Relgious freedom, only when convenient?

I read recently that President Obama is supporting the right to build a Mosque near ground zero in NYC. That will no doubt draw the wrath of some “Americans.”

While the idea of a Mosque in that location may be shocking and disturbing to some, the President is right. This country is founded in part on religious freedom and either we believe that or we don’t.

I for one constantly try to reconcile what is going on in the world with the Muslim religion. Frankly, I don’t hear sufficient talk from the Muslim community condemning violence and terrorism. But most of all, the religion appears to be easily corrupted by individuals seeking political or other objectives using fundamental elements of the faith. I also cannot abide in any way the treatment of women or the 8th century laws and punishments followed by some Muslim countries.

None of that matters. What matters is sticking to our own beliefs and fundamental rights, in this case freedom of religion. There are those who say the right to build at that location is there, but they should be more sensitive to the victims families. That argument is weak because it assumes that the 9/11 attack was an attack by a religion on society rather than by radical terrorists and extremists.

Let’s not forget the horrific things done to people throughout history in the name of many different religions. If we held a religion accountable for all the deeds done in it’s name we would all be atheists.