The President was right about the mosque near ground zero

The Republicans and the religious zealots are having a field day with the President's remarks about the rights of religious organizations to build places of worship on private property. The crazies demand that the Government stop the plans for the mosque. This is a private property in a dilapidated, abandoned area of Manhattan. There is nothing there. Now we have private citizens who want to renovate the area and put up a house of worship for their religion -- not far from two Catholic facilities I might add.

 

So, we now have Republicans stirring up a false controversy about the appropriateness of a Muslim mosque within several blocks of the World Trade Center site. It's funny that the religious fundies have been screaming discrimination and a "war against Christianity", yet they turn around and declare war on another faith! What a bunch of hypocrites.

 

The First Amendment states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ..." How can people claim to support the Constitution if they propose that the Government restrict the freedom of a religion to build a place of worship on private property in accordance with local zoning and building codes?

 

The president's remarks simply echoed support for this fundamental right.

 

As an atheist, I am offended when a Christian megachurch is contstructed in a prominent place in our city. Yet, it is their right, and I defend that right as an American citizen.

 

The clear message here is not whether this is a proper location for a Muslim facility, rather, it is that this demonstrates why we need a solid separation of church and state, and that religion continues to be a divisive force in our country and around the world.

 

We don't need more religion, we need less religion. Help stop the crazies!!!!