I have been aware of the controversy in the US about the proposal to build a mosque near
Ground Zero but not following it all that closely. But
a post by Maverick Philosopher has crystalised my thinking on the matter.
He cites a very useful analogy with Carmelite nuns taking over an abandoned building next to
Auschwitz to pray for the souls. This
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Well no, of course not. Analogies are rarely perfect. But they do not have to be. I don’t have to claim that 9/11 was the same as Auschwitz, merely that it is like it in sufficient ways to make the same points germane.
As for the proposed mosque, it is two blocks from the site, in buildings damaged in 9/11 and is rather bigger than an "interfaith centre": As Wikipedia puts it:
Cordoba House, also referred to as the "Ground Zero Mosque" and "Park51", is a proposed $100 million, 13-story, glass and steel Islamic cultural center and mosque that is in the planning stage.[4][5] The plan is to raze an existing 1850s Italianate building that was damaged in the September 11 attacks, and build the mosque in its place. It is to be built two blocks (less than 600 feet, or 180 meters) from Ground Zero in New York City. Groundbreaking is planned for late 2010.[6][5] It is anticipated that 1,000 to 2,000 Muslims will pray at the mosque every Friday, once it is built
The issue is not building a mosque, nor even ( ... )
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Also, let me say it again: Muslims are Americans too. Muslims were harmed and killed on 9/11 too. Muslims were part of rescue and recovery efforts too. Muslims have every right to be there. This is a manufactured controversy rooted in nativist paranoia, and it infuriates me to see such willful ignorance and hatefulness taking cover behind a concern for "sensitivity."
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You might be interested in this piece where some Canadian Muslim writers say that the proposed mosque is a deliberate provocation. They have also come up with a striking analogy.
The point is not about "Muslims", the point is about being how inappropriate it is to build a mosque at the site which was a major jihadi attack.
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Politicking works most effectively when it taps into genuine political sentiments. Perhaps, rather than just dismissing alternative views as "bogus", it might be more sensible to try and understand where people are coming from. After all, if there is one that gives the Tea Party real legs, it is the feeling of not being listened to.
Angelo Codvevilla's recent essay is useful for grappling with that.
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