More Americans Now Believe that Obama is Indeed a Muslim

Before his presidency, Barack Obama was a democratic Senator of the state of Illinois. Having graduated at Harvard University law school with Juris Doctor (J.D.) magna cum laude honors, he was then perceived as an intelligent and skillful man. On February 10, 2007, Obama announced his bid for presidency. During his campaign, his platforms with regards to ending the war in Iraq, improving and increasing energy efficiency and creating a universal health care program caught the attention of a lot of people. Obama would then win the presidential race being the first African-American to take the highest position in office in America.

During the early days of his presidency, there was renewed hope felt by millions of citizens especially that the nation has been plagued by a lot of social, political and economical problems left by the previous administration. Because of him being considerably black, there were also high hopes in the restoration of freedom and justice regardless of race. But after almost 2 years in office, it seems that the voting population has been steadily losing trust and patience with Obama.

His inability to resolve the rising death tolls in both wars (Afghanistan and Iraq) have drawn many criticisms from several politicians, lawmakers and citizens. Also, the controversial health care reform bill has also received negative reviews stating that it is unreasonable and will only negate the freedom enjoyed by millions of Americans. Another big issue is his capability to find a solution to the present economic crisis that has left 12% of the population without a job. The increasing budget deficit is also a huge concern limiting government funding on basic social services and also erasing thousands of federal jobs.

But perhaps the most controversial issue that the President has faced is with regards to his comments on the proposed Mosque to be constructed two blocks away from Ground Zero. Because of that incident, more people have developed doubts about the real religion of Obama. A recent poll indicated that 1 in every 5 Americans believed that Obama is a Muslim. Even before his comments on the proposed Mosque, there is already a continued rise on the belief that he is indeed a Muslim.

Various democrats label this as a politically-charged action ahead of the Congressional elections. They also argued that some of the disagreements that pertain to Obama’s religion were linked to discontent of his performance. Whatever the real score is, the degree of distrust to the president is really increasing. I can fully say that this has also something to do with the lack of transparency that the present administration has. If indeed Pres. Obama is really a Christian, then the government should have nothing to hide and show the actual proof to the people. With lack of confidence and trust, the nation will never achieve national unity.

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.

Building of Mosque in Ground Zero: Obama was Right After all

For most Americans, the site of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center or most famously called “Ground Zero” is a very sacred place which commemorates the thousands of Americans who died during that fateful day. It is a special place that is very relevant most especially to the families who lost their love ones during one of the most brutal terrorist attack in the history of mainland America. Up until today, the sorrow and mourning is still felt by a lot of families unable to accept the grim reality and continuously blame the government for its failure to defend and protect its citizens against unlawful acts most specifically terrorism.

But then again, a newer controversy has again surfaced questioning how much sense of patriotism is left from the government. More particularly, the remarks of Pres. Obama at the White House which was celebrating the holy month of Ramadan stirred negative criticisms. Pres. Obama mentioned that despite of the traumatic event that has stained the grounds of the 9/11 site, Muslims still has freedom to build a Mosque nearby as everyone in America has the ultimate right to religion. The proposed Islamic center will be 15-storeys high amounting to over $100 million.

Republicans were quick to question the remarks of the President tagging it as an unacceptable view. New York Representative Peter King called the Muslim community as insensitive to the feelings of the families who lost their love ones during the attacks. He also added that the building of the Mosque nearby was very offending especially that a lot of people suffered on that very site. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich made similar the building of the Mosque near Ground Zero to putting a Nazi billboard right next to the Holocaust Museum.

On the other hand, Boston Globe Columnist Derrick Z. Jackson opposes all the ideas of Republicans tagging them as ignorant. He believes that Pres. Obama is right to put religious freedom into outmost importance as it is after all one of the integral parts of the U.S. bill of rights. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg ultimately defended the building of the Mosque stating that the government doesn’t have any power to deny that right. He also added the Muslim people also grieved during the attacks as some of their relatives also feel victim to it.

Mayor Bloomberg is quoted saying “We do not honor their lives by denying the very constitutional rights they died protecting. We honor their lives by defending those rights.” As what your political standpoint will be, one thing is certain. Instead of uniting for a common goal which is to achieve the American dream, U.S. political groups have been creating issues in order to destroy the other. Let us set aside our difference and instead work together for a better tomorrow. America was created to be the land of freedom and the President should continue to protect religious freedom regardless of the controversies he is facing.