...while he understands Ground Zero is “hallowed ground,” he told a group of Muslims that he believes they have “the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in the country.”
“And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances,” he said.
Well. That didn't go over too well.So now he SAYS that he said:
“I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque there,” Obama continued. “I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding. That's what our country is about.
I think this whole Mosque situation illustrates an important point that has been forgotten by some since the drafting of Vatican II's "Dignitatis Humane." The right to religious freedom is not absolute. When considering an individual's or individual group's religious rights, it always has to be taken into account whether or not the individual's practice of religion is harming the rights of others to live in peace, etc.
ReplyDeleteI maintain that our civil government, for the sake of the common good, has a right to refuse Muslims the building of this Mosque in New York City. I also believe that Catholic populations and their governments in Switzerland, for example, have a right to forbid the building of Mosques with large minarets, etc. Catholics have a right to practice their religion in peace and a right to enjoy their Catholic culture without having to see minarets all over the skyline every day.
Pope John Paul II told a religious order not to build near one of Europe's concentration camps out of respect for the Jewish people. No one in the Islamic community or "tolerant" left has the deference to do that for the millions of Americans, the New Yorkers, and the victims of 9/11.
ReplyDeleteFunny how Obama's back to using "religion" and "freedom" in the same sentences...
I should clarify my previous statement. While the proposed Mosque at Ground Zero apparently would be on private property, I think our government still has a right to try and dissuade the Muslims from using this private property in ways that would be detrimental to the common good and rights of those in New York City to live in peace, especially near Ground Zero. I think the civil government should also look at refusing this Muslim group permits for building the Mosque, if that is an option. The civil government would not grant building permits to those interested in using a building for criminal activities. Likewise, the civil government should have the right to refuse building permits, etc., to those who will use a building to stir up conflict in society, like those in this Mosque will probably do.
ReplyDeleteI say let them build their mega-mosque right at Ground Zero. Let the Moslems show the infidel world how thoughtful, considerate, and peaceful they really are through this project. Long may this mosque be a thorn in the side of New Yorkers, and Americans, who might rethink a bit of the value of vapid tolerance. Get a clue; when tolerance is not reciprocated, tolerance becomes surrender.
ReplyDeleteThe families of the unhappy dead will likely hear the islamic call to prayer while at the memorial of islamic murder.
@Jimbob: Sometimes, I have the same thought. Problem here is that we WOULD surrender. The stand needs to be made here and now. We are almost to the tipping point with Islam in this country. The stated goal of radical Islam is to conquer the US and establish an Islamic state by 2050. Cordoba House is only the start.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the government should be involved in the say so of whether a mosque should be built there or not. I would rather prefer that public pressure and public boycotting to refus to build the building (that means unions boycotting the project)to solve the problem
ReplyDeleteNow would be a good time for unions to step up and do some good. Then I would hope that building and fire inspectors would proceed to find a whole lot faults with the building after it was built.