Mosque creates more heat than light

I was both alarmed and frustrated to read Tom and Joan Padilla’s guest column on Aug. 21 titled “Work to overcome bigotry, injustice.”

As they chide opponents of the proposed mosque near ground zero in New York for supposed bigotry and closed-mindedness, it is alarming that the self-righteous and condescending tone of their column generates more heat than light and only serves to further separate the parties in this debate.

I am frustrated that their argument fails in two ways. First, as an opponent of the mosque project, I believe they misrepresent the view of Islam shared by the vast majority of people. Most of us are not experts in Islamic theology, but we do realize the long, rich history it enjoys easily qualifies Islam as one of the truly great world religions.

I don’t know anyone who believes that Muslims should somehow forfeit the right to practice their religion as they see fit and worship God in whatever way seems appropriate to them. Indeed, that freedom is one of the main separation points between us and the Jihadist movement that produces and sustains organizations like al-Qaida and the Taliban. Freedom of religion is simply not the issue.

They also misconstrue our position on the project’s legality. As much as we may oppose the location of this particular mosque, we understand that the builders have every right to build there.

Our criticism is simply that it seems divisive to do so.

Millions of people take the events of Sept. 11, 2001, very personally. Like it or not, the fanatics who brought down the twin towers that day did it in the name of Allah, and we have heard very little from the Muslim community condemning this horrible act. People who live and work in the vicinity still are dealing with the incredible sense of loss, anger and pain that follow such a tragedy. This building only can aggravate their wounds.

Once again, its presence is destined to generate more heat than light – driving us farther apart rather than closer together.

The people in charge of this project are not likely to ask for my opinion, but if they were to do so, I would suggest that the money could be better spent on projects that underscore the considerable difference between mainstream Islam and the fanatical Jihadism that brought about the tragic events of recent years.