Religious freedom vs expected respect

Thomas Jefferson once said, "The constitutional freedom of religion [is] the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights." However, it seems that one of our most sacred rights is being threatened over the issue of whether or not to build an Islamic community center near Ground Zero, the topic of debate for several weeks.

Formerly named Cordoba House, the developers of the facility have changed the name to Park 51. The "mosque" as it has been dubbed is not just a mosque; it's actually a cultural center.

At 13 stories, it will feature recreational facilities intended to bring the cultures of Christians, Jews and Muslims closer together. The top floors will be reserved for all faiths.

Those against the construction of the center argue that the planned building site is on hallowed ground. Actually, the land is not at Ground Zero but a full two blocks away from where the Twin Towers used to stand.

Oh, and by the way the "hallowed ground" the center's builders would be desecrating is really just an old Burlington Coat Factory Department Store.

Opponents also argue that building the center would be disgracing the memory of those who perished in the 9/11 attacks. They claim that if the center is constructed, it will boost the morale of the extremists and will be a victory for them.

Nearly 3,000 people died— individuals of many different faiths were lost, and yes, even Muslims. The people behind the mosque are not the terrorists who attacked us; they are American citizens too. We should not hold the entire Muslim population accountable for the actions of a few extremists.

What it all boils down to is simple: if the center is not built, we will be displaying nothing but racism, prejudice and intolerance toward the Islamic faith. Our forefathers founded this country to preserve our natural rights. The First Amendment of the Constitution contains one of the most important of those rights: freedom of religion. If we compromise the rights of one religion, we compromise the rights of all religions in this nation.