Thoughts on so-called 'Ground Zero' Mosque

I've left myself out of this issue for the most part until now but I feel like I need to say something. When the anniversary of 9/11 is being declared as "Burn the Quran day" by a Florida Church, that's when I need to speak up; as well as all those who see the potential for a chaotic future if such actions and sentiments go unchecked. The issue of the mosque has become a national controversy when it really shouldn't be. In the words of Obama, "let's be clear" - the core of the issue really isn't about the mosque & location, (although it started out as that,) it's about peoples' fear that this is seen as some kind of "victory over our enemies." The truth of this lies in the controversy over the name of the center itself (which was first called "Cordoba House" and is now being called "Park 51.") Mosque opponents say Cordoba House was intentionally named so to further rub this 'victory' in the wound, as they say the historical Cordoba was an emblem of Muslim sovereignty over a non-Muslim populace [hence the so-called 'victory.'] In the words of Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, "'Cordoba House" is a deliberately insulting term. It refers to Cordoba, Spain–the capital of Muslim conquerors, who symbolized their victory over the Christian Spaniards by transforming a church there into the world's third-largest mosque complex... every Islamist in the world recognizes Cordoba as a symbol of Islamic conquest."** On the other-hand, the Mosque developers say Cordoba was historically known for its multiculturalism and pluralism, where people of different faiths created a rich culture together. This dichotomy over interpretation of what the Islamic center really signifies has polarized both camps into seeing it no longer as just an issue of a mosque in a particularly sensitive location, but grown the picture into fear of conquest versus the right to practice religion in this country. Let's take a look at this statement: "victory over our enemies" a bit further.

"Victory?" Who's victory? Victory is a word used in a context of a battle or contest. American Muslims are not contesting nor battling anything of the American establishment, but foreign extremists are. As for the extremists, their goal is to alienate the U.S indigenous population against the Muslims and vice-versa so as to further their political agenda. Segregation is actually what they - the extremists - want, because if Muslims were dis-integrated in American society then the extremists would gain sympathetic support from that faction in the West. By integrating & accepting American Muslims into the mainstream, America essentially thwarts the extremists' goals of creating disenfranchised Muslims, who could potentially become home-grown terrorists. So with the way the debate is dividing people on both sides, the only victory here would sadly be for the terrorists. As for the American Muslims, a common need for a bustling community is being fulfilled here, nothing more.

"Enemy?" Who's the enemy? America probably has more religious freedom than any other country in the world. Islamophobia is more open in Europe. Just look at France's ban on hijabs, hell even two Muslim nations [Turkey & Syria] have banned (or proposed bans on) the burka in some form or another. America has always welcomed Muslims, just like any other peaceful migrating community, and what we're seeing is the natural result of immigration, not the result of a war or contest. And that's just concerning immigration, but what about America's long shared history with Islam and Muslims dating back since before Malcom X? Muslims have long been loyal citizens of America and 9/11 hasn't changed that. Building an Islamic center on privately owned property is perfectly within Constitutional rights and is a reflection of a need for that community. There are lots of Muslims in the city, and even many Muslims died on 9/11. Guess what? They all need a place to pray. Lower Manhattan already houses another mosque that has been there longer than the Twin Towers and without any controversy. And to make a further point, there is a mosque right by another 9/11 site at the Pentagon. How come there is no controversy there?

My point is, if America sees us as an enemy, then they should focus on curbing immigration and not limiting Constitutional civil liberties to those who are already here legitimately; who should enjoy the rights of other American citizens. If Muslims saw America as an enemy then how come we don't see the kind of radical anti-Western sentiment here? Because if it does exist, it doesn't reflect the mainstream American Muslims at large but perhaps the fringe (and even that has more to do with opinions on foreign policy rather than the principles America stands for.) Lastly if any American Muslims do see America as an enemy, then they need to take a long hard look and ask themselves, why are they even living here? America is founded on the principles of equity for all, it welcomes all peaceful nations & communities and as such there is a natural compromise that comes with being a citizen here when everyone has to be accounted for. Therefore, they cannot expect every single law to comply with their beliefs or views. America expands our tolerance at first, then breeds acceptance. If you are not prepared to accept let alone tolerate other people, then you need to seriously consider leaving this country. So the question of who the enemy is really has to do more with our own views of tolerance and acceptance, as well as genuine misinformation and ignorance. Knowledge brings understanding and understanding brings unity, ignorance only breeds fear and apprehension. In sum, America is not the enemy of American Muslims. For those who see America as an enemy, they either do not live here and are sympathetic to the extremist cause or need to consider moving out if they do live here. This mosque has no place for their kind anyway.

At first I was opposed to this proposed mosque as well because I knew it would stir the controversy it has. I knew the issue really had to do with integration more than anything else because American Muslims are not yet seen as fully integrated in American society. If a crazy person shares the same background as a normal person, and the crazy person does something crazy, in an integrated society that accepts people of their background, the crazy person is seen as crazy and the normal person as normal without any infringements on the normal person's rights. But when both crazy and normal are seen as a team or that they have hidden agendas, then mistrust will lead that society to believe the normal person is also crazy. This mistrust is exactly what we are seeing as each day brings out more nay-sayers and supporters until hopefully we see the day when American Muslims can be trusted and welcomed into mainstream American culture. Hopefully this Islamic center can play its role in that service.

**Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_Zero_Mosque