TO THE EDITOR:
In response to Anthony Henage’s letter (“‘Ground Zero’ Mosque exemplifies freedom,” Aug. 25), I am not buying this idea about “emotional fitness.” When it hurts people to see a mosque built by the former site of the World Trade Center, it is because thousands of Americans were killed at the hands of Muslim extremists and now an Islamic temple is being built nearby. I understand that true Islam is a peaceful religion like Christianity, and that uninvolved Christians would not want to be held responsible if atrocities were committed in the name of their religion.
However, I also believe Muslim extremists will not see this as a peaceful gesture from Americans, but rather as a terrorist victory if the mosque is built. Americans cannot undo years of brainwashing by showing a little tolerance here and there.
I ask Muslims in America and those in support of the community center/mosque to recognize that a tragedy has occurred, and out of respect for those who died at the hands of Muslim terrorists and the victims’ families, a different location for the center should be chosen. New Yorkers and many other Americans are still hurting and view this proposal as an insult. Respect our grief. Build the center somewhere else.
Lindsey Purvis
Sophomore
Global Studies
