Sad commentary: the public resistance to mosque construction--in Lower Manhattan and elsewhere in America
Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 12:06AM 
NYT story on public resistance across America to mosque construction.
Not a new story: public education in America took off in the 1830s in response to the rising influx of Irish Catholics and their parochial schools. And whenever the middle class income takes a hit, resistance to foreigners swells.
But it's particularly galling to see Americans resist a group trying to organize themselves religiously in our midst, because freedom of religion brought so many of us to these shores. Starting a church is such an American thing, and these people are declaring themselves openly and rooting themselves in our society--who doesn't want to see that sort of upfront behavior?
To me, the suspicious ones are the ones who don't want to build out in the open and declare themselves, so formal connectivity is always to be welcomed.
Sad state of affairs.
When I first heard of the mosque proposal in Lower Manhattan, I thought it was perfect--very American. But too many of us are reaching for the lowest common denominators, which usually are based on fear and ignorance.
No way to win a Long War, say I.
Reader Comments (10)
It is legal to build the mosque at Ground Zero. Many people who lost familty or friends there do not think it is appropriate. It is a debate, not hysterical zenophobia or Islamophobia. The wounds are still very raw. But the imam Rauf demands that mosque be built or the U.S. will be attacked, both here and abroad. That sounds like an open threat from a man who claims he wants to build bridges. Can he not at least consider the feelings and wishes of those who oppose the mosque? Let the debate continue. It's good to air the issue out to its fullest.
It's legal to burn a Koran or a bunch of Korans in this country. But it is a very inappropriate thing to do. One reason is that Muslims are hypersensitive to such acts. However, it's also legal to burn a Bible or an American flag in this country. But it's not appropriate. However, we do not threaten to kill or attack people who burn Bibles or American flags. We just condemn them in no uncertain terms and hope they will see the error of their ways. Once again it is a debate about what is appropriate. It gets thrashed out and then we go on.
Many people who have studied Islam such as Robert Spencer at Jihad Watch.com and others have come to the conclusion that, unless Islam undergoes a major reformation, it is totally uncompatible with Western society. He may be correct. It is certainly an issue that needs to be debated in full. The problem is that Muslim sensitivities are so fragile they cannot enter into the debate without losing their composure and going into a rage. Why is it they can threaten us with attacks if we don't comply with their demands and we are not allowed to call them on their inappropriate behaviour? Do they get a pass because they are scary and we don't want to rile them up? Or are we supposed to kowtow to them because their religion is somehow unique and above reproach? These are questions I would like to see explored.
Tom,
Love your blog and all your posts and regard you as a veritable fount of wisdom and knowledge, and will continue to do so until the end of time, for ever and ever, Amen.
But here is where I think you lose the plot. If the business of America is business the religion of America is Xianity. It is what gives America its particular ethos. Yes, others contribute, but not in the same way or to the same extent. They ain't establishing a church, for Christ's sake, its a mosque and its an insult to the thousands of people who were murdered. Can't you see that?
Look, its a big country and they can build their mosque anywhere they want. Why here and in this particular place? Its provocative, its disrespectful, its a finger in the eye. Have to disagree with you here. Especially in my own mind's eye, when I see those poor souls jumping out of 90th floor windows to escape the flames and go splat on the pavement. And one other thing, I'm not even an American, I'm a Canuck; but I think I can perceive the malevolent purpose behind this mosque being built in this particular place. No, Tom. I think you're wrong. Back up and think again or come back with a better argument.
There is a difference between somewhere in Lower Manhattan and exactly at Ground Zero. No one proposes a mosque right on the site.
I can cherry-pick from any major religion and declare it compatible or incompatible with globalization.
Fundamentalist Islam is incompatible with globalization, the evagelical variant is most definitely compatible and thus growing. But those statements are true of these competing strains in all faiths. Point is, do we wish to speak with clarity and distinction or do we want to make blanket statements?
Declaring a religion must be compatible with Western civilization is OBE. We now live in a much bigger America--and a much bigger world.
Very interesting comments. Here is my two cents.
This center has the potential to further Americanize Islam, which is the best way to combat the extremist. Most immigrants come to this country to succeed through hard work. They are overwhelmingly entrepreneurial, and create strong ties to their old homes. This process promotes America and globalization around the world, and America is always in need of good press.
I also feel that there has been a strong Islamic presences in New York City for some time. Predating the World Trade Center was a portion of lower Manhattan called Little Syria. This community consisted of Muslims and Christians from the Ottoman Empire. Four blocks away from Ground Zero is a Mosque that also predates the Twin Towers. Banning this community center is akin to not serving "The Irish." I thought America was past this type of prejudice.
Then there is the first amendment. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;...
I am sympathetic to the victims of 9/11, but hurt feelings is no excuse for unconstitutional prejudice. Let us not forget that American Muslims died in the 9/11 attack.
This is a casting call for nut cases and fame seekers of every stripe. From the "Pastor" of the 12 person congregation who vowed to burn Korans to the "Imam" who appeared from nowhere to threaten America. These people have no followers, no no creed, no armies. They only have the voracious media beast willing to devour every word, every sound bite, and every photo op they produce. The 24 hour news cycle, the internet and shameless news editors brew these crises out of nothing. Everyone in the world, from cold mountain villages to steaming jungle outposts knows that if you want to get on television all you have to do is burn an American flag. Within hours we will see it on every channel and cable outlet. Right after the latest story about Paris Hilton.
Tom, I am waiting, still waiting, for all the "good" Muslims to step up. Where are the condemnations of terrorism and murder from Muslim leaders? I see women beaten, Doctors murdered, men beheaded. Yet, I am told Islam is a peaceful religion. I am a product of the Jesuits. I know the history of the Catholic Church. People were burned at the stake and had their tongues cut out. Women are still not allowed into the priesthood. I won't even go into today's problems. But Catholic Bishops are not encouraging their flocks to murder Americans or Christians. Muslim clerics are.
Now that my button has been pushed I have to say this. I am getting tired of hearing President Obama apologizing for the Muslim faith. He was elected to be President of the United States...not President of the world. Those New York Firemen and Police Officers that died were my brothers in blue. If we could bring them back I would ask them. Would the Muslim call to prayer wafting over ground zero be a symbol of American tolerance...or a mockery of their sacrifice?
I would take a different view on this.
Islam, according to Dr. Pipes study of its history, has the imperative to conquer territory.
The naming of the cultural center CORDOBA is a historical signal of victory in the conquering of territory.
The bigger issue for me is the typical 'change the subject' when Muslim leaders are asked about 'Sharia Law', which is about as unAmerican as it gets.
I understand the thought that this is a 'sufi' oriented venture, and if they were to even change the name of it, I would feel much better.
So who is ignorant in this case?
America has taken Islam and fashioned something different .( African-American variation and Sushi style openings.......and Cultural centres with Jewsih and Christian places of worship (within the Islamic site!)).
Only in America!!
Could any of the Saudi backers do this back home ? They'd be stoned .
Bombed by AQ.
Elsewhere in the world Islam is just an extention of Arabs vs Persians with bit players on the sides.If the Islamic reformation ever takes place.....mark my words ..it will be an American at the helm
It just needs to navigate some strange waters ( Stealth Jihad , Crescent sightings) but I believe that the US is the only place it can happen.
Cherish your ability ...don't rubbish it.
Practically the whole of the Muslim world is a type of Ally , with US bases in many of them.Yet strange how they are positioned in the "id" like some stealth commies under the bed that need to be marked out..distanced out a bit..demarcated...toned down.
TB's words that never fail to enlighten...don't confuse the Force with the Friction.
Reality will plough on regardless.Cultural centre or not.
What is it about this issue that causes me to sit on the fence? When I read Mr. Barnett's post I said to myself, "Yah, that's right." But when I read Mr. J.'s post I said, "Yah, that's right, too." Every post I read ~ Mr. Crook, Mr. Sterns, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. Hare ~ "Yah, I agree." How can I agree to two sides of a fence? Could it be that there are two distinct issues here?
Religious Freedom ~ definitely a big 'YES' for all the reasons Mr. Barnett brings forth. As a Baha'i, I cherish this freedom, and know well the awful outcomes of religious prejudice and intolerance ~ but not from Americans (for the most part). In fact, when we built our beautiful Baha'i Center in Nasville, TN there were no greivances at all. On the other hand, 3 recently proposed mosques ~ one in Brentwood, one in Nashville and one in Murfreesboro ~ have all come under severe attack. No one can blame proximity to Ground Zero for this. What's the root?
Sharia Law ~ definitely a big 'NO' for all the reasons Mr Hare described and more. And I think it's the reason I'm riding the fence. I have yet to hear our American Muslims neighbors ~ peaceful as they are ~ voice any oposition to this law. I would not be sitting on the fence if I heard a clear and undeniable objection from American Imams that Sharia Law is not followed or endorsed by American Muslims. Listen to Wafa Sultan on this subject:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYB4pG3kHIY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISNpOkpcWqg&feature=related
In the beginning I favored the center being built on the grounds of religious freedom.
As time goes on, and the maelstrom of hate and prejudice builds, I see that the Iman Rauf is right - we need this center. We need to see the human side of Islam. We need to stop the racism that associates ordinary, loving people, our neighbors, with terrorists simply because we are too ignorant of their creed.
To the person citing the name of Cordoba as a "conquest" reference -
After their re-conquest it was the Christians who expelled the Jews from Spain in 1492. After their conquest the Muslims asked for taxes - and expelled no one. Muslims are more American than you think.
Tom:
It’s been a while! We met 3 yrs or so ago at UT-Knoxville the afternoon you rocked the auditorium w/ your PP, w/ Kissinger in the front row! I know you remember that, even if you don’t remember me. I’m the guy who was chatting you up about wisdom-based U.S. – Mideast relations as an alternative to ideologically-oriented constructions. And I think we then traded a couple emails afterward about the bk I’m writing on the subject. It’s cool if you don’t remember that stuff.
Anyway, I read your 9/11 post and the comments just as I was finishing an article on the ground zero mosque, which I’ve now finished and stuck up on my site. I’m not meaning for you to link it, but was more interested your personal take on it, because I think you’re a great guy to offer feedback from a POV I need to hear from. I suspect we have a bit of a different take! Of course, chat it up publicly if you wish, but I’m really mainly interested in engaging a bit with you about it, if you have a moment. You may use the "cstroh14" email address if you wish.
And it’s really only the second half of the article, which starts with the subhead “What would wisdom do?” that might interest you, as the first half is just my take on “the facts.” The second half is where I say what’s really on my mind, ha! It _very different_ to what is being said so far. I think it goes to the heart of the controversy.
Here’s the link: http://www.charlesstrohmer.com/writings/on-international-relations/the-truth-about-the-mosque-at-ground-zero/
I look forward to hearing from you if you have time.
Cheers,
Charles