Posted by
Jay Adler Comment on Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:59:58 PM
I grew up on the Upper West Side and Brooklyn and total time spent was thirty years. I know New York and its residents very well and I have never heard anyone express hatred toward Muslims. I do not feel that the prejudice is the central theme. I believe that most people in this country according to the opinion polls do not want the Mosque to be erected at Ground Zero because they feel it is contrary to respect for the feelings of loved ones who were so violated by 911. This appears to be the prevailing objection but knowing New Yorkers they are adding an additional one. New Yorkers, and in this case those that work on Wall Street, the City Hall area and generally Lower Manhattan already live in a town with long lines, no parking and a lot of everyday arguments. If the Mosque goes up at Ground Zero, that's not going to stop the marching, civil unrest and arguing which will go on for years. I think most New Yorkers would rather see a compromise with the Mosque being situated perhaps nearby or in a pastoral setting upstate. That is viewing this discussion from a practical standpoint. This may play out not to be possible but might satisfy everybody.
Jay R