Build the ‘Mosque’ or Burn the Qu’ran? It Hurts Some, But It Is Constitutional

August 23, 2010

“Allahu Akbar.” This prayer conjures up a beautiful memory for me; these were the first words whispered in my newborn daughter’s ear moments after she was born in Manhattan. I understand that for most Manhattanites these words probably conjure up dark memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Like many Americans, I have been following the 24-hour news cycle on the so-called “Ground Zero Mosque” controversy with grave interest. What alarms me most is the way misinformation about Islam and Muslims, and in many cases hateful disinformation, dominates the media coverage. Earlier this week, Pamela Geller, the blogger who incited this controversy, insisted on CNN that the 9/11 terrorists were practicing “pure Islam.” I wonder how many Americans actually believe her. I wish more Americans would reconsider what they think they know about Muslims and Islam, interrogating why they think they know it and who they take as an expert.