Being in New York for 23 years has left me with the impression that people are inflicted with the condition called N.I.M.B.Y.-otherwise known as not in my back yard syndrome. Case in point the most recent scandalous to hit us is the issue of the mosque being proposed to being built near Ground Zero. It seems that even the man who purchased the property is under the microscope and being harassed by the media and his financial backer who co-signed his purchase of the former Burlington Coat Factory building.
Whatever happened to freedom of religion in this country? The argument being presented is that the mosque can be built anywhere else but not so close to the hallowed ground of the 9-11 site. It’s got all the lawmakers and politicians choosing up sides and opposing viewpoints. For the most part, not all Muslims are extremists like the one that went after the World Trade Center and Muslims were killed in the attacks as well.
The attacks on the World Trade Center was an attack on Americans, these terrorists hated our country and were extremists. They wanted to send a message by hijacking the planes and flying them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Even Staten Islanders have gotten into the act by contesting a mosque. They fought the sale of a former convent to a Muslim group rumored to be affiliated with terrorism activities. After much protesting and even threatening the priest who help broker the sale of the convent with a gun, the diocese finally backed out of the sale. Is this what fear and ignorance can do to people? Just chalk it up to a condition called NIMBY. It’s symptoms are irrational and unbridled ignorance toward a particular group of people who are different, i.e. religion, race, affiliation or disability. Beware, it can very contagious and strike when you least expect it. There are no vaccinations to immunize you against it, just being educated and properly informed and yes, showing a little compassion and understanding towards others who are different.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
BB,
No one is claiming this is a freedom of religion issue. However I notice you do not mention the Imams comments after 9/11 how America is compliciant and deserving of the attacks. Or how the developer is in dept on his taxes to the tune of $276,000 or has a police record for violence a mile long.
No this isn’t about the freedom to pratice your religion as outlined in the constitution. No one says they can’t pratice their religion. You mistake property rights for religious rights and your arguement is fundamentally flawed in that assumption.
This religious/cultural issue is not as simple as it seems. Sure, from one point of view in the democratic country should be a freedom to practice one’s religion. So people coming from Iran for example should not have any religious problems in US.
But on the other hand if people from US would go to Iran they’ll experience some restrictions regarding the religion.
BB,
I could not disagree with you more. Perhaps the lack of understanding is coming from you, not the Muslims, nor the good people of America.
The Muslims know exactly what they are doing. They are thumbing their nose at the We The People, and We know it.
The Muslims you seek “special” understanding for, would likely kill you should you ever say anything against Sharia Law, given the opportunity.
Given the opportunity they would say convert to Islam or die, their Koran commands this. Look to ANY country with their majority in power. The most liberal and understanding is perhaps Saudi Arabia, where you dear, would be stoned to death if your husband died and you had an affair years later. You would have no rights as a citizen, and if you spoke out on any issue, you would be jailed or worse. If you were raped without for male witnesses, and reported it, you would be prosecuted for adultry and the man would witness against you before going home to his 11 year old new wife, whom he can have sex with after age 8.
Yes we Americans are so intolerant. Shame on us.
There is freedom to practise one’s religion – that is a basic tennet of a democracy. I believe the freedom should be upheld and I fee there is a right to build the islamic centre at the chosen site – how ever, this is an act of provocation that the whole world could have done without.