NYC mosque a slap in the face

By Jordan Condra

Nine years ago, on Sept. 11, a disgusting and tragic act of terror was launched on American soil.

You, your friends, your family and every innocent American was targeted that day. We still mourn the 3,000 deaths of those who were abruptly murdered before our eyes as we watched it all unfold on television.

As each year comes and goes just as quickly as the towers fell, we as a nation grow disconnected and desensitized to the simple fact that Muslim extremists were responsible for this act of terror and will continue in their quest to destroy this country and all it holds sacred.

Now, just two blocks away from Ground Zero, a flag of victory is ready to be raised in the form of a mosque. You might ask yourself, why is this a big deal? The ‘why’ itself is the big deal. Why there?

Why do people insist on building a mosque on what most Americans consider to be sacred ground? There are more than 100 mosques in New York City alone – so why there? Ground Zero isn’t even in a residential area, so the trek to this mosque would be an inconvenience to anyone who wished to visit it – so why there?

What will building a mosque on Ground Zero accomplish? And why do those who insist on the construction of this mosque continue to fight the 67 percent of Americans who oppose it?

This is not about freedom of religion or property rights. This is a political statement to the American people, a slap in the face. It is evident we have become a people of ever-growing tolerance with an uncanny ability to forget.

This mosque is not important to those who want it because they are in dire need of a place to pray and worship. This mosque is important only because it is a symbol.

Allowing the mosque would show the entire world that not only was America blindsided and defeated on that dreadful day, but nine years later, we willingly stood by, watched and allowed another defeat.