The Cordoba House Debate

     

      In the early month of September, and close to the anniversary of the September 11th terrorists attacks, I feel it is important to discuss the Cordoba House Debate that is taking place today.  There has been a lot written regarding this controversy and many opinions regarding plans to build an Islamic cultural center called the Cordoba House, a 13 story, $100 million mega-mosque, which will be built within a year and is proposed to be built two blocks from the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. Overlooking where a group of  Islamic terrorists killed over 3000 Americans and destroyed one of our famous landmarks 9 years ago. 

Above: A map of where the Cordoba House would be 

built and how close it would be to Ground Zero

     

     Most of the opposition to the proposed Cordoba House has proven to be  fear driven to citizens of the United States.  According to the Washington Post, most Americans object to the planned Islamic center near ground zero. According to an ABC News poll, eighty-two percent of those who oppose the construction say it's because of the location. For example Cyndi Spurlock, 54, of Yoder, CO, said she opposes having the Islamic center near ground zero: "It would hurt so many people because of all the families that were lost there." Another poll respondent, Jim Walsh, 48, of Philadelphia said, "Emotionally, I think it's wiser not to have it there."


     People who are for the construction of the Cordoba House say its a good idea because it will be place where Muslims and other Americans can find common ground.  According to The Huffington Post, a proud New Yorker, Kate, who was there the day of the September 11th attacks says, "I guess I can sum it up like this: I am a Jew, my people have been through the worst of humanity, time and time again because of that fact. For me to deny anyone the right to practice their religion in a peaceful way goes against everything my people stand for. All Muslims are not terrorists, just like all Christians are not religious fanatics, and all Jews are not zealots."


     Maybe Kate is right, by being opposed to the Cordoba house, are we going against religious freedom of America? Something that we have fought for as a foundation of our country?


     All in all in my opinion I believe this debate is a very difficult one.  September 11th was a horrific day that will always be remembered in American history.  There is still anger and sadness that lingers not only in New York City but across the country for the thousands of people lost on that day due to the Islamic terrorists.  However, people need to realize there are many faces of evil and destructive people in this world and we cannot generalize an entire group of people based on the actions of some.


     An interesting point that really got to me and I would like to point out is from what I read on a website called torenewamerica.com.  In this article the writer, Gingrich, explains the meaning of the Muslim use of the name "Cordoba." Apparently it was a famous battle in Spain which the Muslims won and have continually used the name to attach special underlying meanings that indicate to their followers "we won!" My mouth dropped.


Why would they choose to name the mosque this? Especially over looking ground zero? What are they trying to say by this?


     With that said, taking both sides into consideration, I firmly believe the Cordoba House should not be built just two blocks away from ground zero out of respect of the people who lost their lives on that day.  It should be built anywhere else!


What do you think?




References/Links: 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ian-moss/the-cordoba-house-debate_b_697260.html
                  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/09/08/AR2010090806231.html?hpid=topnews

http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/Harassment+hostility+healing+harmony/3498553/story.html

http://www.torenewamerica.com/gingrich-ground-zero-mosque