I find it laughable that some of those who are against the proposed building of an Islamic community center near the World Trace Center site would label the area as "sacred."
If that area is so sacred then please explain the presence of businesses including betting parlors, strip clubs called the New York Dolls and Pussycat Lounge and a sex shop called Thunder Lingerie and More, which includes a peep show.
While opponents are at it, they can please explain how they can praise the rescue workers from Sept. 11 but support Republicans in Congress who voted against the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. This bill would have compensated Sept. 11 rescue workers who became ill as a result of breathing the toxic fumes. It also would have provided workers with free health care. Republicans labeled it a "slush fund" and complained that the rest of America would have to pay for it by raising taxes. Nice way to treat "heroes."
How is anyone apologizing to terrorists by supporting the building of an Islamic community center that everyone from all walks of life could use? Are opponents afraid of a building that would house an auditorium, lecture hall, conference rooms, library, classrooms, cooking classes, senior citizen space, child-care facilities, banquet hall, pool, gym, Muslim prayer space and a memorial to Sept. 11 victims? Are they also afraid because it would promote medical education, wellness programs, women's empowerment and the countering of religious extremism?
Some families of victims of the Sept. 11 attacks support the center. Are they going to be terrorist sympathizers as many Americans have labeled all Muslims terrorists?
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The last time I checked, the Constitution guarantees religious freedom. It doesn't say "except near sacred ground" or "excluding Muslims."
April Grant
Duluth
