[Calgaryborn]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

Whose "best interests" are you referring to? Is it your contention that the Muslims who live and work in and around lower Manhattan, the majority of whom are legal US citizens, are not "real Americans" entitled to the same rights and protections of other groups?

What you and those of you on the wrong side of this debate seem to be forgetting is that the people who will be using this mosque are not the 9/11 terrorists or extremists from Saudi Arabia or Egypt. They're American citizens who are part of the Muslim community in New York City. They were affected by the terrorist attacks just as much as any other New Yorker. How many innocent Muslims worked in the Twin Towers and died on 9/11, do you think? Their friends and relatives are entitled to a place of worship in their community as much as the Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and members of any other religion are.

Sure American muslims have suffered and they certainly have a right to practice their religion. There are over a hundred mosques already in New York city. Nobody has said they shouldn't be allowed to build anymore. The issue is whether or not this location is appropriate. "Ground Zero Mosque" as the builders wish to call it will cause distress to millions of New Yorkers who have already suffered a lot. Aren't their feelings important too? Why aren't these Muslims showing empathy towards those non-Muslims who have suffered at the hand of Muslims?

Originally Posted by MarchHare

Don't you suppose Americans ought to be forgiving and show tolerance and respect towards Muslims living in New York? Don't you think that's the best way to combat extremism, by rising above it? Isn't that what Jesus would do?

Americans have and continue to show tolerance and respect towards Muslims living in New York and across America. They bent over backwards not to lump them all into one basket. They did this even though the terrorist were found to come out of the same Mosques as their peace loving counterpart. America deserves a lot of credit for their restraint in trying times.

As far as "what Jesus would do" I think you should read how he handled the false teachers of His day. Jesus' mission wasn't a political one so the question is a little difficult to answer. But, don't think for a moment that Jesus was tolerant of sinners. He may have dined with sinners but, that didn't stop Him from calling them to repent. He preached on Hell more than any other New Testament figure. He also declared Himself as the only way to God.

Originally Posted by MarchHare

Nevermind the fact that the New York Muslims who will be using this facility aren't America's "enemies". You should get the point.

You can't know that. The fact is that those American enemies worshiped at the same Mosques as their non-violent counterparts. Moreover you will find pockets of sympathy for their actions in many if not most Mosques in America. Don't you think a Mosque two blocks away from the Trade centers explosions and named "Ground Zero Mosque" might seem a little bit poetic to these Muslims who hate America? I would think it would attract militants if for no other reason than to gloat.