New York’s “Mosque”
Zac Sweets, Editor-in-Chief
September 2, 2010
Filed under Columnist
As this country draws closer to an official end of a lengthy war it also approaches the ninth anniversary of what initiated it all. The seemingly unreal footage of commercial airplanes flying into the once strong standing twin towers still remains in the minds of all who have seen it. Each year following that infamous day the U.S. has come together in remembrance of the innocent lives lost and to celebrate the men and women fighting overseas.
This year’s anniversary of 9/11 is unfortunately sharing its attention with a news headline and political tool in the form of controversy. The city that never sleeps seems to never be out of the center of controversy for long. The debate on the construction of a mosque, not too far from ground zero, has made the news several times over and has made such a wave that President Obama had to address the issue.
The debate is whether or not a mosque should be permitted to be built in the same vicinity as ground zero. Arguments made by both sides have been that it is too close to the place where so many died at the hands of the same people looking to build the mosque, and on the other side that those who are looking to build the mosque have the legal right and there is no real harm done in terms of disrespect.
New York’s great debate over this mosque is partially due to the half-truths being given by the media. Only after this issue has caused such an uproar has the media given clearer details regarding the exact location and plans for the mosque. Politics have their foot in the door of the issue with some candidates up for nomination or election weighing in as a means of boosting their political appearance to their supporters.
The “mosque” that is causing such an uproar is nothing more than a multi-purpose building, not an actual temple of any sort. The building will serve three purposes, that being a culinary arts school, gymnasium and on the top level a meeting area for people of the Muslim faith to meet. The location of the “mosque” isn’t so close to ground zero that one could see it if visiting. The “mosque” is actually several blocks from ground zero and the only way to see it from there is to deliberately go searching for it.
In contrast to the religious site being built there are multiple churches of the Christian faith surround ground zero itself. With that said the first amendment automatically comes to mind when asked why the “mosque”, or building in which people of the Muslim faith will meet, would have the right or be able to buy reinstate generally close to ground zero.
Ultimately, if whoever is seeking the purchase and construction of this building is denied their constitutional rights then it will be taken to court. If that road is taken then the courts ruling will be in favor of the plaintiff and the “mosque” will be built.
The charges of disrespect are dismissible even if that is morally correct due to the constitution. Just because the constitutional rights for some become inconvenient to many doesn’t mean people can call upon those in charge to deny and disregard other people’s rights
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