mosque at World Trade Center

[brice1967]

Im really concerned with the idea of building a mosque at the site of the World Trade Center and would like a minute to elaborate on that for a minute.  

It just seems to be a little insensitive to build a mosque at the site considering that all of the terrorists were Muslims.  I understand the fact that they were "radicals" with "radical beliefs", but wouldnt a tru Muslim be slightly more considerate to the fact that more non-muslims were killed on that site?  

I'm not a religious man myself, but couldnt it be possible to build a multi-denomination house of worship at the site, serving far more people than just the Muslims?  I dont know, seems to me that building this mosque is making the horrible event a "holy ground" would be sending the wrong message to the world.  Instead of being the predominantly peaceful people they claim to be, it looks like they are saying "we did this, we claim this ground as ours, so stick it in your ***)

I honestly believe any true peaceful persons would agree and would consider all options, instead of something so "in your face".  Kind of goes against what main line muslims believe.....

[teko]

Thanks brice, yes I think the majority thinks it lacks sensitivity for sure, but also understand that not much can be done about it. I also heard the people erecting the structure are moderate muslim and also have come out against the people who attacked on 9/11. Being that it is two miles away from the site calms me a bit. I am upset that it has turned into a political football tho, but nothing unusual about that either.:(

[brice1967]

Yes, I heard something real early this morning on HLN that said it was going to be a mosque, but also a performing arts center, pool, etc.  Maybe that lightens it up a little, but I do still think it lacks sensitivity.

This information was just on Fox (spews) News......about 60% of Americans think they have the right to build the mosque on that site, but 64% say it lacks sensitivity!  Interesting polls.

[teko]

I saw something interesting while surfing the net. I saw where  this Imam in charge of this was appointed under the Bush administration. Not that that really matters,  I also understand that the mosque in question is two blocks away from ground zero and that it is more of a ywca type facility. Did anyone else hear this? I have been gone for a couple of weeks and have much catching up to do. If this be true it would clear (at least for me), some of the anti mosque feeling I am having of late.

[Sarajmt]

I saw her.  She was refreshingly eloquent.  If only everyone had heard her.

[margypops]

Very good woman muslim woman came out on the news last night she gave her opinions, she also didnt understand why the Imman would really want to build it so close to the site that is sacred to so many ..she spoke more lucidly than many we have seen in the TV not that we have had many opinions from the mainstream media ....

[margypops]

Hi brice1967 fancy meeting you here,LOL     Well there is much trouble about the contractors who had plans to build it, so we shall see what happens apparently they only own half of it ..I saw some really good people ,muslims, come out yesterday saying they also thought it was very insensitive to do it on ground zero, This Mayor Bloomberg doesnt help with his left wing extremism ....

[adgal]

Nope, not just you.  I agree with all you have to say.  I also think that as a part of the structure you mention, I would love to see the victims properly memorialized.  

Yes, there was a mosque there for many years prior to 911.  I also have no problem with anyone practicing their belief system, providing it is within the law of the country the live in.  I am not an American, and to me that is very much apart of what American stands for...freedom and equal rights for everyone.  I just feel that rebuliding a mosque in this particular location is very insensitive.  And even though I do not believe all Muslims are anti American, or pro war or whatever, I do feel that the motives behind the proposed mosque are not pure.  I think your ideas are wonderful, and is the sort of thing that could go a long way in bringing about peace and showing respect for those innocents whose lives were taken.  

[brice1967]

Ah, my crooked fingers and perhaps the lack of caffeine this morning skewed my last sentence in my previous post.  What I meant to say is that I have an opinion, but dont know how to not offend some people.

I think I read somewhere that there was a mosque on the site before.  If thats the case, maybe that is taking away some of the heat concerning this issue.  On the other hand, I believe that it is totally imperative that it is known that all persons funding this will be verified and the source of the money verified as well.  To me, this whole thing looks like marking territory!  I could be completely off base here.

Anyhow, back to my multi-denominational facility.... get any number of religions involved with the planning stages and the fund raising.  Have a governing board consisting of all religious backgrounds involved and perhaps some board members of no particular faith but well rounded business people.  The space can be used for religious services, could be rented out for conventions or large gatherings, could also be perhaps a bit like a museum or informational center concerning 9/11 or even have some retail space in order to generate an income and offset building maintenance costs.

I just really think an area as conjested as that, with that many people in the area, and considering what transpired on the location can be better used than for just a 1 dimensional building.  For the record, I am not a religious person and am not against anyone practicing any religion.  I think all people in this country have the right to do whatever they want, unless it infringes upon the rights of others.

I think there is a lack of sensitivity putting a mosque there.  I"d feel the same way if a fanatic religious sect anywhere wanted to build a house of worship on the site..... just me though I guess.

[adgal]

I would be interested to hear your opinion.  Around here we often disagree on specific issues, but for the most part like and respect each other.  As long as you don't take things personally if someone disagrees, debates and different perspectives are great.  I say go ahead and post your thoughts.  You will probably find that some will strongly agree and some strongly disagree...but it's not a personal attack, just different opinions.

[brice1967]

America will drags its feet on this issue because they have too.  All citizens have rights in this country and they dont want to trample on that shaky ground.  I am of the opinion that doing nothing is also infringing upon Americans rights.

I have an opinion on what to do, but how to not offend anyone.  Tuff situation!

[Sarajmt]

It seems that Europe is waking up to the threat.  I've posted about Denmark.  Britons are protesting the infringement of Islam.  And the German government just shut down a mosque where Atta and company planned 9/11.

Now, when will America wake up!!  I believe the rank and file citizens are aware.  It's those in power who keep this madness going.

[brice1967]

I wasnt following the board rules yesterday when I made the above post, without stating the source in which I picked the story up from.  I got the story from CNN and MSNBC (I think it was MSNBC) and the story ran yesterday morning. (HLN a subsidiary of CNN, perhaps?)

[flmagi]

If this Mosque is built, I can also foresee New York having to spend a bundle of tax dollars to protect it and it's people from protesters.

[flmagi]

Just the fact that they are pushing this project against the objections of so many people shows their lack of compassion for the situation, which in turn shows this mosque is a "marking of territory", and an "In your Face" type of thing.
If it were truly a project of peace, they would gladly move the location and stop using every legal loop hole to shove it down New Yorkers/Americans throats. Forcing this mosque into this area will only cause more bad feelings towards Muslims.

[Sarajmt]

I hope they don't allow any construction until total funding sources are revealed and triple checked.

[adgal]

Although I haven't watched the video, I do agree with Sara on the Imam as well.  It would seem he "speaks out of both sides of his mouth".  Although he claims to be educating young Muslim men against the dangers of extremist behaviour, he also has not publically spoken out against the terrorists or Hamas.  In fact, shortly after 911, he gave an interview where he basically implied the Americans had this coming.  What a horrid thing to say!!  It would not surprise me at all if he had extremist/terrorist ties.  I think one of the things that really has to happen is to find out who is actually funding this project.  And not just on the surface.  I for one would very much like to know who is really behind it.

[Sarajmt]

If you really want to know about the Imam in charge of this, watch this video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-UDl3j8WZQ  This is an ex terrorist blowing the whistle.  And if you don't know about the Muslim Brotherhood the ones behind this mosque, you got some homework to do.

During war, Muslims have a history of marking their territory or places of victory by building a mosque on a significant spot.  Look at the Hagia Sophia in Turkey, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain. In every case, Muslims built mosques on those spots to send a message: "We conquered you, took your holy site, and now it belongs to us."

This mosque is not meant to build bridges.  It's marking territory.

[adgal]

I have to agree with you.  

Although I firmly believe that most Muslims are peaceful people, there is obviously no doubt that a radical group committed this horrible crime, and claim they did it in the name of Islam.  I know that legally they can do as they choose.  I also know that there was a Mosque there pre 911 and that there were also Muslims killed in the 911 attacks.  However, I do believe it would go a long way in a show of solidarity with the victims to choose another location.  It does sound like they are attempting to make this and education centre as well, and have claimed that they will have both a Jew and a Christian on the board of directors. I think that is a wonderful idea, but in another location.

It is not that I am anti Islam...as a matter of fact I am far from it.  However, I firmly believe that the building of this Mosque/Education centre will deeply hurt the 911 victims, family members and friends.  I also believe the extremists will see this as a victory.  Problem is now, unless this group chooses of their own volition to build elsewhere, the extremists can also use this as a recruiting tool...they will twist it as further proof that the west hates Muslims and is at war with them.  The best solution to all of this is for this group to decide that they will build elsewhere as opposed to it happening by force.  Unfortunately I do not think that is what will happen.  There is no positive outcome here.