Mosque or No Mosque

A friend of mine posed a question on Facebook to his friends on this debate and what they feel about building one near Ground Zero.

Well there were definitely comments... mostly in anger to fuss and fight about who was right or wrong, and ignorance about the purpose of the community center and mosque. Which are meant to support and heal those who have suffered from the loss of their loved ones (yes, there were Americans of the Muslim faith in the twin towers), educate people on the Koran and extremist views, as well as to develop open dialogue and communication. With the hope that we can all learn from each other through this experience and recognize the need for closure and healing for everyone.

At the risk of inviting negative attacks and angry rebuttals, I post my comment here:

people have a right to protest and those of polarizing opinions will never agree. this debate really centers around the right for human dignity and who deserves it. consider this...is your argument based on whether you see middle easterners and muslims as human beings and those who legally live and work in the US as american citizens?

hate, ignorance and fear are what create extremist views and war. and isn't it great that you have the freedom to speak your mind until you're blue in the face in order to publicly convince someone that you're right? :>

defacing or destroying public property and causing injury and death to make a statement is not only illegal it's socially irresponsible and morally reprehensible (e.g., post 9-11). it dishonors those who have gone into service and sacrificed their lives to protect freedom, the right to free speech, and human dignity.

the us military is the instrument to enforce and defend those ideals, not as an instrument of retaliation and colonialism. doesn't spiderman's credo of having great power apply to this as well?

let us not forget that the original natives of this country were abused, forced off their lands and marginalized, while european immigrants came to escape political and religious persecution in order to live a life with freedom and dignity.

maybe in 150 years from now humanity will have evolved into an age of empowerment and light, and resolve issues with respect and harmony. there are such cooperative societies that exist now, why not make (i meant use or adopt) their practices to come together and resolve a mutual disagreement?

anyhow, i'll get off my soapbox now... lol