Ground Zero Mosque

As the debate continues over whether or not to allow the mosque at Ground Zero, it’s interesting to hear the reasons both pro and con. As an intelligent person, I agree that the pro-mosque supporters are correct that they have the right to build. I also feel that everyone who wants to build on their own property should be able to within the confines of their zoning and ordinance requirements. But having the right to do something and doing what's right are two completely different things.

As a 9-11 responder, however, I have a much different point of view. I’m being told to tolerate another religion and to be more tolerant of their feelings. But if I’m supposed to be more sensitive, why aren't these Muslims being tolerant and sensitive to my and other responders and victim’s desires? 9-11 was a bigger attack and trauma upon Americans than Pearl Harbor.

Examples have been given that it would not be illegal for Japan to erect a massive Shinto shrine near Pearl Harbor. Being a compassionate and understanding people, they have chosen not to. Why? Because they were sensitive to the feeling of area people and America in general. Similarly, when the Catholic Church was planning to build a center for nuns near the site of a former concentration camp in Poland, the Pope intervened. He didn’t tout the church’s “right” to build, but rather repected the painful feelings of the residents. And at no point did he try to denigrate these feelings.

There is no question that the Muslims involved here are not representative of all Muslims in America. Arguments have been made about hallowed ground, Ground Zero participation – the wheel assembly of one of the jets crashed into this building. These same arguments have been eagerly dismissed by others. Apparently, we are witnessing a moral decline of our values in America. And, having our President weigh in on such an obviously local issue, has highlighted that he, as well as others, is not the cause of our downward spiral, but rather the culmination of it.

I would ask the Muslim proponents of the Mosque to do the right thing and seek a different location for their facility. No one is arguing their legal rights. While this may be construed as a Sharia victory, to build a mosque on the land of the conquered enemy, I prefer to think that the congregation and their leaders will opt for another location. In fact, I would hope that other Muslims outside of their congregation would push for this as well.

Thomas Bock is the endorsed candidate of the Republican and Conservative parties for the 92nd Assembly District seat. He can be reached at info@Bock2010. Visit his website at www.Bock2010.com or his blog at www.electtombock.blogspot.com. You can contribute to his campaign through his website and Pay Pal, 

or by sending a check or money order to 

Elect Tom Bock, PO Box 1098, 405 Tarrytown Road, White Plains, NY 10607.