A Politician's Worst Dilemma
President Obama finds himself facing a politician's worst dilemma With an upcoming bid for re-election, he must choose which bloc of voters to alienate. The issue putting him in this position is the proposed mosque at the World Trade Center site. On one hand he needs to come out championing religious freedom, on the other he has to consider the backlash from opponents of this project.
Political correctness is all, and everyone these days must pay homage to religious and ethnic rights, no matter how silly or outrageous the circumstances. Certainly building a mosque at ground zero is about as outrageous as it gets. The Muslim community argues that they have the right to pray. They make the case that their present facilities are no longer adequate for their growing numbers. These are good points, that few would care to dispute. The claim, however, that this will promote healing and foster a better understanding of Islam is ludicrous.
Minority rights have become a sticking point in community relations throughout North America. As the number of immigrants grows, so do the conflicts. Intolerance isn't restricted to the establishment, and some minority groups, with a negative view of our society, make it their mission to reshape us. By turning this mosque proposal into an issue of religious freedom, and tolerance, many who are against it keep quiet out of fear of being labeled intolerant or racist.
Religion and culture aren't the real issues here. The true focus should be on how far society has to go in accommodating the demands of a small, but vocal pressure group..When confronting political correctness, we seem to lose both courage and common sense. This isn't lost on those attempting to manipulate public opinion.
Although it seems unacceptable to speak of it these days, those who caused the loss of so many lives did it in the name of Islam. They told us that the West is the enemy of Islam and must be destroyed. This philosophy hasn't changed, and no matter how much some would downplay it, a mosque is an Islamic place of worship. No-one is denying the right to pray. There are other places this particular place of prayer could be built. They want it at ground zero for a reason, but is it really to promote understanding and harmony?
Good luck Mr. President. You will damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Sit on the fence and you will be seen as weak and indecisive. Knowing that you are just one more victim of political correctness probably won't be much comfort.
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