Kmar wrote:
CameronPoe wrote:
This is quite a bizarre controversy for outsiders looking in. The constitution of the US being poo-pooed by some on a single-issue - an Islamic cultural centre that is not, as stated in certain media outlets, on the site of ground zero. Truly bizarre. Almost as bizarre as believing that Barack Obama is Muslim.
Here's a binary argument for the binary minded hard right (a classic ruse of the hard right): Either you believe in freedom of religion or you don't. Your call.
Freedom of religion is a false argument here. People are not claiming that the Mosque should not be built (legally). The oppositions position is that of, just because you can, should you? The irony is that the proposed mission of the Islamic center is to
promote tolerance. I can think of no better way to do this than moving the Mosque/Center down the road.
The opposition are fully entitled to that opinion. Can you specify exactly how far away from the proposed location would be acceptable, if the planners of the mosque were prepared to heed this vocal group? I guess I find it hard that such a tolerant society would be so broad-brush and reactionary to be enraged by such a thing, given that it isn't Islam that is attacking America, it's Al Qaeda. They are not the same.
In less tolerant societies such as those in the middle east can we expect them to follow the example potentially set by America: have groups seek the eradication or prohibition of all American business from their lands (or at least out of plain sight) for their political and military interventions in their region and their unflinching support for the state of Israel, a state that displaced hundreds of thousands of Muslims from their homes? I'm sure they probably do protest McDonalds and Starbucks (as icons of the American empire) and the like in some places because of the blood and trouble America have caused them, but tbh that isn't really an example I'd be interested in following. 'Freedom is our weapon' (stupid catchphrase but essentially 'Lead by example'). I just find the opposition argument on the mosque inane. Fair enough they have the right to make their point but where does it stop - anytime anyone wants to build a mosque anywhere in America should we expect a protest or plea for a relocation because it lies close to the family home of some fallen soldier? Should there be a committee for the appropriate location of Muslim buildings? I just think this would be a bad precedent to set for historically impressive American 'lead by example' tolerance. This whole thing is media-generated hype reaching fever pitch among those with whom the message resonates (and perhaps a few floaters) in the run up to mid-terms,
in my opinion. And just as my opinion isn't really that relevant on a great many things, including this, I don't see how this issue affects anyone other than the residents of lower Manhattan and perhaps those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and that are emotionally charged on this issue as a consequence. I don't know why the opinion of someone in say Boise, Idaho, would be any more or less relevant than my opinion on this (i.e., not very).
One other thing I find odd: I'm guessing (very possibly incorrectly) that the opposition is majority right wing/republican. I'm guessing the majority of right wingers/republicans hold strong religious convictions (generally Christian). Doesn't Christianity preach forgive and forget and love thy neighbour (whosoever they may be)? Too many contradictions.
Also, not to be pedantic, but some of the opposition are of the 'Stop the Islamisation of America', 'Don't allow the mosque to be built at all' persuasion (hopefully and probably a very small minority).
Last edited by CameronPoe (2010-08-24 16:42:03)
