I don't like the idea of a mosque near Ground Zero. Neither I, nor the government of NYC however, have a right to stop this project unless and until it can be demonstrated that this construction would create a "clear and present danger" to the population of NYC. Urinating on my sensibilities does not constitute such a danger. I am, however, very much of a mind with Don C on this one. While they may have the right to do this, I do not believe that they should do this -- or at least not yet. I do not and cannot completely subverty my emotional response to this issue -- as ACIN would have me do -- nor do I want to do so. My emotions are every bit as much a part of me as are my logical thoughts on an issue.
The larger concern, for me, is what to do with radical Islamists? Killing them is, at best, only a stop-gap answer, because the idea/set of interpretations that beget these fringers doesn't die with them.
Moreover, why are there so many of these fringers as a percentage of their faith group. one source I read suggested that as many as 15% of the followers of the prophet subscribe to the more radical versions such as Wahabism. What gives? I am well aware that Christianity too has its dangerous extremists -- see this note -- but they are a far smaller percentage and are marginalized as the fruitbats they are. Why is Islam not able to accomplish the same?
I would be far more sanguine if I had faith that THAT was the goal of this mosque's teachings. That would be a worthy project -- and would help us build a better future.
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