God Remember’s Ground Zero
It isn’t often that my loyalties to both nation and God are in conflict but this is one of those times where it is. The USA, 234 years ago founded a nation under God. Since 1954, Our Pledge of Allegiance to this nation and it’s flag has included the words, “One nation under God, indivisible … “. Two of the primary drivers that promulgated our ancestral emigration to a new land and nation, were the principles of free speech and religious choice. On March 4, 1789, our constitution’s very First Amendment stated that our “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” For over two hundred years these principles were those of the proud, the loyal and those allied against forces opposing our way of life. Our legal tender clearly stated “In God We Trust.” So where do my problems as a citizen begin?
Our nation has been under attack since it’s inception yet it has survived and prospered. Over time, our constitution has been challenged, tested and amended, yet it held up rather well. I, along with many of our founding forefathers openly felt (and feel) that our survival and prosperity as a nation is dependent on the continuation of God’s blessing. As such we needed to follow his laws and example. I love this country but not always the people we chose to run it.
On September 11, 2001 our nation and nationals from over 70 other countries (in New York City, Arlington, VA and near Shanksville, PA) were attacked without mercy, again. The impact on our nation and the world was life shattering. The attack was conceived of and orchestrated by a group referred to as al-Qaeda (a self proclaimed militant islamist group intensely opposed to the United States.) Although we have fought many enemies in our relatively short history, few have proclaimed themselves outwardly in opposition to our God, His wisdom, patience and forgiving nature. Now it should be known that although I am an 8th generation American, I am first and foremost a Christian. As I understand it, Muslims use the word Allah for God, as do Arabs of all Abrahamic faiths, including Mizrahi Jews, Bhas’is, and Eastern Orthodox Christians, although the concepts or beliefs involved do differ. So we must contend with the differences between traditional and militant (or misguided) Muslims or extremist Christians or those fringe radicals of any other faith. Christians who believe in violence as a remedy for grievances are every bit as unacceptable in this country as are extremist militant Muslims. Peaceful neighbors should however be warmly welcomed.
So whats right when it comes to the question of building a Mosque near Ground Zero? Well logic suggests that any idea which instantly infuriates the masses should be quickly and rationally reconsidered by those proposing it. Aside from what’s right, that’s just common sense. In a country where human rights are a top priority, there is an even larger responsibility on each of us in the citizenry to live in recognition of our neighbors and their personal “protected” beliefs. A Japanese shrine proposed for Pearl Harbor in the 1950’s wouldn’t have been well received either. If we can’t find a clear answer that our majority can all agree on quickly, we need to revisit our Constitution and amend it again. We need to wear our heritage proudly, not hide behind or extort it.
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
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