“What is right is not always popular. What is popular is not always right.”

This is an excellent quote that I think represents the issue I am about to address well. Because my view on the subject is definitely not the popular view right now, but in my heart of hearts, I do believe it is the right one.

I am fully aware that I may anger some of my very dear friends with this. Some old friends, some new. All of whom I care for and respect very deeply. I ask that you please refrain from name calling, and disrespecting me or anyone else who posts a reply, whether you agree with me, them, or whatever.

Now, on to the (very touchy) subject at hand:


I have seen a huge number of posts lately regarding the building of a new mosque in New York, near the site of “Ground Zero”. Most of the post have been opposing it. I do NOT oppose it.

Many people are opposing it based on the idea that “they attacked us”. Yes, it's true that we were attacked. It was a horrendous and tragic day, for our country as a whole, for the families of the men and women who died, and in many ways, for the world as a whole, as it has lead to yet another war, which affects the entire world. And I will (shamefully) admit that the next time I personally saw a person who was dressed in such a way that I drew the conclusion they were Muslim, I felt angry and afraid at the sight of them. I was wrong to feel that way.

The problem with that is people are directing the blame at the WRONG PEOPLE. The Muslim faith did NOT attack us. Al-Qaeda attacked us. Al-Qaeda is not supported by the vast majority of Muslim people. They do not represent the Muslim faith as a whole. Their actions are not condoned by the Koran. And many innocent Muslims lost their lives that fateful day as well. Some were firefighters, police, and EMTs who desperately tried to save other lives that day.

So why then, do we continue to direct hatred and blame at all Muslim people? They are not the ones who attacked us.

I have heard it said that it is “a slap in the face” and disrespectful to have a mosque built so close to Ground Zero. There are strip clubs and betting houses as close or closer. There is a 2 story, underground MALL directly UNDER GROUND ZERO.

So, what? It's okay to go to Ground Zero for some new underwear and an Orange Julius, then go a block or two to get a lap dance, and bet on a horse race, but it's “disrespectful” for a Muslim to go a couple of blocks away to pray? How does that make any sense whatsoever?

I have heard some of the opposition talk about how it is important to preserve history in the area.

The neighborhood that the mosque is planned to be built in was, for many years, known as “Little Syria”. Why, you may wonder. Because it has, for over a century, had a predominantly Muslim population. In fact, at one time, it was the only part of New York City where Muslims COULD live. And the exact site is currently occupied by an abandoned Burlington Coat Factory. Wouldn't it be a better representation of the history of the area if the site were occupied by a place of worship than an abandoned coat store?



Now, onto my more personal feeling about it.

There is far too much hatred and intolerance in this world. And the more hate and intolerance we send out, the more we receive in return. So wouldn't it make more sense to try sending out a bit of love and acceptance? Maybe, just maybe, if we try that, we will slowly start to receive more love and acceptance in return. Couldn't this world do with a bit more love and acceptance?

One of the founding principles of this great nation was that of religious freedom. Not “Freedom of religion, unless you are a Muslim”. That principle is one of the key things that made this country so great.

Our forefathers sought freedom from oppression. We have since fought numerous wars to keep that freedom, and to try to bring that freedom to others. My own husband is a disabled veteran. And his exact word on the subject are “I did not fight and get hurt to protect only the freedoms of the rich, white, Christian male. I fought to protect the freedoms of ALL people.”

So, to simplify, “We the people” is supposed to be ALL of us. “All men are created equal” is supposed to be ALL of us. And “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is supposed to be for ALL of us. Lets stop trying to oppress our fellow Americans. Let's STOP spreading hate.