Freedom of Religion or Freedom From Islam?

With the controversy over the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York reaching unforeseen heights, the debate over new mosque construction has spilled across state lines and is taking root in many communities great distances from the site of the worst terror attack in American history. A recent Rasmussen poll showed that 85% of Americans are following the story and 62% oppose the mosque's construction. Why are Americans separated by countless miles from the site of the 911 attack so emotionally dedicated to this story when most of them will never go within 100 miles of the proposed structure? What is the debate really about? Opposing a "victory mosque" near Ground Zero? Sympathy for 911 victims' families? Freedom of religion? Or freedom from Islam?

Two communities in Tennessee are tackling that very question. Nearly 900 miles from Lower Manhattan and Ground Zero, the central focus of that debate has been thrust upon whether or not Tennesseans want mosques in their neighborhoods either. There are seemingly no strong ties to the September 11th, 2001 attack aside from a shared collective American conscience; there are no surviving families of victims who lost their lives; and their are no sacred plots of land needing to be protected. The debate is simple, and yet so unbelievably complex that it has left communities divided; familiar foes on unfamiliar sides of a First Amendment debate....

For me, the debate surrounding the mosque at Ground Zero is a matter of common sense and common decency. The First Amendment gives all Americans the right to worship as they choose and to construct places of worship accordingly. Nestled in the power of that same Amendment is the Right to Free Speech, and I applaud all New Yorkers who are exercising that Right in

opposition to the Park 51 Project. While words like "sensitivity", "compassion", and "sympathy" are typically reserved for arguments made from the Left, they are the only weapons at our disposal in this fight. While the all-knowing Liberal elite appear to be ignoring their typical calling cards, those who oppose the mosque's construction have been forced to rely upon the traditional tools of the Left as their last line of defense. They understand that organizers have a Right to build at that location. They simply hope that said organizers understand that just because they have the right to build there doesn't mean it is the right thing to do.

If the true objective of the project is the stated one - to increase inter-cultural understanding - its organizers must recognize that continuing with the project as planned only leads to the opposite end. Its divisive, its insensitive, and its shedding an unfavorable light upon a whole population of Muslims in this country that may be completely unwarranted.

Such is the case in the aforementioned communities in suburban Nashville, Tennessee. The stain of resentment, poor taste, and a complete lack of sensitivity being exercised by the Ground Zero mosque organizers has been transferred to Muslims far removed from the Empire State. Opposition to the construction of proposed mosques in communities there is equally as passionate as it is in NYC, even in spite of the lack of a similar connection to a horrific tragedy such as 911.

Two proposed mosques - one in Metro Nashville and one just south of town in Murfreesboro - have been blocked, stalled, stayed, and interfered with by any and all means necessary. Televangelist Pat Robertson of the 700 Club even weighed in on the matter this week implying that local officials could be "bribed" by Muslims. Creative zoning tricks and legal maneuvers have successfully slowed construction and will likely force the places of worship elsewhere - only passing the controversy on for the next community to oppose.

Watching these events play out and unfold, I cannot help but ask the question of why? Why is there such great opposition to the construction of a place of worship? As a proud Tennessean, I know there are but two constants in the fine state I have called home much of my life - maybe three if you count UT Football - support for the Second Amendment and protection of the First. Having traveled much of this great country I can sincerely tell you that Tennesseans are among the most God-fearing, deeply religious, people you will find anywhere. Religion wraps itself in politics in this fine state with an ease that would make our Founders' heads spin, but the lone resonating consequence is that religion is protected; it is catered to; and it typically rules the day. So why the change of tone? Why the great deviation? Why is religion - of this particular persuasion - suddenly such a vile creature; such a collective enemy of all?

This proud state that usually champions the Freedom of Religion to the point that it presupposes its place in government (yes I understand the paradox there - move to Tennessee and you will also) is now willing to exert its collective will upon a religious congregation and tell them that they have no place in the Volunteer State?

Having deliberated over the matter for some time, I have come to a simple conclusion. The matter is not really about the First Amendment. Its not about the Establishment Clause or the Free Exercise Clause. This debate, as it relates to Tennesseans, is about Freedom from Islam. Just as Tennessee uniquely entangles its religion and its government in an effort to keep the two apart, it is once again creating a special exception to the US Constitution as it deems fit and proper.

Knowing that it is inconsistent and absolutely unconscionable to speak openly about the real issue at play, those who oppose suburban Nashville mosques are simply calling upon public sentiment and animosity toward the Park 51 Project to bolster their argument 900 miles away. References to terrorist funding and sponsorship of radical Islam are not just part of everyday conversation, they even became part of Congressional primary campaigns. Freedom from Islam - peaceful or otherwise - became not only a talking point, but a requisite stump speech for any and all seeking public office.

While politics tend to cater to public sentiment and politicians feed on public hostility toward an issue, it is strikingly odd to me that the deeply religious people of Tennessee have so easily abandoned their posts as the last line of defense for religious freedom. In matters such as this, people often talk of slippery slopes; and while such statements may seem cliche, I cannot for the life of me think of a place more appropriate for such an argument than at the center of this debate. If a community can prevent a Muslim mosque from being constructed, what is next - A Buddhist Temple? A synagogue? A Catholic Church?

The short of it is this. Mosque construction in suburban Nashville, Tennessee is not the same as Project 51 in Lower Manhattan. From a legal perspective, both cases for opposition are equally lacking, but what distinguishes the two however, is the fact that residents of Murfreesboro and Nashville were never the victims of a terrorist attack perpetrated by Muslim extremists; they have no sacred plots of land to protect; and they have no families of innocent victims to shield from future sorrow. Their opposition is masked by faulty logic and non-existent connections to 911 - an opposition that disrespects the battle being fought 900 miles to the North. This is not about Freedom of Religion or freedom from terror, it is about wanting to live in a society Free from Islam altogether.

Federal officials are investigating a suspected case of Arson at the site of a mosque being constructed in the Nashville, Tennessee suburban city of Murfreesboro. In the late hours of Friday night and early Saturday morning, someone allegedly set fire to construction equipment at the controversial site using gas as their weapon of choice. The ATF, FBI, and Rutherford County Sheriff's Department have all confirmed that the fire is being attributed to Arson.

[stextbox id="grey"]Federal officials are investigating a fire that started overnight at the site of a new Islamic center in a Nashville suburb.

Ben Goodwin of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department confirmed to CBS Affiliate WTVF that the fire, which burned construction equipment at the future site of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, is being ruled as arson.

Special Agent Andy Anderson of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives told CBS News that the fire destroyed one piece of construction equipment and damaged three others. Gas was poured over the equipment to start the fire, Anderson said.

The ATF, FBI and Rutherford County Sheriff's Office are conducting a joint investigation into the fire, Anderson said.

WTVF reports firefighters were alerted by a passerby who saw flames at the site. One large earth hauler was set on fire before the suspect or suspects left the scene.

The chair of the center's planning committee, Essim Fathy, said he drove to the site at around 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning after he was contacted by the sheriff's department.

"Our people and community are so worried of what else can happen," said Fathy. "They are so scared."

The fire was smoldering by the time Fathy and the center's imam, Ossama Bahloul, had arrived. Fathy was told that responders had smelled gasoline near the fire.

Fathy was later contacted by members of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, who told him the incident was under investigation and to remain calm.

Digging had begun at the site, which was planned as a place of worship for the approximately 250 Muslim families in the Murfreesboro area, but no structure had been built yet, according to Saleh Sbenaty, a member of the planning committee and a professor of engineering technology at Middle Tennessee State University. Read More...[/stextbox]

I wrote briefly about this "controversy" last week and I regret to see that the matter has escalated to this extremely dangerous level. In case you missed that post or simply haven't been following this story, the construction site at the center of this apparent act of Arson is one of two proposed mosques planned in the Greater Nashville area. This mosque - in Murfreesboro, Tennessee - has been the focus of much debate and its construction has generated an unusual amount of hate and vitriol - which has apparently now manifested itself in the form of Arson.

As this debate evolved - before it turned to criminal violence and mayhem - it was hijacked by misguided, ignorant, and frankly - disrespectful - individuals who have attempted to capture the passion of the Ground Zero mosque debate and infuse that public sentiment into a conversation regarding unrelated mosque construction 900 miles away. Sadly, and most regrettably, it has been "right-wingers" at the front of the pack - trying to play big boy politics with a religious issue acting morally, socially, and self-righteously indignant all the way - damaging conservatism, making a mockery of the Republican Party, emboldening the Left, shedding a horrible light on Tennesseans, and trampling on the First Amendment in the process.

I have written to several prominent conservative political figures and pundits imploring them to speak out against the opposition to these mosques in Tennessee because I do believe national opposition to the Ground Zero mosque has been presupposed upon ALL mosque construction by many in the Volunteer State in an ill-conceived manner and is now being carried out in the name of the political Right - real, perceived, or otherwise. I have yet to hear back from any of them ( no real shocker there) as I do believe they 1) hope this little "small town" distraction goes away and 2) worry that their speaking out against opposing mosques everywhere diminishes their position in NYC. I think they fail to see that doing so would not chip away at the collective opposition to the Ground Zero mosque - it would only strengthen such an argument. The opposition to the Ground Zero mosque is not about the Right to build there but whether it is right to actually build there. The matter in Tennessee has no similar reason for opposition. Cow pastures and vacant movie theaters hardly rise to the level of significance as the hallowed ground of Lower Manhattan where terrorists carried out the most heinous crime on American civilians in our nation's history. The issue is Tennessee is that a small percentage of ignorant and misguided individuals want to live a life free of Islamic worship. That is a Constitutional issue folks anyway you shape it.

It is time for the political and ideological Right to denounce this opposition and to take back the moral high ground on the Ground Zero debate. Our silence has emboldened our enemies and the actions of this weekend will only add fuel to their fire. Talking point of the week for August 30th and on... "Ground Zero sentiment spreads and Islamophobia takes a violent turn." Get ahead of the news-cycle my fellow Right Wingers. Make clear the distinction. Denounce this act of violence. Shed a true light on the Ground Zero debate. Do not let the racist, bigoted, and misguided beliefs and actions of a few paint us all in an unfavorable and unreflective light.

With the controversy over the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York reaching unforeseen heights, the debate over new mosque construction has spilled across state lines and is taking root in many communities great distances from the site of the worst terror attack in American history. A recent Rasmussen poll showed that 85% of Americans are following the story and 62% oppose the mosque’s construction. Why are Americans separated by countless miles from the site of the 911 attack so emotionally dedicated to this story when most of them will never go within 100 miles of the proposed structure? What is the debate really about? Opposing a “victory mosque” near Ground Zero? Sympathy for 911 victims’ families? Freedom of religion? Or freedom from Islam?

opposition to the Park 51 Project. While words like “sensitivity”, “compassion”, and “sympathy” are typically reserved for arguments made from the Left, they are the only weapons at our disposal in this fight. While the all-knowing Liberal elite appear to be ignoring their typical calling cards, those who oppose the mosque’s construction have been forced to rely upon the traditional tools of the Left as their last line of defense. They understand that organizers have a Right to build at that location. They simply hope that said organizers understand that just because they have the right to build there doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do.

If the true objective of the project is the stated one – to increase inter-cultural understanding – its organizers must recognize that continuing with the project as planned only leads to the opposite end. Its divisive, its insensitive, and its shedding an unfavorable light upon a whole population of Muslims in this country that may be completely unwarranted.

Two proposed mosques - one in Metro Nashville and one just south of town in Murfreesboro – have been blocked, stalled, stayed, and interfered with by any and all means necessary. Televangelist Pat Robertson of the 700 Club even weighed in on the matter this week implying that local officials could be “bribed” by Muslims. Creative zoning tricks and legal maneuvers have successfully slowed construction and will likely force the places of worship elsewhere – only passing the controversy on for the next community to oppose.

Watching these events play out and unfold, I cannot help but ask the question of why? Why is there such great opposition to the construction of a place of worship? As a proud Tennessean, I know there are but two constants in the fine state I have called home much of my life – maybe three if you count UT Football – support for the Second Amendment and protection of the First. Having traveled much of this great country I can sincerely tell you that Tennesseans are among the most God-fearing, deeply religious, people you will find anywhere. Religion wraps itself in politics in this fine state with an ease that would make our Founders’ heads spin, but the lone resonating consequence is that religion is protected; it is catered to; and it typically rules the day. So why the change of tone? Why the great deviation? Why is religion – of this particular persuasion – suddenly such a vile creature; such a collective enemy of all?

This proud state that usually champions the Freedom of Religion to the point that it presupposes its place in government (yes I understand the paradox there – move to Tennessee and you will also) is now willing to exert its collective will upon a religious congregation and tell them that they have no place in the Volunteer State?

Having deliberated over the matter for some time, I have come to a simple conclusion. The matter is not really about the First Amendment. Its not about the Establishment Clause or the Free Exercise Clause. This debate, as it relates to Tennesseans, is aboutFreedom from Islam. Just as Tennessee uniquely entangles its religion and its government in an effort to keep the two apart, it is once again creating a special exception to the US Constitution as it deems fit and proper.

Knowing that it is inconsistent and absolutely unconscionable to speak openly about the real issue at play, those who oppose suburban Nashville mosques are simply calling upon public sentiment and animosity toward the Park 51 Project to bolster their argument 900 miles away. References to terrorist funding and sponsorship of radical Islam are not just part of everyday conversation, they even became part of Congressional primary campaigns. Freedom from Islam – peaceful or otherwise – became not only a talking point, but a requisite stump speech for any and all seeking public office.

While politics tend to cater to public sentiment and politicians feed on public hostility toward an issue, it is strikingly odd to me that the deeply religious people of Tennessee have so easily abandoned their posts as the last line of defense for religious freedom. In matters such as this, people often talk of slippery slopes; and while such statements may seem cliche, I cannot for the life of me think of a place more appropriate for such an argument than at the center of this debate. If a community can prevent a Muslim mosque from being constructed, what is next – A Buddhist Temple? A synagogue? A Catholic Church?

The short of it is this. Mosque construction in suburban Nashville, Tennessee is not the same as Project 51 in Lower Manhattan. From a legal perspective, both cases for opposition are equally lacking, but what distinguishes the two however, is the fact that residents of Murfreesboro and Nashville were never the victims of a terrorist attack perpetrated by Muslim extremists; they have no sacred plots of land to protect; and they have no families of innocent victims to shield from future sorrow. Their opposition is masked by faulty logic and non-existent connections to 911 – an opposition that disrespects the battle being fought 900 miles to the North. This is not about Freedom of Religion or freedom from terror, it is about wanting to live in a society Free from Islam altogether.

amazing that this is so complicated for some people.

of course, those people would be the ones trying to get the mosque built.

it’s fairly simple. if the guy across the street from you were to come into your home, rape and murder your wife and kids... would you be opposed to his erecting a huge sign on his lawn of his face and theirs? he has a first amendment right to put up the sign (forgetting county ordinances)... yet it’s exceedingly tasteless and rude.

same with this mosque

keep in mind, there are other mosques around NY and the country. only this one is having an issue.

personally, i have lived in riyadh SA... and i can tell you for a fact that we should shut down ALL mosques in America. period.

nothing good comes from them. nothing.

"...trying to play big boy politics with a religious issue acting morally, socially, and self-righteously indignant all the way..."

Got it backwards ... this is big boy politics and has literally nothing to do with religion. These bstrds are no more religious than Jeremiah Wright was. Black Liberation Theologies and Sharia-based Islam are fronts for terror and destruction with the ability to raise cash and exert power while living off the host country. The problem with Islam is that it resides inside a false front and is impossible to unearth ... but that inability to unearth it speaks to how intrinsically tied it is to the host. They do not come forward or stop it. It festers and grows. Because of that they are one and the same, IMNSHO.

JUST SAY NO TO MOSQUES!

For the UNknowing, the UNaware and the wary,

When the founding fathers thought of America, their little baby, the last thing they wanted was an invasive force to stifle, smother it, and then overwhelm it and kill it.

Most people do not recognize that what happens in a mosque is sedition. Pure and simple. Islam is not just a “religion”, it is a cult. Larger than that though, it is a political system, it is it’s own government, a economic system (which includes funding new mosque construction), its judicial...all wrapped up in the word sharia. This is inclusive of its military (jihadis) all rolled into one with one intent ...and that is to rule wherever they take root. It is a invasive, systemic infection looking to take over the host once it has quantum.

This is not just a “religion”, but something that cloaks itself in those terms so it should not be given the same treatment contemplated under the first amendment. The Korans Sharia rules are to consume whatever government there is wherever it goes.
Islam is political, and it’s goal is to supplant and replace. Globally.

When the founding fathers thought of America, their little baby, the last thing they wanted was an invasive force to stifle, smother it, and then overwhelm it and kill it.

The sooner America learns this , the better. Some know and many do not, but it is a threat to everything America knows.

Obama? Obama and Company? Should be tried for treason in this issue for promoting the establishment of a foreign government on our soils. He is doing nothing to protect America as per his oath. Also, as a Muslim, he knows this, he know far better, he knows sharia, but is looking to deceive America.

For all interested...Wanna learn more?
On Sharia
http://thehayride.com/2010/08/louisiana-at-leading-edge-in-fight-against-shariah/#more-5392

this,
Three things about Islam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib9rofXQl6w&feature=player_embedded

and a little Bill Whittle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg_iDPRud_c

Maybe we should talk about the birth of Pakistan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IstZSgniH8

Lets keep America, America!

And if you like conspiracies lets look at the White House and its circle...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jhx_2TqffE
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJzU056ccV4&NR=1

After viewing the two, reconcile our observations.

Obama? Obama and Company? Should be tried for treason in this issue for promoting the establishment of a foreign government on our soils. As a Muslim, he knows this, he knows sharia, but is looking to deceive America.

Sharia is contrary to America, its rights , freedoms , liberty and democracy.

No matter how many people blather about whether it is or is not a mosque, it is virtually certain that if it is built, it will be seen as a victory mosque by every Islamic hothead on the planet.

It will be a glorious source of inspiration to Jihadis who will enviously seek to replicate or even surpass the 9/11 terrorists, some of whom will inevitably seek to do just that.

Seen in that very simple light, stopping the mosque from being built goes beyond common sense and enters the realm of sensible anti-terrorist preventive measures.

Of course, that is much too sensible for any lefty to understand.

“They can do what they want in the bounds of the law.”
Does that include torching the site?

I think you are slightly off on your Constitutional analysis of the “Freedom of Religion” as well. What you speak of is the Establishment Clause - and in that vein you are correct. That said, The Free Exercise Clause gives people of any faith or no faith at all the right to worship as they please. The Right of others to be offended by that worship or even to speak out against it would be derivative of a Right to Free Speech. All three “Rights” wrapped snuggly in the First Amendment with the Freedom of the Press - intentionally interwoven by our Founders.

As to the rest of the comments here, I think many of you failed to read on. I firmly oppose the mosque at Ground Zero. I simply see no legitimate reason to oppose the construction of all mosques because of the insensitivity of one.

The Right of others to be offended by that worship or even to speak out against it would be derivative of a Right to Free Speech.

True, but there's much more going on than just mere "worship".

There's the mandate to convert and oppress when there are those who refuse conversion. There's the encouragement of violence against non-believers, particularly Jews. There's the aspect of Islam that rules every facet of a Muslim's life, co-opting any other political system.

It's not just merely a religion. It's much more. It is a way to conquer the world through the extermination of free expression. How is it that such an ideology is protected under the right of free speech or freedom of religion?

We are in big trouble by allowing the further spread of Islam in the United States. If Islamaphobia is an irrational fear of Islam, what do you call a rational fear of Islam?

Sure, it's common for people to panic in the face of the unknown but Islam has proven that it is a despotic ideology.

Like it or not, I believe America is in a fight for survival against Islam and allowing the enemy to proliferate among us is suicide.

I really appreciate your opinion Thinker and I actually loved the line “If Islamaphobia is an irrational fear of Islam, what do you call a rational fear of Islam?” Its a point well taken.

That said, I think the core of the problem I have with the argument that Islam is somehow going to conquer America through its despotic ways is two fold. First. I fail to see how a small minority of individuals clearly outside of the mainstream of American life could possibly challenge the institutional structure of the United States. Communism failed and so too will sharia law if they try to impose it upon the rest of us. Second. I think I just have a little more faith in the American spirit than to assume that a religion, religion/social control mechanism, or any other such entity could do it harm. The will of the American People to live in a Free society is great. The bonds that unite us as Americans - while at times appear less than true - are more firm that any force that could come along and attempt to break them. I believe in the American Civil Religion and the higher power that unites this nation Under God. While that is not an easily definable “god” in the context of the First Amendment, I do believe that if forced to subjugate themselves to an unrecognizable “god” Americans will rise up and strike such a movement down.

I understand your fear and I understand your frustration. I really do. That said, I live less than ten minutes from the mosque torched last week in Tennessee. That group of Muslims practiced their faith in anonymity there for nearly 30 years. It was only when the Ground Zero mosque came to the forefront that they suddenly became a problem and linked to terror. That’s just a slippery slope gone too far - too quickly.

If one day this nation and its God-fearing People are meant to have a standoff with Islam and sharia law, I will be on the front-line defending the American system. I simply fail to see that we are at such a crossroads as of yet and I fail to see how the greatest and Freest nation the world has ever known has anything to fear from such a small player in our society.

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