I will admit out front that I am, and never was a History or Political Science major. I am just a 25 year old woman continuing to look for her place in the whole crazy mess called politics.
For sometime now I have been having thoughts about the Mosque near Ground Zero (please notice my wording, this article enlightened me) bounce around in my head. None of them are really clear, so this is not going to be a post for or against the project.
After an intense summer of learning about uneven and unfair power and its effect on all of our lives, I look at the Mosque from a clearer lens.
Like I said, I am not for or against (yet). I am in that place where I am listening. There are not that many people with me, I fear. More and more it seems like we are being asked to pick sides without all the information. In my mind, America in general has this amazing opportunity to show the world and ourselves that we can not do what we always tend to do. Which is look at something different and pass quick and super harsh judgment or be chillingly apathetic.
I still shiver when I think of September 11th. I know there are thousands of families suffering real pain because of the bombings. However, I refuse to paint a whole group of people with the same stinking, horrid brush that was tainted by a few terrorist, extremist.
To build or not to build, that is the question. I do not have the answer, but I am going to continue to gather information. If you have an opinion, please share it (in a respectful way of course). I am going to continue to know that both ends of the spectrum are not the place for me. I am not the Conservative who won't even unbend to listen to others. I am not the Liberal who takes in every idea no matter what the cost. I am growing into more of an Independent...I think. Definite uncharted territory.
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I don't think its a good idea. There are extremists out there who may attempt to bomb the mosque. Also, I think its offensive to the people who lost family members on that day. Plus, I'm not really into encouraging the muslim religion any how...that's my personal opinion...narrow minded as it may seem. -Cherika.
My opinion:)...
September 11th was undoubtedly a horrible event that changed our country at the core, and caused so many families a sorrow I hope to never know...BUT, not allowing the mosque to be built near ground zero goes against the very idea this country was founded on: freedom (specifically, religious freedom). While I think that building there is in bad taste and extremely inconsiderate given the circumstances, and something those wanting to build the mosque should have considered before making the plans, I think blocking it leads to a slippery slope where our core ideals and freedoms are in jeopardy.
Kuddos to you girl for trying to see both sides! That's something I am trying to do more these days ;)
--Kristin
It is a tragedy that some would willingly spill innocent blood for no reason other than hatred. We see it happen again and again in history. There are many places a mosque can be built. Out of respect and empathy for those feeling loss, I feel the group should find another building site. If I were involved in the building project, I would not hesitate to find another place. Respect, empathy, understanding, things we all need. This should have nothing to do with politics, or conservative or liberal thinking. It just involves thinking of others, something we should all do more.
Thank You for your thoughts. I appreciate them!
I'm all for thinking things through and not passing immediate judgment. We're Christians before we're Americans, Christ-followers before political parties. As such, I believe we're told to exercise discernment in our decision-making. Whether or not one agrees or disagrees with the mosque near Ground Zero, research should be done before spouting off at the dinner table or ranting and raving on the local news. Kudos to you for trying to educate yourself before making a judgment call!
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