The letter dealt with plans to build a 13-story Muslim community centre and mosque in New York City.
Typically, approval for construction of a community centre in a foreign country would not be the sort of thing alarming the minds of people in central Newfoundland.
The only difference is this Muslim community centre is two blocks north of the former site of the World Trade Centre.
Ever since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Muslim community has been under periodic scrutiny over its faith, which is Islam. The sad fact is that a few bad apples, or radicals, can leave a negative mark on a religion.
The furor over the placement of the Muslim centre in New York has built two lines of thought – one supporting the notion of religious tolerance, and the other expressing doubt over the appropriateness of building a mosque so close to the site of the most prominent target in the Sept. 11 attacks.
The author of last week’s letter to The Beacon wrote, “there is now a permanent link between radical Islam and 9/11.” Yes, that’s true.
The remainder of the letter continued to bandy about adjectives for Muslims and Islam – radical being the most common one. It’s a seemingly careful usage, so as to differentiate those sorts, from other practicing Muslims.
“Good and honest followers of Islam do not need to continually have their intentions second-guessed because some sick people caused horrible events.” -
However, the allusions to “radical Islam” and “radical Muslim supporters” is misplaced in arguing against the mosque. First off, no link has been found between the proponents of this site and the “radical” followers of Islam. I think those sorts would not be interested in setting up such a high-profile centre with an obviously attention-grabbing location.
Secondly, the notion that building a mosque in this location is a victory for radical Muslim supporters is irrelevant. Should people really care all that much what people with sick minds are thinking? I have a stronger phrase in mind for whatever a violence-craving radical might perceive as a victory, but I won’t share it here.
Really, what this mosque could represent, if people looked at it from a compassionate standpoint, is an opportunity to embrace religious freedoms and the ability to move on from tragic events. Good and honest followers of Islam do not need to continually have their intentions second-guessed because some sick people caused horrible events.
Really, could there be a stronger message America could send to the world about its commitment to freedom than to have a Muslim community centre so close to the site of the Twin Towers?
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