As I'm sure you all know, there has been a lot of talk and debate about the mosque/community center that is proposed to be built close to Ground Zero. This has spurred comments by the media, political figures, and everyday Americans alike, so much so that it seems like people don't know what is truth and what is not anymore.
Politics is a touchy subject, and I am aware of that. This is not going to be a post where I berate you if you don't agree with me, nor do I intend for it to be overly political in nature. I am just getting extremely frustrated with some of the things I am hearing as of late. Things that have to simply do with freedom of religion have become so twisted in the politcal matrix that I don't think the general public knows which way is up anymore.
Specifically, I am talking about President Obama's comments on building the mosque. While it is well known among my friends that I am usually an avid Obama supporter, I especially support him in his recent comments:
"Muslims have the right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country... And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan."
Now yes, I can absolutely see how this can be viewed as direct support of building the mosque. However, I can also counter that he is simply stating his opinion about freedom of religion.. a basic right in our country that needs to be addressed. Obama was able to step outside his Presidential, political role, and tell it like it is: this is our basic right as citizens of the United States. He stepped away from midterm elections, getting re-elected, approval ratings, all that nonsense to try and remind us to be more open. Something that almost every single politician can't stand to do because they are so wrapped up in their popularity. What about what is good for a nation...?
Now I am not saying that I support the mosque; I am actually in the middle at the moment and don't have a firm opinion about it being built either way. However, I do believe that Muslims have just as much right as anyone else to practice their religion wherever they like, just like I do as a Lutheran.
This whole debate progessed even further when it was shown that 18% of Americans think Obama himself is Muslim, with more than 60% of those people stating that they heard it from the media or out of the President's own mouth, when he has repeatedly referred to himself as a Christian that prays daily. Only 34% know he is, in fact, a Christian.. down from 48% who knew this a year ago. How do people become so ignorant? My issue is with those who try and argue a point without having ANY hard facts whatsoever.
The saddest part? It shouldn't matter what religion he is. And on that note... what about seperation of church and state? Is that not supposed to be another fundamental part of our country?
The point is, I find it very sad how this 'battle' (of the mosque) is being fought. I get annoyed and frustrated at people's lack of knowledge. I get riled up when people insist they are right and aren't even willing to listen to other people's opinions.
Two articles that I found rather interesting on the subject:
The Distorted Lens of Islamophobia
The Latest Fake Fact
...thanks for listening.
1 comment:
Wow,so niceeee!! Thanks for sharing!
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