Ad Against Mosque Approved

You have to wonder about the value in things like this. Probably better ways for people to spend their time and money, but the show goes on.

New York City's transit agency has approved a bus advertisement that depicts a plane flying toward the World Trade Center's towers as they burn along with a rendering of a proposed mosque near ground zero.

The ad was paid for by the American Freedom Defense Initiative, an organization that opposes radical Islamic influence in the United States. The group's executive director says she doesn't find the ad offensive.

The group sued the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to demand it accept the ad, which was approved Monday.

MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz says the agency doesn't endorse the ad's views.

The plan for a mosque just blocks from the World Trade Center site has ignited a national debate about the limits of tolerance and the symbolism of ground zero.

Opportunity for Collaboration

With plans for the building of a Mosque moving forward near the WTC site, it is interesting how this is becoming a political issue, not just a religious issue or even about remembrance and tribute. For many Americans, a Mosque near the site of the 9/11 attacks symbolizes infiltration and giving ground to an unknown evil (or often the word terrorist is invoked, which really is for most people a word for an unknown enemy that is most likely Muslim). Is a Mosque really the incubator for terrorists? Is this a question of the chicken or egg? Clearly there are people in the world who want to do evil, and they will do so whether they are Muslim, Christian or agnostic. The real issue here is seizing on an opportunity to bring together two sides and let a community split by the horror and tragedy of 9/11 bring some healing to one of the most diverse and celebrated cities in the world. Diversity is what NYC is all about; a place where the world is on showcase. So, why wouldn't there be a Mosque, let alone near the WTC? Instead of attacking the idea and making it about politics and religion, let's turn this into a story of Americans joining together and building something better.

Landmarks Panel Clears Way for Ground Zero Mosque

A city commission on Tuesday denied landmark status to a building near the World Trade Center site, freeing a group to convert the property into an Islamic community center and mosque that has drawn national opposition.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 9-0, saying the 152-year-old building blocks from the site of the Sept. 11 attacks wasn't special or distinctive enough to meet criteria to qualify as a landmark. Commissioners also said that other buildings from the era were better examples of the building's style.

National and New York politicians and the Anti-Defamation League have come out in recent weeks against plans for the mosque, saying it disrespects the memory of Sept. 11 victims. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who also chairs the foundation building the Sept. 11 memorial, has defended plans for the mosque.

Bloomberg today joined City Council Chair Christine Quinn and several religious leaders to reiterate his support for the mosque, which has drawn criticism from some Republicans and family members of those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Bloomberg said the firefighters and other first responders who died in the attacks had done so to protect religious freedom. Read more here.

WTC Mosque Ad: The Debate Grows

The controversy surrounding a possible mosque near the World Trade Center site is definitely a difficult issue for people. The debate has resulted in this recent ad example, and I'm sure you will see more develop. What is the real issue here? I don't think it is really about a mosque being built, but the ultimate control of memory and the message imparted to people about 9/11. People see this mosque as a dishonor to the victims, and others are taking this a step further with conspiracy theories about terrorists. The debate here is how will we remember 9/11 and what it will instill and inspire in people. When people visit the WTC site, everyone can agree that remembering the victims and the event should be priority. But why not make 9/11 into more than the horrendous tragedy it was, and go a step further and turn it into an opportunity to show terrorists and anyone filled with hatred and evil why the US is the great country it is. Embrace a mosque that becomes a pillar in the community, contributing to rebuilding the WTC site and community, showing Americans, Muslims and the World that we can all work together.