The people whose lives were taken on 9/11 gave their lives that a nation of by and for the people might endure. They did not do so voluntarily, but their loss has sanctified the land far more than words can do. It is now for us the living to perfect that sanctification by showing by our acts that we support the fundamental rights of belief and exercise by rejecting violence to those inalienable rights. Nothing we can do can defeat beliefs and their consecuent exercise. We might try to drive it underground, but even if we succeed we strengthen the internal structure and determination of those we oppress. Even in politics, for every force there is an equal and opposite force. By our opposition we create division. By tolerance we generate atonement, reconciliation, and unity of purpose and the possibility of peace. We can begin that process by allowing, in accordance with our traditions and our most fundamental law, the creation of a center for religious practice which we expect will be a monument of respect for those whose lives were taken, an icon rejecting force and violence, rather than smearing our expectations with fear that it will be something else. To make a holy covenant, we must have faith in the good intentions and faithfulness of those with whom we would jointly vow that the evil of 9/11 will never again be permitted.Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/08/10/98897/a-mosque-near-ground-zero-its.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_submitted&qwxq=7714932#Comments_Container#ixzz0xCny2sTN