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Thoughts on 9/11

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Of faith, freedom and our future

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” - The Declaration of Independence

Probably the most powerful words combined together to form a nation that was for the people, of the people and by the people. Though that vigorous sentence by itself did not provide the clarity of borders and lines one can cross, therefore the founding fathers wrote the Bill of Rights in which the first amendment ensures freedom of religion.

Point being, The United States of America was founded upon pillars of principles. But should these principles be compromised when it is a matter of sensitivity and symbolism?

Recently, the Cordoba house/Park51 project has gained a lot of attention from the mainstream media mainly because of its proximity to the Ground Zero site. People are infuriated because building such an establishment two blocks away from where once sate the World Trade Center would be a symbol of Islamic domination and desecration of the Sept. 11 victims and heroes.

At the same time, there are those that are fueled by their passion for the Constitution and believe Muslims are equals of Christians, Jews, and Hindus when it comes to the practice of freedom of religion. However, freedom of religion seems to be a minor issue as compared to the motives and the location.

Park51, originally known as Cordoba House, is a non-profit 13-story glass and steel building that “will be dedicated to pluralism, service, arts and culture, education and empowerment.” The intent of the establishment sounds fairly pleasant but the motives of those who want to build it are being questioned by the American public.

Here at Louisiana College, professors seem to agree on a central point - that the project, while within the right of "freedom of religion" may not be the most prudent.

Associate Professor of History, Dr. Henry Robertson, made it clear that “they have every right” to erect the building near the site but also said that he is not sure that it is a good idea. Based on his personal and professional experience, Dr. Robertson believes that the intent of Park51 is “division and testing American freedom” and in doing so, symbolizing the triumphant victory of Islam, hence the name Cordoba House.

Dr. Scott Culpepper, Assistant Professor of History, is not against the idea as long as it “benefits the community in a good way.” Dr. Culpepper said that he believes the best possible outcome would be a compromise solution that allowed the Muslims to have a place to worship elsewhere while honoring the sensibilities of Americans who feel the proposed structure would dishonor the memory of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

Still another take comes from LC debate coach Scot Loyd who thinks that the Imam leading the project “should seek some kind of compromise and construct an interfaith community center including Christians and Jews.” According to Loyd, this will prevent some of the backlash in the short term from both Muslim and the American community.

While their views may vary in some points, all three instructors agree that before executing the plan, those behind it should have considered the delicacy of the situation along with the pain and grief experienced by those that lost their loved ones.

The main argument against Park51 seems to be that the proximity level is just too close to Ground Zero, yet no one can answer how far is okay. Four blocks from the site? A Mile? Or even outside America altogether.

Though approaching the situation differently might have gained additional supporters, sooner or later, we were bound to stumble upon the question - whether or not it is acceptable to build an Islamic community center near the Ground Zero site. If not, then is it because of the symbolism, sensitivity, or terrorism?

To the extremists, the symbolism would be a mere victory if the establishment is built. Upon its failure, it would represent deterioration of American foundation. Since, when do we care what the extremists think anyway? What matters is that it represents unity and understanding between different people and religions.

Hate to steal President Roosevelt’s quote, but 9/11 is “a date which will live in infamy” and despite the fact that we have not recovered from the tragedy of the event, we must continue to go forward rather than looking back.

Talat Hamdani lost her son that day. Yet she said she the building of Park51 would send a greater message.

"All those people who died that day... they were murdered for being Americans," Hamdani said. "We should honor those people who were murdered that day by living up to America's core values."

As far as Park51 being part of the plot to recruit terrorists goes, it is invalid if not an ignorant argument. Why? The site has been used for over a year and still is used for Muslim gatherings. So, whether the mosque is built or not, the possibility of terrorist recruitment is always present. Not to fear, we have homeland security.

I salute those that have sacrificed their lives for this country and its cause and I am confident that we will do so in future endeavors regardless of any obstacles that may stand in our way.

After all, this is the land of the free and home of the brave.

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