A few thoughts on some hot and not so hot topics

The Ground Zero Mosque

I really believe that this being politicized to the extent that it has is shameful.

First, from a principled perspective, these folks proposing to/building this mosque where they are is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution - The amendment prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion or impeding the free exercise thereof. The key part of that is the impeding the free exercise thereof - meaning the government is restrained by the Constitution from interfering with the free exercise of religion - any religion. Bottom line - these folks have the right to build this mosque here as long as they receive all of the necessary permits, etc. to do so and to deny them the ability to do so based solely on their religious beliefs is wrong. I do wonder however, if this is too close, how far away from Ground Zero is OK for them to build a mosque?

Let me be clear - I am not saying that I think this is a good idea or that it is not insensitive. I think it is a provocative stick in the eye and monument to the bloody nose that was given to the great satan on 9/11 and completely understand why people are hurt and upset over the plans. This is an issue that needs to be handled and addressed at a local level using existing laws and ordinances - not on a national level. I believe that the balance of the distinction between the rights of the builders and wisdom of doing so have been completely lost.

What bothers me the most though is the fact that so many national "political leaders" have seen fit to weigh in on this and exploit this emotional issue as a stick to beat on their opponents. Yes Republicans, I am talking primarily to you. It's fine for you to have an opinion and to express it but you guys are so overplaying your hand and trying to make political hay out of this that it makes me want to puke. Everywhere I turn (talk radio, television) there's some politician or talking head blathering about what a travesty this mosque is. I have yet to hear a single Republican or conservative make and express a distinction between the principled reason as to why the mosque should be allowed to be built versus the emotional and practical reason as to why it shouldn't. Is it because you think the electorate is too stupid to understand the difference? All I know is that the rhetoric around this whole issue has devolved to the lowest common denominator and is incredibly sad. The least surprising part of it is the fact that Nancy Pelosi showed her true colors by calling for an investigation into who is funding the opposition to this mosque.