You do realize that the same American Family Association also links this blog..
In Support of Mosques
Date: 8/11/2010 8:30:40 AM
Elijah Friedeman, the Millennial Perspective
Well, actually, this post is in support of Muslims' freedom to have a place of worship.
I've already had my say on the proposed Ground Zero mosque (here and here). So I won't delve into that messy, controversial, but important discussion. I am, however, throwing my support behind religious freedom in this nation.
Bryan Fischer is calling for no more mosques to be built in America. Period. And, as I'm sure it's no surprise to regular readers, I respectfully disagree.
Mr. Fischer's case against mosques is based on the thought that "Each one (mosque) is a potential jihadist recruitment and training center." I agree with that statement. Each and every mosque could potentially - existing in possibility - be a threat, but the fact is that the very large majority of mosques don't threaten America's existence or anything for that matter.
Mr. Fischer also decries the "Grand Jihad" which Andy McCarthy has written about. I must confess that I haven't read the book, but I have read McCarthy's remarks about the Ground Zero mosque, and from what I've read he in no way wants to legally stop the construction of the Ground Zero mosque, nor, by extension, does he want to circumvent the law to stop the construction of all mosques.
The final argument presented by Mr. Fischer in opposition to mosques is a statement from 1991 issued by the Muslim Brotherhood. The statement is sobering, scary in fact, but it's important to realize that the Muslim Brotherhood is not synonymous with Islam. Yes, the Muslim Brotherhood is obviously composed of Muslims, but not all Muslims, or even the mahority from what I know, are members of this organization. In fact, the Muslim Brotherhood has even been banned in Egypt. And the Department of Defense has labeled the Muslim Brotherhood in America as a "threat organization." So it's not like these are the Muslims next door. The Muslim Brotherhood is an obviously radical organization. Any statement from the Muslim Brotherhood should in no way be taken as indicative of Muslims' views in general.
I will maintain, as I've done repeatedly in the past, that we absolutely cannot suspend our principles, and in this case the Constitution, just because we feel like it. If we ignore the legal foundation of our nation, we will be left in a legal quicksand with no protection from others who want to suspend our freedoms when they feel like it.
I would give the Devil the benefit of the law, if for no other reason than my own safety.
American Family Association (AFA)
