'Ground Zero' mosque approved

 
The NY Post reports the following news today (Nov. 22, 2010):
 
The developers behind the proposed Ground Zero mosque have applied for about $5 million in federal grant money set aside for redeveloping downtown Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to a new report.  The application was submitted as a "community and cultural enhancement" grant, which is a program run by the Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Corp. Developer Sharif El-Gamal discussed the grant proposal in recent closed-door meetings, according to The Daily Beast. The revelation that the developers have asked for this grant could reignite outrage about the mosque's proposed location.



This is a very difficult issue take grasp of.  The events of Sept. 11th were among the most horrific incidents in U.S. history.  The utter mentioning of the events conjure feelings of shock, hurt, sorry, anger, and helplessness.  Once thought to be the safest land on earth, September 11th became a firm reminder that we are no more safe than many eastern european nations. 

Following that dreadful day, our government instituted an immediate payback plan with launched us into two wars.  In that moment, we called for war.  We needed to fight back (if only to mask our victimization).  We needed to, again, remind the world not to mess with us.  I get it.  The world got it.  But, that was then (9 years ago), and this is now.

What do we need now? Isn't that the real question?

I believe we, as a nation, need Closure.  What is closure?  Is it aimlessly selecting enemies to battle? Is it further dividing our nation into more subsets of cultures, colors, and religions?  Or, is it doing the hard part of making ourselves whole again.  America is a great nation because of the principles for which it stands:  life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...

Perhaps it is time that we all go back and reread the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.  Once we have recommitted ourselves to the principles for which it stands, we will realize that what makes the U.S. great is its tolerance.  Tolerance is the our key to freedom.  It is the reason we fight wars and protest injustice.  In fact, the 1st amendment confirms the right for freedom of religion.  As a result, we need to fight for our constitution, fight against our own prejudices, fight the hurt by facing and standing true to OUR principles.
Therefore, we should not oppose the right or our citizens to lawfully construct their religious sanctuary.  As hurtful as that may be, it's the only way to heal this pain and move forward. 

Let NO evil deter us from the mission that God has placed before us.  We are special.  Let's never forget that.