There are a lot of fanatics in the world today. As a general rule, unless you get me riled up, I am one to keep my opinions to myself. Not this time.
On the Ground Zero Mosque: I have mixed feelings about the Cordoba House. In fact, I don't necessarily have a conviction one way or the other about the right and wrong of it. The Constitutionalist in me feels very strongly that they have every right to build a worship center anywhere on this sacred ground called The United States of America.
I do feel, however, that the location may be conflicting with the desires of both the Imam and his opponents alike. A mosque in this location will never be viewed by the American public at large as a symbol of light and unity- as much as I hate to say it. There is too much animosity, hurt and anger associated with the ground zero location. A Quinnipiac poll found that 71 per cent of New Yorkers wanted Mr Rauf to "voluntarily build the mosque somewhere else".
On the Quran burning: This just sickens me to no end. First of all, I am appalled that a Christian church is generating this much hate and hostility. When Jesus said "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." I think it applied to more than just the moment of His death. If I were God, I'd be pretty darn angry at these arrogant name droppers.
Putting on this kind of public demonstration does not do anything to further the cause of America, Christianity, or Humanity in any way, shape, or form. In fact, I think it puts us back into the dark ages. I'm sure if they could get a witch or two to toss up on top of that pile of holy books, they would.
The protest hasn't even happened yet and already Muslims are incensed - engaging in anti-US protest rallies and throwing rocks at US military convoys. It's only escalating an already precarious conflict. By burning these books, they are effectively putting the lives of every westerner currently wandering the Muslim world in danger. This is the butterfly effect in action, folks.
Congratulations to Pastor Terry Jones- you've officially tarnished the constitution, and in the process, made the rest of the world hate America even more. And you call yourself a Patriot, Christian. I think fear-monger has a better ring to it. If you're convinced all Muslims are going to hell, shouldn't you be concentrating your efforts on dragging them out of the fire, not throwing them into it? Isn't that your mission as a Christian?
AND IN CONCLUSIONWe're Americans, dammit! Doesn't anybody know what that means anymore? We're supposed to hold ourselves to a higher standard. Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
