Ground Zero for Political Gain

We have become accustomed to referring to the site for the former World Trade Center as Ground Zero since the attacks in 2001. However, it seems that the area has become ground zero for new attacks, aimed, for whatever reason, at the American Islamic community. There is a plan afoot to renovate an existing building near the World Trade Center site and create a community center for the Muslim community in Manhattan. At first blush, one can understand that some folks may have to think twice about that. After all, the attacks of 2001 have forever changed the way many Americans think about the Muslims in general. It is understandable, but it is not alright to use the fears and misconceptions for political gain. Our Constitution promises religious freedom for all who choose to practice such traditions, and that includes members of the Muslim community. Isn't there a way to look at an Islamic Cultural Center near the World Trade Center as a positive sign that we are moving beyond the horror of the attacks without forgetting them? There are churches and synagogues in the area, so why not a place for the building up of the Muslim community in that neighborhood. I cannot help but think that such a center would take it upon itself to educate the public about true Islam, and not the radical fundamentalist kind that brought the towers down. I have the joy of working with students from many religious traditions, including Muslim students. I believe that good, kind and peace-loving people like them would populate the center, if it is built. When some choose to decry such a center for political gain, they wound all devout Muslims, including the students who are a part of my extended family. There is an opportunity here to write a new chapter in the book of the American experience, a chance to promote healing and an opportunity for dialogue. Let's not miss it because we are too busy trying to show how patriotic we are.