Comment by Martinson on August 25, 2010 at 9:11pm

Considering that the building in question isn't in fact next to the Ground Zero site, I really don't mind. Ordinarily I have a slight aversion to new construction of religious buildings but I can support this one because it pisses off the fundies.

Comment by libhomo on August 26, 2010 at 6:45am

If the people against the mosque were fighting against Christian churches and Jewish and Hindu temples, then I would support them. But, the are singling out Islam which isn't any worse than all the other religions. What a bunch of hypocrites.

Comment by Scott M on August 26, 2010 at 1:44pm

1. There is already a mosque 4 blocks away from Ground Zero.

2. This isn't actually a mosque, it is a community center that happens to also include religious use.

3. Freedom of Religion either applies to all religions, or none. Respect for religion either applies to all religions or none. Unless that specific congregation of muslims, or a specific member of that congregation, has engaged in criminal acts they have as much right as any other religious group to build a center for worship.

Comment by Carl Gregory on August 26, 2010 at 1:56pm

I feel they have the right to build it. I also think this might end pretty badly, I didn't hear the full story yet, but a muslim was already stabbed over this in NY.

Comment by Jim DePaulo on August 26, 2010 at 2:31pm

Either we support the Constitution or we ignore it. Their right to build a mosque/community center is 100% Constitutional, to deny or interfere with that doesn't compromise their values it compromises ours.
The implied principle of the Constitution is to protect the rights of the minority against the tyranny of the majority. Although in recent years it seems the majority needs protection from the tyranny of the minority - the one precenters at the top and their bought and paid for politicians.

Comment by Earther on August 29, 2010 at 5:24am

So far I like these comments to the question. It sparks my next question about tax breaks for religious organizations. My concern is that now we have a so called "Christian Government", so what if the the next wealthy organized religion wins over and becomes our new ugly beast of intolerance. Should there or is there a better way to accept "religion" in a free country with how money flows through it?

Comment by Clarence Dember on September 5, 2010 at 6:13pm

I think these and other religious pundits should be required by the zoning board to set up an interfaith chapel they must share with other religious faiths. A place where no one can hold forth as the sole beneficiary of sock puppet lore and comportment. A place designed to teach them to share the world or at least a place in it.

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