Tragic Proximity

Leonard Pitts Jr., columnist for the Miami Herald, wrote an editorial regarding the near-Ground Zero mosque that has resulted in explosive controversy.

In particular, he highlights intellectual dishonesty which surrounds this controversy:

And then, there is Rabbi Yaakov Thompson. In an opinion piece for the Sun Sentinel, he accused Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, leader of the group that would worship at the new facility, of taking chutzpah ``to a new level,'' even though, he added, ``I realize that those behind Cordoba House have no connection to terrorism.''

That bears repeating. Though he acknowledges the people behind Cordoba House are not terrorists, the rabbi still demands New York tell them No. In so doing, he blithely legitimizes the idea that tribe is destiny, that you and I are each individually answerable for the crimes of those who merely look like, talk like or pray like, us.

This 'tribe is destiny' argument can apply variably to any crime perpetrated by a group.  Should white catholics be allowed to build homes near elementary schools because of rampant catholic priest pedophiles?  Should all postal workers not be allowed to bear arms?  This is nonsensical flawed thinking and should be dismissed as such.

He continues, focusing on one of the ideas that makes our country great:

We should not be without sympathy for those who cringe at the notion of a mosque so near Ground Zero. Memory of what happened there is burned into us all. To put a mosque there would be an unavoidably painful and provocative thing.
But the Constitution does not carry an escape clause. We do not get to jettison our national ideals just because they cause pain or provoke. To the contrary, that is the time they are most severely tested and most desperately in need of defending.

This article resonated with me because it underscores the importance of maintaining core philosophical standards during the most heated of debates.  While I agree that building this structure is an exercise in poor judgement and bad taste which has already undermined its purpose, its construction should not be obstructed on the grounds of an argument that defies the intent of our founders.