Monday August 9, 2010, 5:00 am
Traditionally any group of immigrants that come to the United States wish only to blend into and learn the laws of the land. I believe the continued ties with "the old country" is worthy of discussion. Please let us not turn this into a hate fest, but rather an open discussion of why this group of immigrants is very different from others, religion though definitely misunderstood by most, is but one element of the lack of desire to blend into a country of choice. Is this comparable to the mass migrations of the Irish, German, Chinese, Japanese, Mid and Eastern Europe?

Monday August 9, 2010, 7:04 am
First, Kevin Calvey, a Republican running for one of Oklahoma's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives Calvey summarized his views of CAIR in this refreshingly blunt manner:

I haven't met with them, nor will I. CAIR is the moral equivalent of the Ku Klux Klan. I wouldn't meet with them either. 'Nuff said.

Monday August 9, 2010, 12:26 pm
Jean M., those are truly words of wisdom from the mouth of a Republi-Con. I really hated to admit it though.

Tuesday August 10, 2010, 6:57 am
Thanks Kit

Tuesday August 10, 2010, 10:25 am
Just one more article on the Mosque and one more point of view.

http://www.care2.com/news/member/451276626/1946792

Tuesday August 10, 2010, 12:26 pm
Thank you for posting this.

Wednesday August 11, 2010, 6:31 am
To all who lost family and friends; I am very sorry that you lost a loved one on 9/11, most important I'm sorry it happened, no matter what the circumstance, the result is people are dead. It has been nearly 9 years and still no memorial. I think many could rest a little easier if there was a formal memorial perhaps in a garden. That however, is not up to me.

What I have attempted to do, as I have said; was present the views from varied sources to suggest that each person read the articles and allow information and not prejudice be the source material for a conclusion. I do believe now, that even the historic preservation commission has ruled this site unworthy; that this Mosque/community center will be built.

I also believe that it was originally presented as being at Ground Zero to arose exactly the initial reaction of "Hell NO" but as the dust of that has settled and we see that in fact the this is almost 2 miles from Ground Zero, so perhaps it is time to accept that this building will exist, and harboring feelings of anger can hurt only those individuals who continue to hold all Muslims responsible for 9/11.

Sadly, while seeking articles from all opinions, I also discovered that in many places across the US the same anger and protests are fighting each attempt to build a Mosque. We as Americans do have a right to believe and worship in any choice of religion or god that brings us comfort. No one, not Muslims, Jews, Christians (including Mormons) should suffer persecution for a belief system. We have communities from all world religions in our country, now and in the past. So let us behave as strong and worthy Americans that united believe the first amendment is more then a few words that hold no meaning.

I am not telling any one to believe this or any Mosque is right, only fair and just by the laws of our land. These laws are the same ones that so many have died to protect, so let the torch be passed and in doing so try to reconcile that each group of immigrants have a right to their beliefs.

I still believe and hope I do till my last breath, that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are the finest documents produced by mankind.

If your old enough you just might remember this:

"C'mon people now, Smile on your brother, Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now"

I know, much easier to sing the song then walk the walk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4fWN6VvgKQ&feature=fvw


Love is but the song we sing,
And fear's the way we die
You can make the mountains ring
Or make the angels cry
Know the dove is on the wing
And you need not know why
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
Some will come and some will go
We shall surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last
We are but a moments sunlight
Fading in the grass
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
If you hear the song I sing,
You must understand
You hold the key to love and fear
All in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both
It's there at your command
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
Right now!

Wednesday August 11, 2010, 12:36 pm
"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." -- Wendell Phillips

"A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one." -- Alexander Hamilton

"There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men." -- Edmund Burke

Thursday August 12, 2010, 8:16 am
Noted. Thanks, Kit. I am old enough to remember the song. Where are the likes of the Youngbloodz, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez. Pete Seeger, etc today? Since I am tone deaf, it's much easier for me to walk the walk than sing the song...wish I had more company along the route.