Why can't we all get along?

I just don't get it. For weeks now I've listened to news reports of people ranting about the proposed mosque to be built in New York City a couple of blocks from ground zero--the site of the 9/11 attack. I do understand the sensitivity of the issue; however, I am disturbed by the outright hatred and intolerance toward Muslims. (By the way-- 1. They do not want to build a mosque, they want to build a PEACE center. 2. There is ALREADY a mosque only 3-4 blocks away from the ground zero site and it has been there for over 40 YEARS. It was there BEFORE the twin towers of the World Trade Center were constructed.)

Hmmm, do we need to be reminded of the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Freedom of Religion is one of the most important pillars that established the foundation for this country. The first amendment does not guarantee freedom to practice selected religions--it protects ALL religious faiths. If we want to deny the freedom of a religion that is not our own don't you see that we threaten the freedom of our very own religion?

I love this quote:

"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself" ~ Thomas Paine

Have we as a nation really become so partisan and intolerant? I am a Christian and cannot imagine any circumstance that would cause me to turn away from my faith. I am also a Christian that deeply respects other faiths. There are so many common threads that should unite people of all faiths. Why do some people feel so threatened or harbor such hatred that they are compelled to fight against people of different faiths? Take a deep breath folks. Let's try to learn from each other.

On the August 10, 2010 broadcast of the Daily Show Jon Stewart did a great job of illustrating the absurdity. I've posted the link above--just click on the title of this blog entry.