Respect or Selfishness? (Blog 3)

In the United States, there are a lot of freedom’s that we as citizens are able to have.  Freedom of speech, thoughts and religion serve as common examples.  In addition to the rights that we have, respect plays as a strong role in our society.  On September 11, 2001 the respect we once had, was gone, as our twin towers were crashed into and collapsed on the ground.  Now, nearly a decade later, the proposition of constructing a mosque near the ground site of September 11th is taking place.  Multiple controversies are being produced and an x amount of bias statements are being put forth.  The well known ‘leader’ of the mosque, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, is a religious individual who is additionally referenced to as a man of peace and feels that in building the mosque, it could be viewed as a monument good for both the U.S. and Muslim worlds.  A major issue, addressed by Bill O’Reilly, is the true meaning behind all of this.  O’Reilly discusses how “It is acceptable to question the idea of the mosque, however, it is unacceptable to argue the point of building the mosque on the site of 9/11 when you do not know the real facts behind what really happened” (Frauenheim).   I find this to be a significant topic for many reasons.  The perspectives coming from so many different angles allows others to rethink or stick with their true feelings.  Citizens in the U.S. have their opinions and heart felt instincts, where as descendants from the muslim community have different thoughts.  Throughout the past month, the issue began ‘small’ and has built up to a more complex topic.  The main two debates that this problem has broken down. First, how it is wrong to put the mosque near the site due to the fact that it shows lack of respect towards citizens who have been personally affected, as well as the country itself.  And Secondly, the idea that this is America and people living here deserve the rights they are given to preach their religious views and feelings.  Both are excellent and significant points, however, I am siding with the first debate.   In an article from fox news, the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) state “ The controversy which has emerged regarding the building of an Islamic Center at this location is counterproductive to the healing process” they continue, “ We believe the city of New York would be better served if an alternative location could be found” (Frauenheim).  I support this statement 100% and feel that if Muslims are or want to be a part of the United States, then they need to accept the feelings and emotions that we as a country will undergo. Tolerance should swing both ways, and in this case Muslims should be sincere and understand how in this instance, tolerance should sway towards the United States since the Muslims are the ones who had attacked us.  All over America there are mosques built and used, the point that is most bothersome is how Rauf does not have a reason for building this mosque right by ground zero, his best attempt to clarify is that he is a man of peace and wants everyone to be happy.  I strongly disagree and feel that no ‘outsider’ should be in charge of building something of his religion onto a sacred part of our American grounds that were attacked. Rauf’s lack of respect for the United States shines through as clear as day, as he feels that the U.S. laws can be manipulated to bring in other outside religions and thoughts.  In this strong and serious scenario, he is everything but correct.