the NYC "mosque"

A few thoughts (updated/edited)...

-It's good to see the Left excited about property rights and local governance.

-I understand the argument on the other side. But on net, I believe Muslims have the right to build something religious there.

-Hat tip to Joe Gill: I wish that opposition to this project was consistent-- not just opposition to something "foreign", but a broader sense of something "sacred". So, for example, there would be no porn stores on/near the Ground Zero site.

-That said, Muslims should not want to build anything religious there (I Cor 10:23).

-I can't imagine members of other religions doing this.

-In countries where they govern, I wish Muslims would allow buildings for any other religion-- anywhere.

-I wish these (and other) Muslims were as passionate about condemning radicals in their religion.

-It's a side issue, but I wish Americans understood the manner in which we've provoked Muslims in the Middle East through our foreign policy. (See: Pape.)

-It's a very mixed bag to have President Obama weigh in on this local decision. There's a slight benefit to promoting reconciliation, etc. There's a cost in appearing to appease. And to his credit, Obama is willing to bear tremendous political costs to take this public position.