With the recent passing of the ninth anniversary of 9/11, Americans are not only asked to remember the 2,751 innocent U.S. citizens, who tragically lost their lives nine years ago, but we’re also asked to accept Soho Properties’ campaign to construct an Islamic mosque just steps from where the twin towers used to proudly stand. Needless to say, this proposal has created an upheaval of dispute among Americans.  

The fact of the matter is it was Muslim extremist who cloaked America with a fog of horror and devastation Sept. 11. Thousands of lives were lost and millions were affected. Since that shattering day, ground zero has not only become a memorial but also an exceedingly delicate topic for Americans. It is a place to grieve and pay homage to our fallen brothers and sisters. Americans do not need to be reminded of the darkness of that day by seeing a gaudy tribute to those who were answerable for this atrocity. 

Islamic religions have continuously used architecture to symbolize dominance and victory. Am I the only one who finds it a little too ironic that, of all places in America, Soho Properties feels it’s necessary to build their symbol of “dominance and victory” at ground zero? Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf claims, “it will not only be a mosque but a complete Islamic Cultural Center, including a museum and a gift shop.”  A gift shop, really?  What are they going to sell; Twin Tower snow globes with airplane shaped flakes? Next thing we know we’re going to be approving a Shinto Temple at the entrance of the Pearl Harbor Memorial. What is the real reason behind the placement of this “cultural center?” 

This proposal is insulting to America. New York officials, as well as all other members of our government, should recognize that this subject is painful for Americans and they should refute it! It seems to me that politicians are far too fearful of being accused of discrimination. By allowing such a controversial and provoking act to carry on, they’re willing to disregard the pride of America and scalp our country of its dignity, all in order to avoid offending someone. What happened to the proud, strong, and nationalistic America? Americans need to follow patriots, such as Sarah Palin, who is one of the few government officials who has been bold enough to repudiate this notion of disrespect. Palin made a public statement saying, “The catastrophic pain caused at the twin towers site is too raw, too real. Peace seeking Muslims, please understand, the ground zero mosque is unnecessary provocation; it stabs hearts. Please reject it in interest of healing.” Sarah Palin handles the matter in an exceptionally respectful and appropriate manner. She is absolutely right, the mosque is entirely unnecessary and its location is insensitive to Americans.  

It makes no difference to me what, who, or how you worship. This article, realistically, has very little to do with religion. I’m not asking that “peace-seeking Muslims” respect me, as a Catholic. I’m asking that they respect me, as an American. That they respect a monumental cataclysm that, unfortunately, is now a painful part of American history. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 were one of the most detrimental assaults ever imposed on America. Many Americans were indefensibly killed in the name of Allah. All I ask, nine years after the fact, is that when I visit ground zero, my feelings of tribute and respect to those 2,751 mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters not be contradicted by a backdrop that suggests any form of “dominance and victory.”  

If on Sept. 12, 2001, the idea of building a mosque at ground zero was proposed, would it have been supported or granted? Absolutely not. Why should it be acceptable now?