Students in the Humanities I class taught by Ms. Thornton and Mr. Truman recently wrote letters to the editor about a proposed mosque near Ground Zero. The city of New York approved construction, but raw emotions over 9/11, Constitutional rights and backlash against Muslims still exist.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mosque Letter Five
Dear Editor:
Building a mosque two blocks away from Ground Zero has been a recent news headline that has identified the tender boundaries of our Constitution. But as a United States citizen I oppose the idea of building a mosque strongly. The mosque two blocks away from Ground Zero should NOT be built, it violates and disrespects every lost life of 9/11. I also do have to say that I am not prejudice or have any bad feelings toward the Islamic religion. But to say that I don't find the idea of building a mosque near Ground Zero offensive would be a lie.
It does indeed make it difficult to draw the line from the foreign Muslims to the American Muslims. In fact 35% of Muslims worldwide are American. Constitutional rights state the freedom of religion, but there is also a point to where a human respect should come to mind. Listen to us, it is not only Muslims who can play the American Rights card. Under our beliefs every single person should have their opinion heard. According to our Humanities class research, 67% of Americans people believe that they have the right to build a mosque at Ground Zero, although 71% of Americans state that to build this mosque would be inappropriate. Tell me if I'm not correct, but that is a large amount. Still the inconsiderate ordeal rages on. There are about 1,900 mosques in the United Sates, plenty for the amount of Muslims in the U.S. So why build one so close to a place of tragedy? It is like a bandaged wound, this cruel proposal is just like ripping it off and once again exposing the very sensitive cut in our history.
As Charles Krauthammer writes in Washington Post: “When we speak of Ground Zero as hallowed ground, what we mean is that it belongs to those who suffered and died there – and that such ownership obliges us, the living, to preserve the dignity and memory of the place ... It's why, while no one objects to Japanese cultural centers, the idea of putting one up at Pearl Harbor would be offensive.”
Two thousand, nine hundred and ninety-six people died that day on 9/11. Why bring up the touchy situation once again? I strongly believe that there are other spots to build a mosque. Why choose this place? Media attention? We don't know, but this definitely was NOT necessary.
Sincerely,
Zoe Thomas
Mosque Letter Three
Dear Editor,
I’ve remained dumbfounded that this controversy over the proposed community center/mosque at the Park 51 site in New York City is still being discussed and debated. First of all, the site is not even at Ground Zero, it is 2 blocks away, on a piece of land that is owned by a Muslim, not the city or state. However, I am even more stunned in disbelief over what debates concern when discussing whether or not Muslims should be allowed to build this center, because the comments some protestors have used astonish me.
In a despicable attempt to try and deprive Americans a place to pray and worship their beliefs, protestors raise their “concerns.” These concerns are supposedly meant to highlight their points or beliefs, but many just highlight their bigotry, ignorance and prejudice towards Muslims. The city already approved this project. The mayor of New York and the President of the United States feel that this is a project that should be followed through on.
Now I understand that there are many people who feel that this is a disrespect to the families who lost someone in the attack of 9/11. But the critical fact that is usually ignored by protestors who can’t see past their own conservative close-minded opinions is that we are punishing all Muslims for the tragedy induced on us by a few men. That is the biggest grudge I will hold – this country keeps punishing the whole class for one kid’s mistake. Are we really going to be the country that stereotypes the whole Islam religion because those who attacked us on 9/11 were also a part of the Islam faith? Muslims should not be treated inferior to us because a few Muslims committed such a disastrous crime.
Islam is a religion, not a race, and this harsh treatment we put Muslims through such as denying innocent people a place to worship is cruel and unfair, and ignores part of our Constitution. By denying Muslims freedom of religion, what are we really getting? The only result I have seen so far is arguments and hatred. A tremendous amount of hatred. People are either blinded by the tears they cried and emotions they felt due to the tragedy at 9/11, or just blinded by smoke caused by their heated opinions of Muslims, which does nothing but pollute the air around them and others. If so, then I beg that you consider the point of view of the Muslims who want this center, because Catholics, Jews, Irish, Japanese, Germans, and many other religions and nationalities have been excluded against in the past, and next time, who knows, it could very well be you.
Sincerely,
Hannah Paradis
Mosque Letter Four
Dear Editor:
There has been a prodigious ongoing controversy over the topic of whether Muslims should be permitted to build a mosque and community center that would include a pool, 500-seat auditorium, and prayer space near Ground Zero in New York City. The building, now called Park 51, would rest two blocks away from Ground Zero, also known as the scene of “the worst terrorist attack in U.S. History.” Many people have not failed to remember that it was Muslim extremists that took over the airplanes and flew them into the World Trade Centers; and because of that, they believe that the Muslims should not be allowed to build anywhere near there.
What many people have failed to remember was that it wasn’t just non-Muslims who lost family in the crash; many Muslims lost beloved family members and friends as well. In my opinion, I do not think that anything should go there, whether it be a mosque, synagogue, or even a church. The 9/11 attack at tdid occur two blocks away, and many of us were forced to face the reality that at any point in time it could happen again. Nevertheless, we claim to be a country with the freedom of speech and religion, and because of that I believe that we should allow the Muslims to build a mosque where they please, as long as they are doing it for all of the right reasons, and nothing illegal is taking place during the meetings. Go ahead and let them build a mosque and community center; let them have a place where they can relax and have fun. A place where they do not have to deal with the glares and nasty comments that they are getting throughout the day, just because a couple of people from a religion filled with millions did something horrid. Our President Barack Obama said on the topic, “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable.”
Many people such as Diana Serafin will argue that Islam, “Is not about a religion. It’s a political government, and it’s 100 percent against our Constitution.” However, don’t all religions cross the line from where it goes from being a belief in the spiritual world, to laws about how one should live?
So I ask you, would you suspend the entire grade of students, because one of them threw a rock through the principle’s window?
Sincerely,
Anna Poirier
Mosque Letter Two
Dear Editor:
I don’t think there should be a mosque at Ground Zero. There are already 3 or 4 mosques in the city of New York, so we don’t really need another one. Also, putting a mosque at Ground Zero is disrespectful to the families of 9/11. Some people are saying that even the most Americanized Muslims secretly want to replace the Constitution with Shariah or Islamic Law.
This is America and that’s OUR Constitution, and if you choose to live here, you need to be willing follow the Constitution, laws, and wishes of the people. It may be a Muslim right to build a mosque according to the Constitution, but it is inappropriate and inconsiderate. According to our class research, “71 percent of [Americans] say its inappropriate to do so.”
Overall, there should be no Mosque built at Ground Zero. It is disrespectful to the people who died there and their families. Also, for better or worse, many Americans connect mosques with terrorism, and there is some concern and fear of America being attacked again.
Sincerely,
Nate Spear
Mosque Letter One
Dear Editor:
I have noticed that there is a community of Muslims in New York that are trying to build a mosque a couple blocks from Ground Zero. I was surprised to find that after the mosque was already approved by the city there were people still protesting the idea. Even though the protesters were outnumbered by supporters, I still find it absurd to be protesting the mosque. The Muslim community owns the land that they wish to build the mosque on and they are U.S. citizens through birth or naturalization. These people are no less U.S. citizens than anyone else. They have the same rights. One of these rights is the freedom of religion. The Muslim community has the right to follow whatever religion they wish. By protesting the mosque people are protesting this right in the Constitution.
Many people saying that they believe the mosque shouldn’t be built are afraid of terrorism and also say that it is an insult to the people who lost their lives because of 9/11. These people are not the people who helped in the 9/11 terrorist attack. The only way it would be an insult would be if the Muslim terrorists who helped in the 9/11 attack were asking to build a mosque. The mosque that is going to go up isn’t even going up on Ground Zero. It is two blocks away and is owned by the Muslim community. If they wish to build a mosque on their land then they have every right to do so. The mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, also believes that the mosque should be built, saying,“ The attack was an act of war, and our first responders defended not only our city but also our country and Constitution. We do not honor their lives by denying the very constitutional rights they died protecting.”
According to an article in Upfront Magazine, “Islam: Not In My Backyard,” 67% of Americans believe that the Muslims have the right to build the mosque. However, 71% say that they find it inappropriate. The mosque is not inappropriate, however, because it is not being built on Ground Zero. Also according to this article, 43% of Americans say they feel at least a little prejudice towards Muslims. The reason that people do not think the mosque should be built is because they do feel prejudice towards Muslims. People are trying to take a couple of Muslims who were terrorists and group them with every other Muslim out there. This not the right thing to do and should not be the reason why the mosque isn’t built.
Sincerely,
Josh Gary
Ten Years After: What's Next after bin Laden? By Grahm Kwasnick
Even if you live in a cave in Pakistan, by now most of you of have caught wind of the news that the mastermind behind the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 -- Osama bin Laden -- has been killed by United States troops.
Since 2001 bin Laden has been in hiding in the Middle East with the aid from his al Qaeda allies. This game of hide and seek came to a patriotic end when in the midst of a 48-minute firefight, Osama and three other men were killed. Thankfully, no civilians (or American solders) were killed in the firefight that erupted in the suburban city of Abbottabad. Osama bin Laden was killed and his body was buried in the sea by American solders. Back home in America, millions celebrated the death of the terrorist and voiced their patriotism in parades, breaking out into song and speaking proudly and passionately to reporters on the scene of the many celebratory gatherings.
But as the media storm and celebration settles, what's next? Are we going to pull troops from the Afghanistan and bring them home to their families and loved ones for good? Or are we sitting ducks for a retaliation attack on bin Laden's followers?
The death of Osama bin Laden swept across the nation and thousands of Americans hit the streets to celebrate the death of the wanted terrorist. But now that the celebration is over, and some weight has been lifted off America's shoulders, what comes next? While the death brought joy upon American citizens, it also brought fear for a possible retaliation by Pakistan.
The Obama Administration had this to say regarding this fear, “There's no intelligence yet pointing to specific or imminent plans for future attacks, but its spies are watching and eavesdroppers are listening carefully for any such signs.”
While we may be “safe” for now as far as global terrorist attacks are concerned, there are indeed possibilities for attacks here in America. The FBI and Homeland Security made sure that all law enforcement officials should be vigilant for extremists that wish to retaliate on American soil. Precautions are still being taken as far as suspicious behavior elsewhere in America – so not much has changed since the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. Monitoring airports, background checks on employees, and other curtailments of our cherished freedoms will continue.
Don't expect our president to bring the troops home soon and calling it quits on the current relationship we have with Pakistan, Afghanistan or even al Qaeda. Our troops will still be overseas making sure that things continue to cool down and we develop a stronger friendship rather than a stronger enemy with Pakistan.
You can read much more about the death of bin Laden as well as what many believe is next for America at these links, each of which were used for this story:
Governor LePage, reality TV star? By Matthew Principe
As we get to know our governor Paul LePage I guess we can say he likes to speak his mind, a lot. He is different then most governors. In just four months he has sparked controversy many times with his words and deeds. Just when I thought he was settling into a routine, Governor LePage came up with another great idea. Turns out he's just like many of us – he wants to be a TV star. Paul LePage wants to launch his own television show called “Inside the Blaine House.”
I didn't know what the Blaine House was until I researched this article. It's the governor's mansion, basically, and LePage wants to be in a reality show from his house. His reasoning for doing this is to get his message across to the Maine people without all the interference from the state house press corps. LePage has had a strained relationship with the media. He wants to speak to Maine people directly, not through the press. According to the Lewiston Sun Journal, “There will be no edited sound bites or one-sided stories.” LePage believes this is the best way to to talk about the issues with Maine people while encouraging them to find out the facts with their own research.
The show would air via the Internet and Channel 9. Democrats, however, say Governor LePage is stepping away from his promise of government transparency. Time Warner Cable said that LePage's show would first start out on the Internet on a biweekly special at 5 p.m. Next it would move to cable on Channel 9. Everybody is not totally OK with the idea. However a former governor of Maine, Angus King had is own call in TV show called the Capitol Connection. He loves the idea and supports LePage fully.
“It’s a chance for the governor to speak directly to the people in a direct and unfiltered way,” King told the Lewiston Sun Journal. “I think it’s a a great idea. I applaud him for it.” Meanwhile, Maine State Historian Earle Shettle worth doesn’t ever remember any other governors with T.V. shows.
Although the governor's idea reminds some of an Augusta version of “Jersey Shore,” producers of the show have said that some pre-taping will ensure quality dialogue about meaningful issues. Cameras will shoot people asking LePage questions and the governor answering them at the Blaine House. The idea is unfiltered messages from the governor, although to some it may look like propaganda. Says Brain Pomerleau, a former electrical engineer doing video production “Were trying to provide a platform where these people can speak directly to the public... without being controlled by the media.” When he refers to “people,” he is talking about government officials.
Who knows what Governor LePage will think of next.
(Material from The Lewiston Sun Journal was used for this story)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)