Sounds like these folks think this could turn into an 11 acre mini hate farm.
___________________________________________________________ Search NewsChannel 9 Full Story Islamic Mosque Meets Opposition Jessica Morris May 2,2005
A building proposal for an Islamic mosque is stirring up heated debate in Whitfield County, Georgia. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing Monday night. The Dalton Islamic Center has been in town since 1992, and it wants to expand from its current location on McAfee Street to an available tract of land on Dug Gap Road. But many residents don't want the mosque in their neighborhood, and they came out in droves to let the county leaders know. “We just believe we shouldn't have it in our community. Kids get involved in it, get off worse in things than what they are now,” said Ray Hobbs, Whitfield County resident. “We believe in the Bible, 100% in the church. We believe that God didn't ordain that.” People packed the Whitfield County Courthouse, many concerned, even frightened, by the Dalton Islamic Center's plans to expand.
“When I lay down to bed at night, I don't wanna think about being blown up,” said LaQuita Brewster. According to the Islamic center, its outgrown its McAfee Street facility, and it's found an 11-acre track of land on Dug Gap Road where it can build a larger community mosque. LaQuita Brewster often visits family on that road and says the idea of an Islamic center next door is unsettling. “Look what they done at 9-11, and that bothers me. That she's going to be on a road with that, it upsets me. I mean, we don't know what they're going to do,” said Brewster.
“We, in the past since 1992, have never been involved in any illicit activities,” DIC spokesperson Tipu Keen told the board. “We respect the laws of the lands, and we are a peaceful and friendly congregation.” Muslim supporters said they practice their religion with the same goal as other religions like Christianity. “To be a good person, to be a good citizen, to help your neighbors regardless of their background or their beliefs or anything,” explained Aaduyl Hamidi. Still, some Dalton residents were not convinced. “I believe in freedom of religion, freedom of speech, but when you teach hate in the community... you see in the news everyday what the Islams do... we just don't believe in it,” said Hobbs.
“We believe differently than a lot of you, but that doesn't mean that we dislike you or that you should dislike us,” argued Keen. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted Monday night to approve the building site request, but the Board of Commissioners have the final say. They will vote on the measure at a later date in May.
Snippet: "'When I lay down to bed at night, I don't wanna think about being blown up,' said LaQuita Brewster."