Ground Zero Mosque

At lunch my colleagues and I discussed the proposed mosque near ground zero. I figured I'd weigh in on this controversial topic.

First, let's get some terminology straight. People have argued whether the proposed structure is a mosque or simply an Islamic cultural center. People have also argued whether the mosque is at Ground Zero because it would be built 2 blocks from Ground Zero. In this post, I will refer to it as the mosque that is near Ground Zero. Let's not let semantics get in the way of discussion.

With that out of the way, I cannot state my opinion more clearly than this: I do NOT support the building of this mosque near Ground Zero.

I believe the building of the mosque is offensive to victims of 9/11 and their families. The building would stand as a painful reminder to those who still grieve. The organizers of this proposed mosque need to display more sensitivity (and common sense) towards the victims of this tragedy and consider building their mosque at a further location.

Some have the audacity to question whether the mosque is offensive to the victims of 9/11. I do not understand how that is even debatable? The amount of opposition to the mosque is proof enough that people are not ready to just "move on" with their lives. Many Americans uphold the pledge, "9/11...Never Forget."

On September 11, 2001 the United States was attacked by a group of terrorists. Nearly 3,000 people died that day. All of terrorists were Islamic extremists. Muslims, followers of Islam, worship in places called mosques. The main objection is that the mosque can be interpreted as a sign of triumph for the 9/11 attackers as opposed to paying due respect for the victims.

I am not questioning the legality of building the mosque but rather its appropriateness. The First Amendment guarantees one's right to religious freedom. In principle, the mosque is allowed to be built anywhere, which includes Ground Zero. However, just because you "could" do something does not always mean that you "should" do it.

Common courtesy dictates that you don't do something when it knowingly offends another person. For example, you would not propose to go drinking after your best friend's mother was killed by a drunk driver. You would not make an abuse victim go back to where they were abused. Things that can remind victims of their ordeal often trigger strong emotions. Their pain is very real and should not be minimized.

Anyone who has lost a loved one or had your heart ache as the planes slammed into the towers was a victim that day. I will never forget where I was when the news broke. I still grieve. So to the organizers and supporters of the mosque, if the intent of the building is truly for cultural healing and bridge-building, I plead that you show some sensitivity for the victims of 9/11 and voluntarily move the mosque to another location.