QUOTE (Alpha Dog @ Aug 26, 2010 -> 08:22 PM)
So, if this mosque was going up 12 blocks away from the get go, you are saying that there would still be this massive opposition to it? I will grant you that there will always be some opposition to it, but you can't say it would be on the same level it is now. Hell, they could have diffused this thing right from the start, made HUGE PR points to their side and almost neutered the opposition if right away they said something like " You know, our intentions were pure in trying to build this center here, to build bridges and heal the divide. but however pure the motives are, it is clear that choosing this site has had the opposite effect, and in the interest of fostering peace and understanding, we are beginning our search for a new site immediately." But no, they just did their heels in and get indignant at our indignation, as if they are the only ones that are allowed to be upset at anything.
Hey, yeah, they could have avoid the whole controversy if they would have caved in right away!
Alternatively, Americans could realize 9/11 =! all muslims and that there's nothing wrong with building a community center with a mosque a few blocks away. But no, they had to go all crazy and let their irrational fears of all things muslim become national storylines.