As might be predicted, one of the heavier responses we’ve received to our editorials has and is occurring in reference to the Islamic center/mosque piece we ran last week.
To refresh your memory, officially known as the Cordoba Initiative, members of the Islamic faith want to build a mosque and Islamic community center that is proposed for construction just a couple blocks from near “ground zero” in New York. Our editorial reasoned that unlike most building construction issues that are solely of local interest, this plan has national significance because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They didn’t just affect New York but sent shock waves throughout the United States and the world.
Based in New York, Cordoba officials say they want to improve relations between Islam and the West by hosting leadership conferences for young American Muslims and organizing programs on Arab-Jewish relations, building civil society in the Muslim world and empowering Muslim women. Cordoba purchased the property for $4 million and plans to build a 13-story, $100 million Islamic center, of which the mosque would be a part.
Our contention is that although they have a right to construct the center on the site, out of respect for those killed in the attack, Islamic officials should choose another site. We also noted that moderate Islamic leaders have frequently condemned terrorist attacks but rarely do much else. Paying lip service is OK but talk is always easier and cheaper than action.
In reference to the mosque/center, the editorial notes that here’s some action they can take that would show they do understand and want to live in peace with their non-Muslim neighbors.
The emotional topic drew mixed responses from readers. Some, in fact, most, agreed with the editorial, stating it shouldn’t be built at the present location.
Some readers, citing religious freedom and other reasons, disagreed.
And that’s fine. We don’t expect everyone to support or agree with the stance of an editorial.
It’s OK to disagree. We appreciate the feedback and more important, we appreciate the response for the simple reason it shows the editorial was read.
I’ve said it before and I will undoubtedly repeat this in many many blogs — the editorial and pretty much everything else on the Opinion Page is just that — opinions.
We all have a right to our own opinion and what makes America great is that people can express their views without retribution. Let’s hope that is always the case.