The debate over proposed Ground Zero mosque

I have been following the proposed Ground Zero mosque debate that has been going for the last few months. It has been quite fascinating to hear the "fors" and the "againsts" over the issue. Almost everybody is into this debate and I thought to pen down my thoughts on this.

I am all for freedom of religion and believe that each individual has the right to practice any religion he chooses. Similarly, there should be no restrictions on where religious institutions should be built. On those lines, I support the proposed mosque site 2 blocks from the Ground Zero. I believe that the opponents only strengthen the promoters resolve of building the mosque since it seems to be a threat to their religion. Islam is a major religion followed by over a billion people around the world.It is only a small fraction of radicals that have brought all the negative press for the religion.

Coming back to the mosque site, if the site is legal and a religious structure construction is permitted by the local bodies, I do not have any problems with it. However, it would be prudent for the mosque promoters to move the mosque a little farther away from Ground Zero. Ground Zero is a permanent scar which brings back a lot of pain and suffering. It is a fact that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by radical Muslims and 9/11 is not a very distant event. 9/11 did change lives for a lot of people for the worse, including Muslims. To build a religious structure so close to it will very surely offend a few. The promoters should understand that by moving the religious center site, they will portray Islam as the greater religion. They will send out a clear signal that they respect the sentiments of people, even a handful of them. They will do more good for their religion as compared to what they are doing now by being adamant about building the mosque so close to the site of the tragedy. A religious site does not need to be in the best of locations to attract people. So, even if the proposed mosque is moved by 10 blocks, firstly, they would silence almost all of their opponents, secondly, they will showcase the tolerance of Islam and thirdly, they will be able to carry out their daily activities in peace.

America is a great country that has bestowed upon its citizens the freedom to practice any religion and follow any tradition. However, it is the responsibility of each individual to not misuse this freedom and be sympathetic to others.