Ground Zero Mosque

The story that just won't die, and actually impacts those outside of the 5 boroughs very little (if at all).

Why is everyone still talking about this? Is it because it's that vital to our everyday life? Is it because if people can keep the average citizen talking about it, we'll focus more on what divides us, and less on all the things that unite us?

I do actually believe this story does merit some discussion, but nowhere near as much as is going on. I also think the things that have been discussed are focusing on it from the wrong angles.

Let's first take a look at who is discussing it and why? Then we'll take a look at what people should be discussing and why.

Who and Why:

Democrats and Liberals: What better way to paint your adversaries as bigots and racists than to scream that they're targeting a religion where most of the people are non-white? Thanks to the pollsters, they also have the added advantage of calling out that some ridiculously large percentage of Republicans believe Obama is Muslim and/or non-Christian. Does anyone truly believe that the intent behind all of their rhetoric is civil rights and the protection of those civil rights?

Republicans and to some extent Conservatives: Where did the money come from? What country is this mosque in bed with? Damn NY Liberals! Wait, it's not a Christian Church! One of my personal favorites from Newt Gingrich, "Nazis don't have the right to put up a sign next to the holocaust museum in Washington". Shouldn't a group of people who publicly hold the Constitution in such high regard actually follow the principles in it? Shouldn't principles take a front seat to trying to latch onto 9/11 families' legitimate grief for political purposes?

Now it's time to get back to reality. You know, that place where people or groups actually express honest opinions and beliefs. That place where people work together, sit down like big boys and girls to achieve a resolution, or at least a mutual understanding.

I will share what I truly believe on this topic. I'd like to think that it's probably how the average person feels, but I could quite possibly be wrong. Personally, I don't think the mosque should be built at the proposed location. I do feel that it does dredge up some real and honest grief for the families who lost loved ones. I think all of the TV cameras, microphones, and especially the politicians need to go away. The folks from the mosque and the 9/11 families should be sitting down, in private, and discussing options. Again working through it like big boys and big girls. Two people (or groups) sitting down in GOOD FAITH can negotiate, and come to an agreement/understanding on 99% of issues.

Here's the other part of what I truly believe on this topic. If an agreement can't be reached, we MUST err on the side of individual liberty and freedom. If group A is allowed to decide what group B can/cannot do, where does it stop? Can I as group C now decide what A and B may/may not do? It becomes a slippery slope. Who becomes the final arbiter on what peoples' individual liberties and freedoms are?

This concept of the common good, or the idea that what is good for many should be pursued even if it takes some freedoms/liberties from others, is an absolute crock of shit. All have to be responsible in the exercise of their freedoms and liberties, and that includes standing accountable for the impact that each person's actions may have on others' liberties and freedoms.

The folks behind the Ground Zero Mosque have the right to build their house of worship wherever (assuming they can afford to buy the land, etc) they want. It is the same for every American. I suggest that EVERYONE re-read the First Amendment, it covers it pretty clearly.

The above is just my opinion, and hey, I barely graduated high school, so I could be wrong.

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