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I read the column titled “Park 51: Fighting over the mosque that’s not” yesterday. I thought it was very well written, but I can’t agree with the conclusion. The name of the place, as far as I’m concerned, is immaterial. If it’s being funded by Muslim interests, and at this time it’s still unknown who is funding the project, then it’s primarily a Muslim center. Again, the name is immaterial. I am Catholic. If radical Catholic terrorists had flown planes into the World Trade Center causing the death of thousands, I would not want a Catholic church built within two blocks of Ground Zero. It is stated in the last paragraph of the column that “Park 51 provides an opportunity to expand our knowledge and acceptance of foreign cultures.” OK. Shouldn’t that also provide an opportunity for the planners of the “Center” to display some knowledge and acceptance of the pain felt by the families of the victims of that terrible tragedy? As we all know, these type “Centers” can be built anywhere in this country. But the question is, should this “Center” be built within two blocks of Ground Zero? If the planners have any compassion for the victims’ families, they will build elsewhere. And that will do more toward “acceptance of foreign cultures” than any other act.
Henry F. DeSpain is retired from the U.S. Government.
