A Note To Imam Rauf

You can get the story here: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/20100914_Imam__Mosque_not_on__hallowed_ground_.html.

So, now the proximity to Ground Zero is not "hallowed" because there are strip clubs and betting parlors nearby? Once again I must note that the nineteen 9/11 murderers are not representative of an entire religion. The fact, however that they acted in obedience to their faith, however extreme cannot be ignored. We, as a nation have never been engaged in a conflict initiated on faith. In most countries, the response would be extreme violence against those of the same faith. Not in the United States though. We were fearful of violence, so preached tolerance, as we should.Fear mongering aside, there has not and is not rampant Islamophobia. Sixty four percent of all hate crimes regarding religion is targeted against Jews, and seven percent against Muslims.


If we were attacked by nineteen strippers or blackjack dealers, Mr. Rauf would have a point. The fact that he made these remarks just prior to the 9/11 anniversary is pathetic. This from a man billed as a moderate. The insensitivity is appalling. For a man who says he wants to be a bridge builder I pose these questions: How can you bridge the divide when you willingly ignore those who dissent? How can you be a "moderate" if you are intolerant of the opposition? How can you be a man of peace if you so callously disregard the pain and suffering of a community? Their Families? Our Nation? How can you make progress if you are tone deaf to  pain and suffering? How can you express compassion and provide solace if you so whimsically discard objections as "disingenuous"?  

Mr. Rauf, if you are the "moderate" you say you are, how about a demonstration of compassion, rather than expressions of contempt? With every passing day, sadly you are being exposed as a fraud and your project a "Trojan Horse".