Reasoning With Radicals
The New York Times featured an opinion article praising Obama and his understanding of Constitutional Law. It certainly beat the stuffing out of that straw man. No one with any sense thinks Muslims don't have the right to build a mosque on private property. As many commentators and the President have pointed out, the controversy is over the “wisdom” of placing the community center so close to where many lost their lives to radicals in the name of Islam. I don't think the placement a wise choice. If the purpose of the community center is to open dialogue and build relations it is painfully obvious that the best way to do that is to build at a location where 60 percent of New Yorkers don't object. These issues have been hashed over by every newspaper and blogger in America. Still, there is one issue that has missed the media limelight. How does this affect radical Islam? Supporters of building the mosque claim that not allowing the construction to go forward will just confirm for radical Muslims that America is at odds with Islam. This will bolster their message and create more ill will towards America and Americans. I have no doubt that this is true. Those in opposition to the mosque claim it will be a monument to militant Islam's victory on 9/11. Muslims have historically built mosques on special places in lands they have conquered. I have no doubt that this also is true.
You cannot reason with radicals. Either way the story plays out radical Islam will spin it to their advantage. The only way Americans could have come out on top of this issue is if the project had never been proposed at this location in the first place. I don't know the intent of the Cordoba House but I do know that any way you spin it they have given radical Islam ammunition. Good intentions do not always beget good results.
I am happy to live in a country that affords all of us so many freedoms but it is important to remember that just because you have the freedom to do something doesn't mean you should do it. Since radical Islam wins either way I throw my two cents in with those who disapprove of the mosque. There is no reason to anger a majority of New Yorkers and play into radical Islam's hands.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, if you want to open dialogue and build good will, you must choose to move the mosque. Even with noble intentions the perception is very real and very negative. There are times to make a stand for religious freedom but no one is challenging your legal right to build, therefore this is not one of those times. Be bold, and courageous and make a loud statement for moderate Muslims by respecting New Yorker's sensitivities and choosing another location. There will be much dialogue and good will to gain.
Tyson Bam
August 18th, 2010
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