Lies, distortions, jingoism, xenophobia—another day, another campaign issue that Republicans can use to bash President Obama and the Democrats. First it was illegal immigration. Now it’s the so-called Ground Zero mosque, which is not at all what its opponents claim.
First, it’s not at Ground Zero. The site in question is two blocks north of the former World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan; an existing mosque is just a few hundred feet more distant from the site of the collapsed towers. Second, while the planned building would indeed house a place of worship, it is designed to be more of a community center along the lines of a YMCA. Plans include a fitness center, swimming pool, basketball court, bookstore, performing arts center and food court. Kebabs do not threaten our way of life.
Between my email and the comments at the Huffington Post it's clear that "hallowed ground" can include titty bars and shopping malls.
It's also worth noting at this point that the Republican plan for fixing the economy is, 1) Muslims can't be trusted, 2) Mexican babies can't be trust, and 3) Married gay people can't be trusted.