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