New York Mosque Controversy

Should a mosque be allowed to be built near Ground Zero? Is not allowing it unconstitutional? Is allowing it anti-American?

Many believe that ground zero is sacred ground with special significance to Americans who've lost loved ones on September 11th and in the preceding war. Just 10 years after the attack, the feelings of remorse are still strong and a certain feeling of resentment towards the Muslim community still exists.

Throughout history, Muslims have built mosques assymbols of their victory. When the Muslims conquered Jerusalem they built Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Jew's holy site; when they conquered Istanbul, they converted St. Sophia Basilica into a giant mosque; and when the moors made Cordoba their capital, they constructed the world's third largest mosque on the site of a former cathedral. Due to the history of Muslim conquest, the promoters and endorsers of this bumper sticker believe that building a mosque a block away from ground zero signals victory for the muslims extremists and promotes the idea of holy war. The endorsers of this advertisement believe the government should ban the construction of the mosque as part of the USA Patriot Act of 2001 (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001). Although such government interference violates constitutional rights, some believe there is some wiggle room within the Patriot Act to allow for the ban.

Those against the ban, argue that the building of the mosque signals American victory and the perseverance of its democracy and freedom despite the attacks.

"But let me be clear: as a citizen, and as President, I believethat Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. 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. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are. The writ of our Founders must endure" (Obama).

Should the mosque be allowed to be built a block away from Ground Zero?