Steve Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, writes an excellent piece about the tactics being used by the supporters of the Ground Zero mosque.
Nine years after the 9/11 attacks, supporters of the Ground Zero mosque are alleging that the opponents are anti-Islamic. This is an all too-common-tactic used to stifle debate -- and it's not true.
Those that support Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf's plan to build the mosque in the shadow of the World Trade Center site -- where 2,749 innocent victims were murdered by radical Muslims -- say the real issue is the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of religion.
Mayor Bloomberg has claimed religious freedom in America hangs in the balance and defended his support of the WTC mosque, stating, "Firefighters that went into those buildings and gave their lives -- they didn't go in and say, 'Excuse me, what's your religion?' "
It is utterly inappropriate for the mayor to invoke dead heroes in a pathetic attempt to bolster his argument. His comments are irrational -- he's wrong and owes 343 families an apology.
The "freedom of religion" argument is a deliberate diversion from the debate.
No one has said Imam Rauf or anyone else can't build another mosque anywhere in New York City. To imply such a movement is afoot is absolutely false.
...The imam behind the project has been described as bright and thoughtful, and calls himself "a moderate Muslim." In a July 21 Washington Post opinion piece, he characterized the opposition as merely "opportunistic rabble-rousing . . . politicians and some sensationalist media." He's wrong.
The most recent CNN poll finds Americans opposing the construction of a mosque at the WTC site by an overwhelming 68 percent to 29 percent. It is incomprehensible that anyone seeking better relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, as Rauf claims, would push forward with a project that offends so many Americans and is certain to deliver the exact opposite result of his stated mission.
If the mosque is moved, the only group likely to be unhappy are those radical "anti-American" Muslims that the imam says he is trying to distance himself from. I can think of no reason he would want to placate them.
Cassidy nails it.
He is the anti-Michael Bloomberg and the anti-Obama, meaning he's being clear, concise, and making sense.
1 comment:
Cassidy nails it regarding the accusation that opponents to the mosque's Ground Zero location are anti-Islamic.
He's arguing against the slimy efforts being used to stifle debate, as if those in opposition are bigoted and against the free exercise of religion.
That's his point.
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