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Everyone old enough to remember can tell you exactly where they were on Sept. 11, 2001. I was living in Greenville, N.C., walking down 10th St. A young man, who lived across from me, ran up to me with a panicked look on his face. I do not recall his name, but I will never forget what he said.
"Dude … we were just attacked!" he said.
I had no idea what he meant. Was someone that lived near us jumped? Was there a shooting? What was he talking about?
I ran home, and on every television station the footage was the same. The first plane hit the towers, shocking and confusing everyone. Moments later, the second plane cut through the World Trade Center. There was no mistaking what was happening.
Then I realized what the young man with fear in his eyes meant. Our country was being attacked.
The site of the fallen towers, now known as Ground Zero, has a very emotional connection to the residents of New York, particularly the family members of the victims.
Now there is a plan to build a mosque and Islamic center in close proximity to Ground Zero. Understandably, there is an outrage over this. Perhaps it would be like putting a Tokyo Express restaurant at Pearl Harbor.
That being said, the mosque should absolutely be built.
America is at war with terrorism. But what is terrorism? Is terrorism simply an Islamic practice? Are all Muslims terrorists? No.
Terrorism, as I interpret the meaning, is the use of fear and violence to push an ideal on someone, and right now I see many Americans playing the role of terrorists.
Many Republicans are inciting the public by using propaganda to attempt to stop Muslims from practicing where they choose.
If I am not mistaken, our Constitution allows the freedom of religion.
Attempting to stop someone from practicing their religion, whatever it might be, is a gross violation of the Constitution. In fact, it's downright hypocritical for our leaders to engage in this behavior.
The hypocrisy does not end there.
Opponents of President Obama have called him a socialist, accusing him of taking away our economic freedom.
I believe the mosque in question is purchased with private money, adhering to all local and state zoning regulations.
So now it's okay for Republicans to tell someone how they can or cannot spend their money…as long as they are Muslim.
Republicans, if you are out there listening; I urge you to "refudiate" your stance on this issue. Wait, is that a word?
I am extremely proud to be an American. As a citizen I am guaranteed the right to write this article without fear of repercussion from the government. I am guaranteed the right to believe in anything I choose. I have the right to practice Christianity, Judaism, and Scientology and even…gasp…Islam!
To try to deny this right to any American citizen is nothing short of terrorism, and I'm pretty sure that is what our country is fighting against.
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