In a Washington Post column yesterday, Richard Cohen goes after Newt Gingrich and others who object to the construction of a mosque a few blocks away from Ground Zero in New York City. Cohen says:
Unfortunately, the site is a mere two blocks from Ground Zero and, as some people insist, this could cause discomfort to those who lost loved ones there. (WP, 8/3/10)
Well yes, there could be some “discomfort” as Cohen so delicately describes it. Notwithstanding, he is in favor of the mosque as is – not surprisingly – the New York Times editorial page. (Of course, both use it as a further opportunity to demagogue Republicans.) So let’s ask Mr. Cohen and the Times another question. How do you feel about a southern state flying the Confederate flag? Sure it might cause discomfort to some, but shouldn’t you be open-minded and respect the rights of those southerners to whom it is a symbol not of prejudice, but of regional pride? RedStateVT suspects that you might object. Does that make you hypocrites?
Dorothy Rabinowitz – one of the most articulate writers on 9/11 issues hits the political correctness target (because that is what this is) right between the eyes:
Here was an idea we have been hearing more and more of lately—the need to show the world America's devotion to democracy and justice, also cited by the administration as a reason to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in New York City. Who is it, we can only wonder, that requires these proofs? What occasions these regular brayings on the need to show the world the United States is a free nation? (WSJ, 8/3/10)
There are certain things that should not be done – not necessarily because they are illegal, but because they are patently offensive. Rabinowitz again:
... how is it that the planners, who have presented this effort as a grand design for the advancement of healing and interfaith understanding, have refused all consideration of the impact such a center will have near Ground Zero? Why have they insisted, despite intense resistance, on making the center an assertive presence in this place of haunted memory? (WSJ, 8/3/10)
You nailed it Redstate. Building a mega-mosque at ground zero shows a serious lack of respect on the part its promoters, and that's why ultimately it will not be built.
ReplyDeleteBut disrespect is the least of the promoters' offense. Their true desire is plant the flag of Islam at the sight of the new caliphate's greatest military triumph.
To the average muslim, a mosque at ground zero is not viewed as a sign of "America's devotion to democracy and justice." It is viewed as a sign of its cowardice and a lack of will to fight. It is seen as submission to Islam, the strong horse.
Burqas anyone?
Thanks, Cro-magnon. Good to hear from you. How many churches do you think are being built in Arab countries?
ReplyDeleteSo in turns out that the Ground Zero imam, Feisal Abdul Rauf of the Cordoba Initiative, will be travelling to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh as a State Department "bridge building" envoy to the Middle East!
ReplyDeleteSo the US taxpayer is financing the $100mm fundraising tour for the mega-jihadist trophy at Ground Zero!
If can't reconquista Iberia, you might as well take lower Manhattan.