Should we be like Saudis re Religious Freedom?

[Rita]

The psychology of this goes a little further for most humans (most Americans) than simply Freedom of Speech. If someone hates us so much as well as hates Christians and Jews, why would he want to build in this particular location? Or, in this Nation at all? Because of the freedoms in which we believe and revere.....to have discussions like this? The group that opposes this mosque is questioning the motives in this fashion. And, there is an opposing group that is for this mosque being built in this location because they believe it be healing to many people and on many levels.

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You could add a group that believes that there may not be any legal reason to deny the right to build.

 

[Gidget]

I'm tired of puzzling about this :scratch:- one minute I read this and another I read that

I'll just wait and see what happens.

 

[30ashopper]

What I meant by that 30Ashopper, is that are other places of worship allowed? If any are allowed then of course a mosque should be. If the others aren't then of course nothing should be built. I would imagine they are all allowed - so in that case, yes. (I think I said it in reverse above, but meant the same thing)

I still don't understand WHAT this has to do w/Saudi Arabia which is a point we agree on right?

I'm pretty sure all are allowed, government generally doesn't have the right to restrict such things. Building codes and standards yes, but not what takes place within the building after it's built, assuming it's legal.

 

[LuciferSam]

I'm pretty sure all are allowed, government generally doesn't have the right to restrict such things. Building codes and standards yes, but not what takes place within the building after it's built, assuming it's legal.

There are such things as zoning restrictions, which typically take into account the nature of the business.

 

[sarawind]

Well, I don't think that's the premise of the group opposing the construction of this mosque and it certainly isn't mine. Please don't misread or misconstrue my statement, which is thoughtful observation. I was responding to your hypothetical statement of assuming someone hates us. If someone hates us that much, then why do they want to build here?

They want to build this mosque because they do hate us. It is to be a monument to the killing of innocents at the World Trade Centers. It is a monument - in their eyes- of their triumph over the infidel. I don't give a rat's patootie about political correctness when it comes to the enemy. Google how many mosques in the Florida Panhandle or where ever you live. You may be amazed.

 

[Gidget]

I'm pretty sure all are allowed, government generally doesn't have the right to restrict such things. Building codes and standards yes, but not what takes place within the building after it's built, assuming it's legal.

I know they are all allowed - that's the point of my statement. If one is allowed then how can you say no to another.

But that's as far as I'm going with this. I've read several articles today and each time I read one I find something I agree with from both camps.

It'd be nice if religion wasn't so divisive. But it is and this won't go away and I'm afraid it will keep many people in a state of anger on both sides of this issue.

 

[Lynnie]

Lucifer, I am not questioning anything. I don't have CNN or Fox any longer and not sure I want those channels ever again (don't miss them at all). I get the evening news now and that's it-it also isn't as detailed as cable news outlets. My response was to a hypothetical question and I have considered both sides in this.

I am glad I don't have this decision weighing on my shoulders because despite a victory for either side, there is a loss as strong for the opposition. The comments I've heard have spoken of 'healing' for, not just NYC and Americans, but for the world. I agree with this. I have also heard statements that this mosque can carry wounds even deeper and provide a possible haven for radicals of the Muslim faith for those who do seek harm for anyone who doesn't share their beliefs.

This is a tough one and yes I feel those cracks in my heart again for many, many people who experienced loss of loved ones in those towers Sept.11, 2001-it's hard to forget and hard not to forget.

Rita, I agree with you-I can add a group from a legal perspective, but I presume both sides are relying heavily on this from a respect of bldg code, legal organization and ensuring the Articles or Org aren't peppered with illegal aliens I.E. Radical Muslims.

I so trust this will have a good result. And, one not followed with violence and hatred.

 

[LuciferSam]

This thread has convinced me that Christopher Hitchens is right, "Religion poisons everything"

 

[Lynnie]

I know what you're saying, Lucifer; however, I think it's humans who are doing the poisoning. For people who believe in higher power regardless of faith, I love their passion. For those who don't believe, I respect their beliefs.

 

[LuciferSam]

I know what you're saying, Lucifer; however, I think it's humans who are doing the poisoning. For people who believe in higher power regardless of faith, I love their passion. For those who don't believe, I respect their beliefs.

I do agree with you. It's the humans doing the poisoning using religion as their weapon. It doesn't have to be that way, but that's just what happens, not in each and every case, but often enough.