Don't Build the Mosque!

Calling it a "seed of peace" a New York City community board voted Tuesday night to support a plan to build a mosque and cultural center two blocks from Ground Zero. The decision came after hours of emotional public comment in which people were shouting "No Mosque" while carrying signs with pictures of the Sept. 11 victims on them.

Manhattan Community Board member Rob Townley told the Associated Press that the group believed they were making a significant step for the Muslim community to counteract the hate and fanaticism that has occured against them.

Really?

First of all, is there really that much fanaticism occuring against the Islamic community? Granted, shortly after September 11 there were plenty of incidents where misguided people hurled inappropriate epithets at anyone who claimed to be a member of the faith. In recent years however,most Americans have stopped spewing hate,(in fact "MOST" Americans never did) realizing there is a difference between Muslims who live in peace and those who call for Jihad.

Secondly, Islamic fanatics that have caused problems for America in recent years have all been affiliated with particular mosques inside the country, so one can understand the concerns of those who would live and work nearby the proposed New York site. The building will obviously not be earmarked as a place for terrorist training, but what or who will be able to stop the fanatics from coming in? It would seem that a site so close to the place where Islamic Jihadists destroyed the lives of thousands in 2001,would hve a special spiritual significance for those who thought the attacks were justified. After all,in recent weeks, we've witnessed a couple of unsuccessful terrorism attempts in Mid-Town Manhattan, so New York obviously remains a target.

Finally, since our country has become so consumed with protecting the rights of everyone but the majority, it's no surprise that a group of well meaning do-gooders have been blinded to the reality of just how insensitive this whole proposal is. Innocent people died that day. Do their families and friends really need to
be reminded of the terror every time they look out their window at the thriving Islamic establishment near the site where their loved ones were murdered? It is cruel.

While comparing all Muslims to the Jihadists who attacked the World Trade Center is ignorant and wrong, allowing this mosque to be built is equally ignorant and wrong. The proposal should not be allowed to go forward. The victims should not be made to suffer even more.

Ultimately those who say terrorism isn't confined to one particular race or religion are exactly right. Terrorism is nothing more than a misguided reaction on the part of thugs who refuse to accept law and order, and who think vigilante justice is the only way to make their point to the world. Terrorism ultimately comes in all shapes and colors. Terrorism is not confined to Islam. That point alone should serve as a reminder to those who are trying to push this temple project forward, that crazy is crazy and if the mosque is built it will bring even more fanatics out of the woodwork, putting even more innocent New Yorkers in danger.

Toto, We're not in Kansas Anymore!

I almost don't know where to begin today. I'm sitting here full of emotion, yet I don't know whether to laugh, cry, or throw things. (Those who live with me have voted "no" for the last option)

First, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is speaking out this morning calling everyone who disagrees and speaks out at town hall meetings about healthcare, "evildoers." At least George Bush coined the term "Axis of Evil" in reference to those who wanted to harm America. Now, if you speak out against a bill that is obviously "bad" for Americans, you're the evil one! All I can say is things are looking up for the GOP in 2012. (if we last that long) In reference to a previous post of mine, please send lawyers, guns and money. I've probably just put myself on a watch list, and I can hear my inbox filling with unsolicited white house e-mails.

Next, we have yet another attack on a Christian's right to free speech. There's a correction from yesterday's post, in which I said two teachers at Pace High School in Fla. prayed at an adults only breakfast and were put on probation--Oh no, there's going to be a trial! They're out and worse than that---they could lose their pensions because of their "radical" behavior. I think it's time to fire up the "love bus." We've got a protest to attend!

Finally, and this one's just bizarre! A little girl set up a lemonade stand in New York City recently, carrying on the age old tradition of earning some money to help others.10-year old Clementine Lee wanted to offer refreshments on a hot day with her proceeds going to charity. Sounds innocent enough, but then a police officer shows up, writes the kid a ticket for not having a license to sell and summons her to court. Now the good news is that cooler heads prevailed and Clementine has been let off the hook. The cop has been sent back for more training. As for Clementine, perhaps next time she'll stand on the N.Y. street corner and distribute pornography. At least then, her "community" will champion her rights for self expression. When up is down and down is up, it sure would seem to make sense.