Mosque 2 blocks from Ground Zero

[Browning151]

So as Americans, we must now be so politically correct so that we don't offend anyone or hurt anyones feelings, but if we dare get offended by something or feel it is insensitive then we are automatically labeled as racists, bigots or hate mongers right?

If this imam was a true religious leader and sought to spread understanding and acceptance of islam in this country, why would he build a mosque that many Americans feel is disrespectful to them? You're setting yourself and your religion up to be cast in a bad light as disrespectful and inflammatory. Isn't the purpose of any religion to spread the word and gain followers? Wouldn't that agenda be better served by showing people that you are understanding and compassionate instead of doing something that many feel is disrespectful? Like Jimmy said, no one is denying their RIGHT to build the mosque, but the sensibility of putting it there.

[ISAtlanta300]

So as Americans, we must now be so politically correct so that we don't offend anyone or hurt anyones feelings, but if we dare get offended by something or feel it is insensitive then we are automatically labeled as racists, bigots or hate mongers right?

If this imam was a true religious leader and sought to spread understanding and acceptance of islam in this country, why would he build a mosque that many Americans feel is disrespectful to them? You're setting yourself and your religion up to be cast in a bad light as disrespectful and inflammatory. Isn't the purpose of any religion to spread the word and gain followers? Wouldn't that agenda be better served by showing people that you are understanding and compassionate instead of doing something that many feel is disrespectful? Like Jimmy said, no one is denying their RIGHT to build the mosque, but the sensibility of putting it there.

Putting it where? 2 Blocks from ground zero? What about 3 blocks? Would that be ok? no? 4 blocks then? We could go on forever. Just admit it. For the majority it is less about "sensibility" and more about paranoia.

[bu villain]

If anything, this so called Mosque (it's really more like an Islamic YMCA) is a big middle finger to the 9/11 supporting terrorists who want to destroy us and our principles. This sort of situation is exactly what makes us better than countries like Saudi Arabia. Let's live up to our convictions.

[BanginJimmy]

If anything, this so called Mosque (it's really more like an Islamic YMCA) is a big middle finger to the 9/11 supporting terrorists who want to destroy us and our principles. This sort of situation is exactly what makes us better than countries like Saudi Arabia. Let's live up to our convictions.

I see it the opposite way. I see it as a middle finger to the innocent people that died and a monument to the terrorists.

[ISAtlanta300]

I see it the opposite way. I see it as a middle finger to the innocent people that died and a monument to the terrorists.

Because, as everyone knows, it is the MUSLIMS that attacked us, not Terrorists. Sorry, must have missed that in the news coverage. Thanks for clearing that up.

[bu villain]

I see it the opposite way. I see it as a middle finger to the innocent people that died and a monument to the terrorists.

But even after reading all your posts, I still don't understand why anyone would see it that way. Do you think these muslims may be terrorists? These are sufis, probably the least likely sect to ever become terrorists. If you agree that these muslims are not terrorists then why would their mosque be a monument for terrorism?

[BanginJimmy]

Do you think these muslims may be terrorists?

I dont know them so I have no clue.

These are sufis, probably the least likely sect to ever become terrorists.

Least likely doesnt make it impossible.

If you agree that these muslims are not terrorists then why would their mosque be a monument for terrorism?

I didnt agree to anything. I've already said I know nothing of their intentions. I've said multiple times and in certain situations perception is more important than reality and this is one of them.

[Total_Blender]

I didnt agree to anything. I've already said I know nothing of their intentions. I've said multiple times and in certain situations perception is more important than reality and this is one of them.

You don't seem to be all that interested in seeking the reality in this situation either. A simple google search or browsing Wikipedia for a few minutes will find you plenty of information on how the Imam is a moderate and Sufis are a peaceful, moderate, pro-West sect.

Wahabbi's (OBL, Al Qaeda, and such) hate Sufi's probably more than they hate US. Sufi Islam has more in common with Christian and Jewish mysticism than it does with Shia/Sunni/Wahabbi Islam.

As far as the release of al Megrahi, that was the BP and the British gov't making an oil deal with Libya. You'll have to take that up with the Brits, and I don't seen how that has anything to do with G-0 or the Cordoba/Park 51 project anyway.

The fact of the situation is that you don't want to know. You ask others to do the research for you and then bash it without even examining it.

[bu villain]

I dont know them so I have no clue.

Least likely doesnt make it impossible.

I didnt agree to anything. I've already said I know nothing of their intentions. I've said multiple times and in certain situations perception is more important than reality and this is one of them.

It sounds like you are saying that perceptions coming from ignorance are somehow valid. I am surprised because you don't normally argue that public perception should trump constitutional freedoms.

[Browning151]

Putting it where? 2 Blocks from ground zero? What about 3 blocks? Would that be ok? no? 4 blocks then? We could go on forever.

Two buildings that were damaged in the attack are going to be demolished, and this built in there place. How about a place that wasn't damaged on 9/11?

Just admit it. For the majority it is less about "sensibility" and more about paranoia.

What paranoia? Paranoia about terrorist who operate under the guise of religion to protect their activities? This "paranoia", as you say, that many people people have about islam could be abated if there was a unified movement of muslims to denounce these extremists using their religion as a front for their activities. Why aren't the moderate or conservative muslims speaking out against these extremists that degrade the image of their religion more? Making it known that these people do not represent islam as a whole?

Fact is that there would be those hundreds if not thousands of people who would retaliate with terrorism of their own.

There's most likely going to be no shortage of nut jobs, right and left and everywhere in between, that will feel like they need to take things into their own hands and make this an ongoing situation for many years to come. I personally wouldn't want to put myself, my family or my fellow community members in a position to deal with the nut jobs in the first place.

[ISAtlanta300]

Two buildings that were damaged in the attack are going to be demolished, and this built in there place. How about a place that wasn't damaged on 9/11?

So you really think you can walk into any building on wall street and say "Hi.. I wanna built a mosque here. Pleasa vacate the building and give it to me".

How about they are using that building because it is... AVAILABLE? No one else want it? They want it. Just happened to be right there.

What paranoia? Paranoia about terrorist who operate under the guise of religion to protect their activities? This "paranoia", as you say, that many people people have about islam could be abated if there was a unified movement of muslims to denounce these extremists using their religion as a front for their activities. Why aren't the moderate or conservative muslims speaking out against these extremists that degrade the image of their religion more? Making it known that these people do not represent islam as a whole?

Why don't we ask Christians to do the same, and speak out against Christian extremists and terrorists to state that they do not represent Christianity as a whole? Heck, while, we are at it, let us pick up every latino down the street, line them up and make them speak out and denounce gang activity, for example. Yes. that will put us at ease right there.

[Total_Blender]

How about they are using that building because it is... AVAILABLE? No one else want it? They want it. Just happened to be right there.
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Its good for the area that Cordoba DOES want the site, because no one else does. That building had been vacant for a couple of years even before 9/11. Cordoba developing that site will be good for property values on that block and it will bring in more patrons to surrounding businesses too... except maybe the "Off track betting" kiosk or the :boobies: bars. I don't think Muslims are too into that scene.

[Browning151]

That there just prove my case. You really think all muslims are nutjobs. I assume u also avoid black neighborhoods cause they be stealin' yo sneakers. Paranoia much?

I think you should re-read my statement.

So you really think you can walk into any building on wall street and say "Hi.. I wanna built a mosque here. Pleasa vacate the building and give it to me".

How about they are using that building because it is... AVAILABLE? No one else want it? They want it. Just happened to be right there.

I'm sure there are NO other buildings in NY or Lower Manhattan for that matter that are empty and available right? The only building available to build a mosque just happens to be one that was damaged during 9/11? Doubt it.

Why don't we ask Christians to do the same, and speak out against Christian extremists and terrorists to state that they do not represent Christianity as a whole? Heck, while, we are at it, let us pick up every latino down the street, line them up and make them speak out and denounce gang activity, for example. Yes. that will put us at ease right there.

Doesn't matter the religion, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Scientology, Judaism etc. etc. If there were a large number of terroristic or extremist activities carried out by numerous followers of any religion or affiliation, I'd say the same thing. If that's not what you stand for speak out and let it be known that's not what you're about.

[ISAtlanta300]

I'm sure there are NO other buildings in NY or Lower Manhattan for that matter that are empty and available right? The only building available to build a mosque just happens to be one that was damaged during 9/11? Doubt it. .

Maybe you're right, but that building is probably the cheapest / most affordable since it is damaged and due for demolition.

Doesn't matter the religion, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Scientology, Judaism etc. etc. If there were a large number of terroristic or extremist activities carried out by numerous followers of any religion or affiliation, I'd say the same thing. If that's not what you stand for speak out and let it be known that's not what you're about.

That is pretty prejudice to demand to the masses to 'confirm their allegiance' due to the actions of a few. If it was me I woudl be like "if you expect me to speak out, then you have already judged me".

[Browning151]

That is pretty prejudice to demand to the masses to 'confirm their allegiance' due to the actions of a few. If it was me I woudl be like "if you expect me to speak out, then you have already judged me".

Confirm their allegiance? Not even close, nothing I said indicated that someone should "confirm their allegiance" to any group or belief. More or less the point was, educate people. Let people know what you stand for, and address misconceptions that people have. Someones view of your movement or religion may be skewed by misconceptions, instead of writing them off as bigots or whatnot, educate them. That's a far cry from people "confirming allegiance" to any religion.

[Total_Blender]

If there were a large number of terroristic or extremist activities carried out by numerous followers of any religion or affiliation, I'd say the same thing. If that's not what you stand for speak out and let it be known that's not what you're about.

The Imam has denounced terrorism and Al Qaeda many times:

http://www.islamfortoday.com/60minutes.htm

Faisal: Fanaticism and terrorism have no place in Islam. That's just as absurd as associating Hitler with Christianity, or David Koresh with Christianity. There are always people who will do peculiar things, and think that they are doing things in the name of their religion. But the Koran is... God says in the Koran that they think that they are doing right, but they are doing wrong.

That was actually his gig when he was employed by the State Dept. He traveled all over the middle East giving speeches against terrorism and such.

[BanginJimmy]

Putting it where? 2 Blocks from ground zero? What about 3 blocks? Would that be ok? no? 4 blocks then? We could go on forever. Just admit it. For the majority it is less about "sensibility" and more about paranoia.

Moreover, in spite of what’s commonly believed, and according to the Houston Chronicle and New York Times, the 13-story building where the mosque is planned IS sacred ground. Part of the landing gear from United Flight 175 actually hit that building.

http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2...e910315680.txt


This site is every bit as much part of ground zero as WTC 7.