Did the Japanese ask to build a shinto shrine near the site of Pearl Harbor? If they did, will someone please write to me and let me know. To me this mosque issue is a question of sensitivity, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. I know several Japanese-Americans well, and I don’t think it would ever have occurred to them to treat the Pearl Harbor attack with anything less than horror and disgust. Their families were treated horribly during WWII, their entire culture was blamed for this act of aggression.
The case in New York has been handled poorly by both the press’s inflammatory statements, and by the waffling of our political leaders. Let’s remember that thousands of people died here in a horrific manner. It was a direct attack on not only New York as the coolest place where all things western meet, but was meant to divide people through fear. People are still afraid. These extremists praised their God as they murdered. What else can be said about this?
This congregation has a right to build. If, however, they chose to build elsewhere it would probably go a long way in showing New Yorkers, the victims families, and Americans at large that they want to be a part of this great nation. This is what most people want, I think. Let us know you want to be a part of our society, not a reminder of one of the worst days this nation has ever experienced.
Lois, In San Francisco is a Japanese Tea Garden that was built sometime after WW2 as a sign of “peace” btwn our countries. I remember visiting it as a teen. A couple blocks away from ground zero is too close for bldg a mosque and a slap in the face to those who died from muslim terrorists. if they wanna build a NY mosque, then build one out on long island in the hamptons, montauk or the ny adirondack mtns out in the middle of nowhere JUST NOT in NEW YORK CITY which is only 13 miles long and 2 miles wide anyway.