So my trip was great and in other post I'll talk about it, but today I gotta bring my "rantsters" some heat. I've left you waiting way too long. Today's topic is going to get heated real quick, not because of language or sexuality, it's because of religious freedom and being truly American. Right off the bat I'm going to make these three things very clear. I am a Christian. Always have been, always will be. I believe in America and the varied opportunities it offers a free people. Finally, I believe in humanity. Plain and simple. Now on to my rant.
Today I read one of many articles that have come up bashing President Obama. Usually I don't put deep stock into them, but today's article really hit a nerve with me. In New York, in the shadow of Ground Zero An Islamic mosque and community center is to be built. After a much heated debate from both sides of the discussion, it is being allowed to move forward in its construction. President Obama came out with a statement at the end of Ramadan supporting the center and what it stands for.
"This is America," Obama said, "and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are."
From this statement people have began saying that Obama has "abandoned" America. Abandoned America? How does supporting the right to worship when and where you will abandoning our nation? It's an absolutely ridiculous and a prejudice thing to say! 9-11 was a horrible look into the depths of religious and political fanaticism. It is in no way the standard by which all Islamic people live, and is it fair to condemn a whole cultural group because of the horrid decisions of a small sect?
If so, white people should never be allowed to open a company, own homes or have republican conventions. The "foreign" anglo people who came to this country, killed and drove the natives off there land, brought African slaves and indentured servants to America, and even fought a war over whether or not to allow blacks to be a free people! Once the war was fought and lost, black people were still lynched and decapitated all over the south and denied rights simply because of there skin color. Members of the LDS Church were tarred and feathered, drug from there homes and killed at night. Driven across the plains of America for their way of believing in God. Because they wanted the freedom to practice as they wish. More blood has been shed by the people who called this land home than anyone from the outside.
Yet I don't get up in arms when a white person has a confederacy flag. I don't freak out because there are still standing plantations. I have never told anyone that they were insensitive for paying tribute to our nations founding leaders or Thomas Jefferson. You know why? Because I don't hold accountable a whole group of people for what one small sect has done. When someones hate issues or fanaticism problems are directed towards me, I don't blame their whole religion or cultural group! That's insane! We are a country with forgiveness built into its framework. That's how we have survived. We need not forget our history in the wake of other disasters.
I have no earthly idea what the families of 9/11 went through or are continually going through. That kind of loss I cannot fathom. However, I know that continually cycling hate and insensitivity does not bring comfort. It will not undo the damage of the past. The thing is we have to move forward. Allow our country to be what we say we are. We are a nation built on freedom. If we want to move forward I believe we have to have faith in humanity. This mosque could build bridges of community, unity and faith (as it will be open to the public). Why not take the time to learn what it truly means to be Islamic? The only thing we see in the media are the radical depictions. I don't believe anyone would purposefully build a mosque in an area to be provocative and even if they did, how about showing real American spirit and welcoming them instead of sending back a message of hate.
Its time to move forward with faith. Faith in the humanity of all people. Faith in the resilience of the American people. Faith in the government and what they can do. Finally, Faith in God. I don't care what God you believe in, be faithful to your beliefs. I know as a Christian, my belief is to counter hate with love and that's just what I'm going to do.
Love you all!
Coop
No comments:
Post a Comment