Here's An Idea

September 11, 2001, an attempt by maniacs to hurt the United States of America. And the pain went through the citizens, families wept, the nation mourned, and flags waved at the peak of each pole. "We stand united," the nation cried.


Yet, nine years later, debate over Mosques being built around the country, as if Muslims did the damage, rather than fanatics. Maniacs. Let's politely disagree rather than dramatize difference of opinion and reach a mindful conclusion.

And many differences of opinion come to the surface of the Mosque debate. I'll leave it up to you to read (one view) the arguments (another view) and develop your own idea of whether or not it's legal to build or to deny, or if it's a matter of respect or "wisdom" to build two blocks from "Ground Zero." I'll say this much:

1) Absolutely allowed by 1st Amendment rights.
2) Muslims ought not build as a matter of respect.
3) A matter of respect for non-Muslims to acknowledge Muslims did NOT do this damage, but Maniacs.
4) We MUST acknowledge those who fell victim to the Maniacs were, in fact, Christians, Jews, Hindus, people of no faith, AND Muslims.
5) I hold as my opinion that anyone should have a place near "Ground Zero" to hold vigil and mourn those they loved in their own way.

     Let me continue from here with my idea:

This is an idea of COMPASSION, not STRENGTH. RESILIENCE, not ARROGANCE. GROWTH, not FEAR.

Along the perimeter of "Ground Zero," I recommend a community center sponsored by every arm of faith represented in the United States. A Christian Community Center, a Jewish Community Center, a Hindu Community Center, a Buddhist Community Center, and yes, an Islamic Community Center, for THIS IS WHAT THE United States ARE SUPPOSED TO REPRESENT. Unity despite faith. Pride among all faiths. Acknowledgment of all faiths. And, required by all faiths, Compassion.

This site does not need a tall building to show strength as a nation. THIS SITE NEEDS A REPRESENTATION OF THE RIGHTS, LIBERTIES, AND UNITY WE CLAIM AS CITIZENS.