Quote:
Originally Posted by Taxi
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Timothy McVeigh, christian, bombs oklahoma city. No more churches around the place, because you know, he was christian?
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Yes, you make a point. I just don't know what profound point you think you are making...McVeigh didn't bomb oklahoma city because of a religious belief. So why would anyone care if a Church got put up near by?
Yes, McVeigh was a Christian. Yes, Christians can do bad things too.
Good point. /sarcasm off
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What I really wonder about people's opinions when it comes to this "debate" is where would you draw the line on freedom of expression? when does someone's right to grieve in peace outweigh another's right to express themselves?
Let's say, for example...
The WTC had been bombed by the members of the NY State KKK as part of a KKK mission to destroy American lives who disagree with their ideals.
Would you be in favor of that KKK chapter opening a meeting hall at ground zero? what about 2 blocks away? what about 3 blocks away? what if they put up a banner in their window (that isn't breaking any civil codes) that says "we're glad your friends are dead?"---is that too far?
Its easy to defend freedom of expression and speech when YOUR comfort zone isn't the one that is being infringed on...its much harder when you are the one who is in pain.
Freedom of expression and speech is not absolute. There are plenty of reasons when the government has every constitutional authority to violate your free speech.
Where do you draw the line is a far more important question to ask yourself when you are championing another's free speech/expression.
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I can understand someone saying they should be allowed to build because they did nothing wrong. They aren't the people who committed the crime so why should they be held responsible/punished. I respect this rationale because it is good sense. This is why I believe they by LAW have every right to build there.
When people say things like it isn't actually right at ground zero...or it isn't REALLY a mosque...I have to wonder why those facts really matter to you. Are you saying that if it WERE a mosque and it WERE at ground zero you wouldn't support their freedoms? That doesn't sound like defending freedoms and rights anymore, it sounds like you just articulating what your particular comfort zone is. If you are one of those people where do you draw the line then between what you believe is right and wrong in this situation? Well...they can be no closer than 2 blocks to the site so long as they only hold prayer services and don't put any Islamic calligraphy on their signs...This is clearly ridiculous.