The Mosque near ground zero

Not permitting a mosque to be built near the sight of 911 in New York is not only dangerous to democracy, it is unconstitutional. Allowing the mosque to proceed is supported by the mayor of New York, and would bring significant economic benefits and cultural diversity to the area. The opposition to the mosque is driven by right wing religious extremist groups with their own theocratic agenda. The argument put forward is that the mosque is a symbol of victory for the Muslim religion, and therefore is offensive and should not be allowed to proceed.

If the mosque were forced to relocate, the logical conclusion is that all religious institutions (churches, mosques, temples, synagogues) should be banned by government in locations where they may be offensive. This would of course extinguish any religious freedoms that are a cornerstone of American democracy. It is not a wise path to take. Do Americans really want to repeat the mistakes of Soviet and Chinese style totalitarian communism where all religions were banned? Banning the mosque at ground zero is a sure way to destroy the basic democratic strengths of America,individual liberty and religious freedom.

It would be much wiser to proceed with the mosque, acknowledging that many Muslims were also killed in the attacks, and that the attacks were by fanatical extremists, not representative of mainstream Muslim beliefs. It would also send a message to moderate Muslims that the opponents of the mosque do not represent mainstream America, but are extremists with their own agenda of theocratic politics, as were the terrorists. A mosque in New York surrounded by Jewish Synagogues, Christian churches and the financial centre of the world in the shadows of the symbol of American freedom, the Statue of Liberty can hardly harm America. If anything, it will add to its rich cultural diversity.

Americans and others in western democracies have paid a huge price for their freedoms. If they are not preserved, other religions may soon be banned from controversial locations, and that could well include those who are now the most vocal opponents of the mosque near ground zero.