Is that honestly why you think it is? It doesn't have anything to do with the fact that the GOP and the Tea Party have been making the demonization of Muslims a major part of their election strategy? You know, it's kind of funny. The first argument I remember having with you on this board was over the politicization of 9/11. At the time you were appalled at even the insinuation that the GOP would participate in such an unimaginable thing. Can you imagine it now?
Not that I credit world leaders too much for making rational decisions. But besides Kim Jong maybe ordering one last fatal hit on his enemies before their country dissolves to nothing and flickers out, a 4 million casualty attack on US soil is lights out Nuclear Winter for the Middle East. Though jihadists act in some self interest, I don't think they can convince their whole region that an "70 virgins" reward in heaven is enough to encourage that. The odd thing about control is you still need some people alive TO exert control over. You dont control dead people. (Can we one day gather up all the darn plutonium on the planet and blast it all off into space away from us? There's always gonna be that one sneaky nation holding on though....) Thats certainly making lemonade out of lemons. But tea partiers want their bitter tea, not lemonade. We already were shown proof of that http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=189243
I haven't written that I blame Islam for 9/11. Nor have I written that I think Americans blame Islam for 9/11. But you can continue to do your mental gymnastics to see whatever you want in my posts.
It isn't ironic maybe all part obl plan. Have people resent muslims, more muslims get alienated and turn to the dark side.
This issue is so divisive it's almost like it was a dreamed-up hypothetical. "What would you do if Muslims said they wanted to build a mosque at Ground Zero?" I give the president huge credit for taking a stance that is so political unpopular. Defending the rights enumerated in the Constitution often is. I agree entirely with his position from the respect of government interference with this mess. On the flip side of this...I'm so careful about trying to not use Christian imagery in a way that others would be turned off to Jesus because of. I know there are places where the imagery of the Cross, for example, carries too much baggage otherwise for people. If I'm interested in living a life of humility before God and others, then I need to think of other ways for the Church to exist in those spots. I would hope that Muslims, seeking to lives lives of humility before God and others, would approach this in the same way in this pocket of the world that is extremely sensitive and doesn't understand them entirely. That is a more effective way to counter the ill will directed at Muslims than simply building a building and planting a flag. If the word mosque freaks people out...fine...let's call it something different. Let's meet people where they are...show them we're about love/kindness/the things of God by turning ourselves inside out and putting their needs in front of our own. That's revolutionary love that comes from our Creator and transcends creed.
My brother lives in New York and nobody that actually lives in that area cares because there are tons of mosques nearby. Not only that when it came up for vote it was approved 29-1 and barely anybody showed up to the community meeting. It's outsiders that are making comments when it's not their place. 99.9999999999% of Muslims are moderate who cares if they make a mosque?
As a Muslim, he probably knows a bit about the Islamic scripture. But you know what, who cared that 99.9% of Muslims are just as peaceful as Christians. You attack a religion based on the actions of a few right?
[palin] Of course the non-Muslim victims deaths mean more than those of the Muslim victims. Only the non-Muslim victims are "real Americans." [/palin]
If Islam is not to be blamed then why can't they build their mosque? And why aren't you seeking removal of the mosque already near Ground Zero?
How far away is acceptable then? This is two blocks from the towers. Is five blocks far enough? Ten blocks? Should there be no more mosques (or other religious structures) built in "sacred" NYC?
Ok, you make a fair point. So I'll try to come up with a more reasonable example. Were the Beatles responsible for the deaths of the Manson family victims? Charles Manson was heavily influenced by the Beatles.
The lot in question used to be a Burlington Coat Factory. The Coat Factory was flown through by the first plane during 9/11. For this reason I consider it part of Ground Zero (again this is a uninteresting argument. you say tomato type of thing). Apparently most New Yorkers do to since they disapprove of the mosque in that lot (unless you believe New Yorkers are just really racist).
I personally would prefer no religious structures of any kind at Ground Zero (like Gettysburg). I am not familiar with the location of the other mosque and if it qualifies as being at Ground Zero. Was it destroyed during the attack like the lot in question was (that is my personal criteria for determining if something in that area qualifies as Ground Zero)? Even if it was, I would still be against its removal. There is a difference between wanting someone to remove something already established and asking someone not to establish something.
This view is not unpopular. It is supported by 61% of Americans (Fox News Poll ). Again I go back to you liberals not understanding the concept of not wanting the mosque but also not wanting to use legal force to prevent it. This is do to you liberals forcing your morals on everyone your entire life.
were Charles Manson's members screaming "Hail to the Beatles" and "praise the Beatles" while committing these murders and then did someone try to place a Beatles memorial right next door to the victim's family's house?
Since you didn't cite the poll, I looked it up. Most of the opposition is not inside Manhatten, but in Staten Island. That is relevant to the discussion.
