This is my first post for Not Your Mom’s … and I am so tempted to test the waters with my big toe. Instead, I think I’ll jump into the fray with both feet regarding the so-called “9/11 Mosque.” Personally, I prefer to refer to it as an Islamic center with a mosque, but some don’t see that as an accurate description. I do, so let’s agree to disagree on that point.
I’d like to believe that since the building was announced as being near Ground Zero, clearer heads have prevailed and those who were disputing the creation of the religious building have had time to check the U.S. Constitution. You know, that old thing that provides the bedrock to our democracy. Those founders of our country thought freedom of religion to be important enough to put it as the first amendment. First. Generally, first denotes the most important. Perhaps they were messing with us, but I don’t think so. I think they thought it was utmost importance.
Here it is:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
So, in the same amendment that gives the right to everyone to practice his or her own religion in America (without mentioning religions that are excluded), it also gives people the right to protest the center.
It’s like the perfect meeting of the minds: agreeing to disagree, but respecting each other’s freedom.
Too bad the First Amendment didn’t also protect a person’s right to do what he or she wanted to do with property. Then some might say that early on the Constitution is for the Islamist center 2-to-1.
But maybe once the election banter is finished for the year and we’ve protected the rights of those to protest the center, Americans can get back to protecting another’s religion. Maybe then we can convince others to stop using a broad paintbrush to color all people of one religion evil. Free speech or no free speech.
