If you think it is "inappropriate" or "insensitive" to put a Muslim community center near ground zero with no evidence that the sponsors are connected to our enemies then there is only one conclusion: YOU ARE ACCEPTING THE ARGUMENTS OF BIGOTS. Period.
If you think you respect the free exercise of religion as long as it moves somewhere "more appropriate" there is also only one conclusion: You are not really showing respect for the free exercise of religion. Period.
I don't know why this should be unclear. . but just in case it isn't. . I will explain it further below, in very few words.
- You cannot find Muslims to be inappropriate or insensitive to something unless you can prove they have done something wrong to be insensitive about. The only way you would think they did something wrong in this case is if you view ANY group of Muslims and their buildings as an inherent insult to ground zero. The only way your could believe this logically is if you had internalized the arguments of bigots who have made ALL Muslims responsible for ground zero and, therefore, "inappropriate." Without evidence, there is simply no other logical and moral explanation for feeling this way other than raw, visceral, irrational fear of this group of people. Perhaps it is time to come to terms with that truth.
- You cannot say you respect someone's First Amendment right to practice their religion as long as they move it somewhere else. The First Amendment is an absolute right with no connection to geography other than "US soil." To suggest that geography plays a role in your respect for the First Amendment is to admit that you, in fact, DON'T RESPECT THAT RIGHT AT ALL.