This page was last updated on August 8, 2010.
No reason to stop mosque construction; Dan Sainovich; Beaver County Times; August 8, 2010.
I have to admit to a challenge critiquing “Dan Sainovich” letters over time. The reason is this. Over the last 5+ years, letters from Industry/Ohioville have been signed Dan; Dan, Jr.; Danny; and Danny, Sr. It appears there is a minimum of two “Dans” and a maximum of four. All of the “Dan” and “Dan, Jr.” letters espouse lefty positions.
Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.
“In reference to the proposed mosque to be built in the 9/11 area of New York City, Thursday letter writer Mary Ann Krakar posts the questions did we forget 9/11 and how can we let this happen?
“We must let it happen and not be racist or bigoted against other religions that may not fit our view point. The individuals who took the terrorist action are not representative of the Muslim world. They are radicals.
“Our nation was not built on a state-sponsored religion. The idea is that you can practice your religion or not practice any religion. We should not let this action by a few take precedence over the constitutional rights of many.
“I have not forgotten the terrible act of terrorism that was brought to this country on that dreadful morning. I know exactly where I was and where I was going as most Americans as well as the world.”
[RWC] The problem with Mr. Sainovich’s position is the proposed mosque has nothing to do with religion. Remember, Islam is not just a religion; it’s a combination of religion, law, and politics. The mosque project’s purpose is to make a political statement as close as possible to the sight of a radical Islamist “victory.” Until people understood the significance of its name, the mosque project was named the Cordoba Initiative. Though that still appears to be the name, supporters have taken to calling it “51 Park” in public in reference to the proposed mosque’s street address.
The significance of Cordoba? After Muslims conquered southern Spain in the 10th century, they established an Islamic caliphate and its capital was Cordoba. After Muslims conquered Jerusalem, they built the al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount. See the pattern? Intentional for some supporters, the symbolism of the proposed mosque in such proximity to the WTC site will become a recruiting tool for Mr. Sainovich’s “radicals.” In other words, the Cordoba Initiative is really about building a shrine for the 9/11 murderers.
The Cordoba Initiative claims it’s about “Improving Muslim-West Relations.” If true, why pursue something it appears most Americans oppose? If the project were really about “Improving Muslim-West Relations,” why not start by building a church and/or a synagogue in Mecca and/or Medina? As a reminder, Saudi Arabia does not permit the public practice of any religion but Islam (meaning no churches or synagogues), non-Muslims aren’t even allowed in Mecca and Medina, and the distribution of Bibles is illegal.
The above notwithstanding, I don’t believe the government has legal grounds to block the project. At this point I believe the only thing that can stop the building would be demolition and construction companies/workers refusing to take the job.