Islamophobia: America’s Problem with Muslims

With a death toll of about 3000 people and with thousands more having suffered major or minor injuries, it is no doubt that the Ground Zero site is ultimately considered a sacred place for most Americans. It has become a national symbol for mourning and a strong condemnation against terrorists and their inhumane acts. The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center paved the way for a more structured and more determined approach in eliminating terrorism and keeping American cities safer.

With the proposed $100 million Mosque which was then described to be an Islamic Center to be erected two blocks away from the 9/11 site, various major controversies have recently surfaced. A strong opposition by a growing number of Americans has created numerous debates with a major focus on religious freedom and tolerance. The remarks of Pres. Obama days ago also received a lot of negative criticisms from activist groups, politicians and citizens themselves. Pres. Obama reportedly extended his support to the building of the Mosque as it is in line with religious freedom in America.

Several Republicans has tagged Muslims as disrespectful and insensitive in choosing to put a Mosque near the shadow of Ground Zero. They also introduced the idea of putting the Mosque someplace else instead of disturbing the sacredness of the historic place. But the Islamic Center opponents may just be motivated by Islamophobia or the fear with Muslims. There is indeed massive stereotyping going on tagging all Muslims as Al Qaeda terrorists.

With the midterm elections going near, the recent controversy is also being used by influence groups as a political issue to target their counterparts. Anti-Muslim protests are now so widespread with a lot of Americans believing that Muslims are indeed in favor of violence. According to a recent poll, 46% of respondents believe that Muslims are more likely to cause violence against non-believers. Trends also show that more instances of hate speeches against Muslims are taking place compared to years back.

Today’s situation is a manifest about the difficulties faced by Muslim Americans in living their day to day lives. Ignorance and political propagandas have all contributed to more tense relations against Muslims. Let us not forget that there are also Muslims who died during that fateful day. Instead of promoting dialogue amongst religions, what is happening now is resulting in conflict and misunderstandings. Regardless of the real intention of the building of the Mosque, people should begin to realize that isolation isn’t going to do any good at all. Dialogue is the ultimate solution for a peaceful world along with unity amongst our leaders.

Ground Zero Mosque: Respect over Religious Freedom

On the morning of September 11, 2001, the worst terrorist attack in mainland US happened with the intentional crashing of hijacked commercial planes to the world trade center. With over 3000 people dead and another 6000 people injured, it is safe to say that it is one of the bloodiest and saddest event in the history of America. The Islamist extremist group Al-Qaeda group claimed full responsibility for the attacks. Because of this, the US has since instituted the war on terror policy promising to eradicate these terrorists.

A significant effect of the tragedy was the increase in hostility between Americans and the Muslims which have the same religion as the Al-Qaeda group. Just recently, there have been plans of putting up an mosque two block away from Ground Zero or the actual 9/11 site. The Islamic Center will be 15-storeys high with a reported budget of over $100 million. What caught the attention of the media is the fact that US President Obama himself supported the proposal indicating that everyone has the right to religion.

Several republicans directly opposed Obama’s opinion stating that the Muslim community is insensitive and un-respectful for building a mosque right in the shadows of Ground Zero. Co-founder of 9/11 Families for a Safe & Strong America, Debra Burlingame, stated that the president has abandoned America not minding the heartaches and sorrow felt by millions of Americans 9 years ago. Freedom is religion freely grants Muslims to build a Mosque anywhere but common sense dictates that they should build it someplace else as a form of respect to the families who lost their love ones during the terror attacks.

In a recent CNN poll, 68% of respondents directly opposed the plan of building the Mosque near the 9/11 site. This is a clear indication that majority of Americans oppose the building of the Mosque and suggest that it be transferred some place else. Though the Islamic center has already got an approval from the local planning board, it is still likely to face legal and political protests from residents and opposing lawmakers.

It is such a huge shame for the President and the government if the construction for the Mosque will push through. Instead of promoting religious tolerance, it will instead increase further tensions with Islam against other religions. What the people are asking for is respect to the thousands of innocent Americans who died on that fateful day. Pres. Obama should realize that religious freedom also has its boundaries especially on the issue of respect and commemoration.

Death Penalty for 9/11 Terrorists May Still Be Uncertain

Almost every people especially Americans are most familiar with the September 11 attacks on the world trade center that claimed approximately 3000 lives. The attacks where done with the clear intent of killing innocent people and send a message to America. Those terrorists who initiated the attack were quite heartless and emotionless that they didn’t even cared for the thousands of lives they shattered. It was really an ugly sight to look at and was considered a day of grief and mourning.

Years later, you may me wondering what happened to the other terrorists who were also part or at least indirectly supported the attacks. Right after 9/11, the American government initiated a move that would capture or if possible, eliminate all terrorists in the world. The government implemented the Anti-Terrorism policy that would erase terrorist insurgents and give back to people the freedom to live a peaceful life.

On March 1, 2003, a terrorist known to be part of the infamous Al-Qaeda terrorist group named Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured in Pakistan and was brought into US custody at Guantanamo Bay. Mohammed allegedly proclaimed that he was part of the 9/11 terror plot and would very much plead guilty to face the death sentence. It is quite disturbing to note that terrorists such as Mohammed are looking at killing other people and dying for it is an act of Martyrdom. Where is the value for Life then?

Today, the Obama administration is still uncertain on what to do with those captured individuals. Attorney General Eric Holder was pushing for a formal trial and would eventually result in death sentence for all the accused. The trial didn’t actually take place because of so many controversies. Right now, they are pushing for the trial and defining where it will take place. They are also figuring out where to put those remaining prisoners inside Guantanamo Bay prison facility.

Let’s just hope that the government is keen enough to take this issue more seriously and give justice to all the families who lost a love one during the 9/11 attacks. If you were to decide, would you want to bring and do the trial for those terrorists in mainland US? There is still a big conflict between deciding if they are to be moved to mainland US. Lets us all be vigilant and hope that the government does toe appropriate steps to ensure justice but also at the same time protect its citizens from harm.