There is currently a poison being spread with the objective of fomenting hatred within our country. There is also a political agenda behind it. I feel compelled to lay out the facts so that people can be more rational regarding this issue.
1) The Lie = a Muslim is planning to build a mosque on the WTC site.
The Truth = a Muslim is planning to make a community center (which includes a mosque) out of a building he owns two blocks away from ground zero. By the way, Muslims have already been worshiping at that building.
2) The Lie = President Obama approved the building of the mosque.
The Truth = President Obama has nothing to do with it. The decision to approve the renovation of that existing building was made by those in NYC who have the authority to make that decision (specifically, the Mayor and City Council, who did so by applying the current laws of their city).
3) The Lie = 3,000 Americans lost their lives on 9/11.
The Truth = The victims of 9/11 were from 70 different countries and of multiple faiths.
Our President said that he supported America's value of religious freedom under the laws of our country. Now, Republicans are attempting to gain some sort of political advantage over this issue by blowing things out of proportion with their lies. Shame on them!
It's understandable that every year, as we approach the 9/11 anniversary, American's emotions run high. It was a terrible tragedy but should we abandon American values because of it? To do so would allow the terrorists a victory.
America was founded on religious freedom. If we take away the rights of Muslims, what is next? Will Jews not be allowed to build their synagogues? Will Christians be denied their right to build churches?
Yes, Americans, whether directly or indirectly affected by the terrible tragedy of 9/11, will continue to shed tears in remembrance of those who lost their lives that day. Personally, I remember that day very well ... I was directing my church choir at a funeral. The notes were sour that day because all our hearts were filled with sorrow and disbelief.
Rest assured, President Obama also cares about what happened that day and that's why he has made a solid commitment to wipe out al-qaeda in Afghanistan. This is a far cry from the Bush administration which chose to abandon that mission in order to launch an illegal invasion of Iraq, where there was No al-qaeda presence before the U.S. invasion.
I pray that all people will open their hearts to a greater understanding. I pray that all hearts will be guided by Love instead of Fear. Please don’t allow yourselves to be blinded by the hatred that some are now trying to spread.
Thank You,
Joseph
Bookmarks
Share
Print
Save