When Did the Constitution Become Just a Suggestion

Over the last month, what started as a single-city issue has grown into a national debate over religious freedom and American rights. The proposed building of a mosque in New York City, very close to Ground Zero, has divided the country into those who feel a Muslim-focused building has no place near a place where those of the same beliefs killed 3,000 Americans, and those who feel that freedom of religion trumps any individual opinions on what people should be allowed to do. With President Obama supporting the right to express religion, regardless of the situation, a large group of Americans now find themselves opposing an idea supported by not only much of the country, but also their President.

Park 51 is proposed to be a 15-story mosque along with a 500-seat auditorium, a swimming pool, art space, and shops. It will be located near the location where, in 2001, the Twin Towers were taken down by terrorists, killing 3,000 people and leaving an image no one is soon to forget. Because of that attack, many people feel that the building of this mosque is a direct offense to everything that Ground Zero stands for, disrespecting the memories of all the lives lost. However, in their campaign to fight against this build, the opposition sounds more like terrorists than the people they claim are the actual terrorists. One resident even said, “If the mosque gets built, "we will bombard it” (MSN News). Statements like that go against everything America is built on and all the beliefs we claim to support. In fact, opposing this building in such an immature and radical way makes us sound like the countries we’re so against.

Even the Anti-Defamation League isn’t fully supportive. "The controversy which has emerged regarding the building of an Islamic Center at this location is counterproductive to the healing process. Therefore, under these unique circumstances, we believe the City of New York would be better served if an alternative location could be found," the ADL said (Fox News).

The good news for those of us who still believe in freedom of religion, the elected officials of New York are supporting the mosque. According to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, “The government should never, never be in the business of telling people how they should pray or where they can pray. We want to make sure that everybody from around the world feels comfortable coming here, living here and praying the way they want to pray.” It’s reassuring to know that, when America shows its true colors with tolerance and understanding, the people we elected to represent us remember our real values, and the First Amendment.