at that. Any time religion enters into the equation, there are going to be disagreements.

Because it is valuable real estate in New York. It isn't AT Ground Zero, anyway, it's the sight of a big former Burlington Coat Factory building. NYC real estate is too valuable to sit empty ... something will be built there at some point.

[pomtzu]

About McVeigh - from an interview with TIME magazine, back in 2003 -




source

Touche. But I don't believe McVey was reciting The Lord's Prayer or singing How Great Thou Art, when the Federal Building came down.

[Grace]

So because he wasn't singing or dancing that makes him less bad?

[pomtzu]

So because he wasn't singing or dancing that makes him less bad?

Of course not, and that wasn't the point I was trying to make. He wasn't using his religion as justification for what he did, and I'm pretty certain that religion was the furthest thing from his mind when he planned and executed his dreadful act. The 9/11 terrorists and accomplices took joy in flaunting their religion and their praises to Allah as all of this transpired.

But all of what I have stated, is only my view of the issues as they stand at present. What becomes of the real estate in dispute, is something that remains to be seen. I am only one tiny drop in the sea of humanity, and my feelings and opinions will have absolutely no influence on the final decision. It's not my desire to impose my views on anyone - some people will agree with me, and some won't. They are only my opinions - no more and no less.

But I will never forget the attack and the hours that followed - friends of mine who had friends and loved ones that were scheduled to be in the vicinity of the Twin Towers that day. I'll never forget the absolute terror they went thru when they were unable to contact these people, and fearing that they were casualties as well. They lived a hell on earth that day, until they learned that their people were safe. To build a mosque so close to GZ, is to them, rubbing salt in their wounds, even tho they never actually lost anyone, and I have to say that I agree.