While in principle I agree with what Lizz Wenska “Ground Zero Mosque Lacks Legitimacy,” (CT, Aug. 30) is saying, she seems to have not done all of her research.
If this were just a random mosque being built, then I would agree with her completely, but she has not mentioned anything about the man who is leading the movement to get the mosque built, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf.
Feisal Abdul Rauf’s claim to fame is his statement that the events of Sept. 11 were partly America’s fault, and his attempt to legitimize suicide bombing by saying “How else are they going to get peoples’ attention?” and that suicide bombing is the equivalent of personal suicide.
So while Muslims have every legal right to build a mosque wherever they can purchase the land, they should be opposed by the people of New York and the United States because this is not a peaceable place of worship, but a statement that America got what it deserved. This is the victory flag.
In addition, many people have said no matter how bad an idea this is, the city can do nothing about it because there is no valid legal reason to stop it.
However, many of the major cities of the U.S., New York City included, have prevented Walmart from opening stores within their city limits simply by stonewalling them and bringing frivolous court cases against the major corporation.
If they can do it for Walmart, they should be able to do it for this mosque.
Stephen Biernesser
junior, chemical engineering