THE INFEMOUS 911 MOSQUE

I continue to hear that we are not at war with Islam, and that Islam was a peaceful and friendly religion. I do not question these assertions, because it is not what one says that is the true reflection of ones beliefs, but what one does. Therefore, the imbroglio that has engulfed the nation following the decision of the Muslim community to build or refurbish a community center adjacent to 911 ground zero, wouldn’t have been if a sprinkle of sensitivity was brought to bear on the project.
This proposed project, and the bad blood and controversies it has engendered is an eloquent manifestation of the scorn with which the Muslim community relates to the wounds and victims of the 911 attacks. I get the fact that some Muslims also died in that attack. I equally get it that America is a beacon of freedom and civilized conducts, and should therefore look the other way. This is not an issue about constitutional rights, but an issue of sensitivity to the sensibilities of a grieving nation.
Think about this for a moment. Wouldn’t it be honorable if the Muslim community should at this stage, rethink this project site, citing the need to respect the mood of the nation in view of the 911 loss of lives? In my mind, this would endear Islam to most Americans, and become a veritable tool for evangelism. But this is not going to happen, because in the eyes of Islam, we are but infidels (sinners) who have only one right;the right of acquiescence.

THE REPUBLICAN DECEPTION TACTICS

It is beyond incredulous the way the GOP has perfected the art of pulling the wool over a people. Since that change in the occupancy of the White House, as a result of the election of the first black man to the oval office, the Republicans have stood defiantly between him and any meaningful legislative achievements in a profoundly disturbing way. Some used word like ‘waterloo’, and phrases such as, ‘I want him to fail’ by others, to paint a picture of their desired fate for the Obama administration. I don’t care what it is. Whatever Obama is for, the GOP is against, and whether such propositions could help majority of Americans is immaterial. Was it the health insurance reform efforts, the job bill, unemployment extension? The GOP opposed to them all. What is even more incredulous, perhaps with a dose of insanity, is that some Americans, mostly conservatives go along with this political calculus which is driven only by the need to return to power and the inglorious status quo. Whether Conservatives or Liberals, the fate of this great country befalls on us all, and the sooner we realize this fact and work together to change the course of the country, we might as well be willing to stew-in-our juice when things finally go sour.
Think about this. The GOP under George Bush had eight years to tamper with our immigration laws, abortion, gay marriage, constitutional amendments and similar hot-button issues. The party did nothing. The reason is essentially political, because it helps the GOP to muddle the political waters and shift attention from the topics that would unmask their insensitivity to the needs of the working people, and families. When you muddle the waters long enough, fishes get dis-oriented and gasp desperately for clean water. So also, when the political water is sufficiently muddled, the people are confused, and would most likely vent their anger on the incumbent administration. The Republicans know this; it has worked for them before, and has no doubt about its efficacy this election circle. Otherwise, why are we not discussing all the various attempts by the Obama administration to avoid economic collapse, to create jobs, to ameliorate the sufferings of the unemployed, and so forth? This would bring to the forefront the obstructionist tendencies and tactics of the GOP, which may in turn, help the DNC in November. It is cut-dry; it is cut-throat, and without a human face.

THE REPUBLICAN DECEPTION TACTICS