Re: I guess not. - Edit 1
Before modification by Variant at 18/08/2010 11:09:33 AM
Define "we." Since Americans aren't a homogeneous group, I would assume that some believe in total religious tolerance, some believe in no religious tolerance, and most probably believe in it to a certain degree depending on the situation.
As for me, I believe in being tolerant of other religions, but that doesn't mean I am required to express approval of every single thing members of a particular religion want to do.
I was referring really to some of the ideals to which this country was founded on. Freedom of religion, Tolerance of other Religions. Now obviously I'm not saying this country is a homogeneous group which lives up to that ideal, nonetheless it should be something we (and when I mean "we" I do mean everyone) should strive for. But I guess that's not the case.
However, it seems like a whole lot of salt is going be poured on a lot of wounds if this mosque is built where it is. And the ones doing the pouring don't seem to care all that much either. Why exactly must we cater to them and pussy-foot around how the situation makes us feel? So other people who have no stake in the situation and who will probably continue to dislike us anyway will think we're "enlightened?"
Personally, I don't feel anyone is pouring salt on my wound. I can only speak for myself of course. I confess I don't really care if they build it or not. My issue with this is how this debate has degraded to such an extent.
And yes, I agree that giving a big middle finger to those who disagree isn't always wise. But there are situations where it is appropriate, and I think this is one of them.
Um, I have to disagree here, I don't believe it's appropriate in any situation. Besides how does that help your argument? How does that help civil discourse?
Because this issue is, at its core, a sensitivity issue toward the victims and site of an atrocity. Not a racial, religious, or xenophobic issue, as much as its supporters would like to make it out to be in order to vilify and discredit their opponents.
Can you honestly say, that there isn't even a little bit of racial, religious, and xenophobia undertone to some (hint I mean some, not all) of those who are opposing this? You're being disingenuous if you think that isn't the case.
And, as the ones who were victims of or affected by that particular atrocity, Americans' opinions are the ones that matter most. WE were attacked. OUR nation. OUR people. Not Europe or any other country. We are allowed to feel however we want about it, regardless of whether or not it is politically correct, and we don't need the approval of a bunch of non-Americans to think and feel however we do. Doesn't mean non-Americans can't have or express opinions on the subject, but we do not need to make sure our opinions match theirs OR worry about how our reaction to the situation makes them feel about or view us, and if they think that we do, then they can take that particular opinion and STICK IT.
As I've said before, there are a good reasons to oppose allowing the Islamic center to be built so close to Ground Zero, particularly the family opposition. But what is happening now - is not rational debate in this country. It's pure emotion for some, pure political calculation for others. No one wins here. In a time when our country is in 2 wars in the middle east, do you really think this type of opposition and intolerance is going to be helping us in the long run? I don't think so.