The “mosque” at “ground zero”
Recently, several of the people I converse with have been speaking about, both for and against, the supposed mosque at ground zero. Let’s start off by posting the law that should silence those who want the government to step in:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Hopefully, this should eliminate some of the confusion about this issue. There are a few more points that need to be made.
- The “mosque” will not be at ground zero.
Yes, I know that it’s close. Let’s see what else is the same distance away:- New York Dolls Gentleman’s Club
- OTB Off Track Betting
- McDonald’s
- Express BBQ
- A Vitamin Shoppe
- Lilly O’Brian’s Bar
- Burger King
- Several dozen street vendors.
So what, you say? “None of them flew planes into skyscrapers on September 11th!” you scream. “None of them killed Ameericans!” you writhe and moan.
Neither did any of the people involved with this project. Saying that these Muslims are responsible for that atrocity is similar to saying that a Christian is responsible for the Jonestown Massacre, or that a German is responsible for Auschwitz. - It’s not a mosque.
Not that it matters, but it is a community center. This is like saying a YMCA is a church. - It’s private property.
What blows my mind is that some of the people coming out against this want to decide for others what they can and can’t do with private property. You know, what of the most important things to the framers of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? - It’s privately funded.
If I wanted to build a ten story inverted cross on my own property with my own money… I should be able to do so. - First amendment, people.
For those of you who forgot it, it’s at the top of the post. Read it again. Yeah. Now, suck it up, because the same protections you enjoy that allow you to worship your god as you see fit protect them from you.
Politics, Religion, and other taboo topics
In my family, we have strong emotions about topics such as politics and religion. In fact, several members of my family cannot discuss either topic rationally and with decorum.
Your Silence Will Not Protect You (Audre Lorde)
This blog is not silent. It can’t be. However, I know people can be petty and in the current recession, it is best to at least appear neutral. I am anonymous due to this. I will not post my name or the names of my friends and family to protect everyone involved from the hard things we will be discussing here.
An empty stomach is not a good political adviser.
(Albert Einstein)
First, a little about myself.
I am a youngish (28-35) technical professional, father of a couple of kids, divorced and remarried. I am a left-leaning Libertarian; in other words, I find the Tea Party to be a bunch of right wing nut jobs. I have been personally effected by the current economic crash, as in, I lost my job when the economy tanked.
I am white, male, and overweight. That should be enough about my physical appearance. If you want to write me off because of my race, gender, or weight, you might want to read elsewhere.
For now, dear friends, I must say farewell. I will be back.
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