Grateful Dead

There are valid points on both sides of this discussion. Here's my thoughts on this. First: Do they have the right to build it? Absolutely! If we take away their freedom to do it the terrorists have won! Osama would love it! Second: Should they build it? That's a more complex question. I confess to knowing nothing about this particular Islamic group. If they are a moderate group of Muslims who have nothing to do with the extremists groups perhaps they want to show everyone that all Muslims should not be painted with one brush. I call myself a Christian but there are extremist Christian groups who have gotten it all wrong in my opinion and I want to show everyone that all Christians are not like them. If this is their intention, then it MAY be a good decision. However, I confess that I might urge a group I was part of not to build a church at the Dome of the Rock because it might be offensive to many Muslims. The wisdom of the choice is a call the group in question will have to make. Obviously, if the group building the center is affiliated with radical terrorist groups, while I defend their right to build it I might also be inclined to exercise my right to protest in front of it! Bottom line this is America and they have a right to build the center. If it fosters understanding then God bless it! If its an "in your face" from Islamic extremists let's not give them the propaganda benefit of stopping it!

We have the "right" to make poor decisions. "The dire wolf collects his due while the boys sing round the fire"

It's just plain dirty, and you might end up getting hammered. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.

It irritates the skunk and gets the hammer dirty.

That I question. It is just kicking the skunk. Do they have the right? Absolutely, and if all the local permits are granted and the decision is made to go forward, then yes, they definitely have the right. Just doesn't make it a good idea. If there's an overarching point to be made that I'm missing (for example, building here and showing everyone that Muslims are peace-loving people who get along with and respect their neighbors...I guess that would be an overarching motivation that I'm missing), then maybe it's worth it to kick the skunk. If not, how does this action do anything but exacerbate an already bad situation?

...nobody is saying they don't have the right and freedom to build their cultural center, except, perhaps Palin and some of the crazies from Fox. The insensitivity of doing it in this particular place is what is objectionable. If the mayor of NYC was not in favor, this thing would have been quietly quashed. I personally believe that their freedom to do this is what makes America great. But, it's not even ten years since a radical extremist fringe of their religion, in the name of their religion being attacked by the US, attacked the US in that spot! What do you think would happen if a group of Christians who worked for western embassies tried to build a Christian church in Jedda, Saudi Arabia? They would never be able to do it and the mere announcing of the intention to do so would either land them in jail or have them expelled in a hurry. There is a great deal made of how much Islam is a tolerant religion and, in some cities of the Middle East it is true that mosques and other places of worship co-exist. But the fact is that in most of Islam intolerance is coded into law. There is such a thing as taking advantage. The timing is bad, the location is bad and they are not helping their cause.

Pres. Obama will be landing at Boeing field this morning to discuss small business matters w various constituents in a Pioneer Square bakery. I'm working in Kalama, WA later this morning, so the drive down I-5 may be a bit slow....

except for the part that millions of Americans will object to an Islam Cultural center near Ground 0. "why kick that skunk?" well the skunk of Islam is being kicked everyday with the "War on Terrorism" campaign, making people afraid of everyone who professes to be Muslim. That is not right, so I am for promoting cultural awareness. Not to mention the constitutional right to build such a center.********************************** By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity -- another man's I mean. Mark Twain

To build the Islamic cultural center close to ground zero, I do have to question the wisdom (and motivation) of such an action. "Stupid" does pretty well sum it up, Gonzo. As an acquaintance of mine is fond of pointing out: why kick that skunk?

The stated purpose of the organizers of this center is to promote tolerance and understanding. While I support their right to do so, there is no doubt that it is highly insensitive and insulting to millions of Americans and will not promote their goals. So why do it? Our basic rights, freedoms and liberty is under wholesale attack due to 9/11. This insistence on this group asserting it's right is just plain stupid from every angle.