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Updated Wednesday, August 18, 2010 10:47 am TWN, The China Post news staff

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Mosque at Ground Zero tests American principles

Many of the original European settlers in the New World were searching for a place where they could practice religion without restrictions and the founders of the United States of America were very clear in their instructions that the government of this new nation should not allow any religious favoritism. As with most articles of belief, however, the proof is in the pudding. It's all very well and good to have public statements that defend the right of all Americans to worship what or whom they choose, but the proposal to build an Islamic center which would include a mosque just blocks from the site referred to as Ground Zero in New York City's lower Manhattan gave America a test of its beliefs. Sadly, many Americans received a failing grade.

Since Obama's inauguration he has pressed for reconciliation with the Muslim world. Not long after beginning his term in office Obama traveled to Cairo and spoke of “a new beginning” to U.S.-Muslim relations in what many believe was a groundbreaking first step. And, while American-led wars against Muslim extremists continue to rage, this U.S. president seems to be both talking the talk and walking the walk with regard to opening a new dialogue with the Muslim world.

Coming out forcefully during an election year in favor of a project that is not necessarily popular is not the smartest thing to do politically. Obama's opponents have begun firing and will certainly try to use this decision against him. It's refreshing, however, to see principle put before politics and Obama, Bloomberg and other authorities in the city of New York deserve to be applauded for coming out on the side of equality. Those who asked sarcastically if it would be acceptable to build a Japanese cultural center next to a sunken U.S. battleship in Pearl Harbor exposed the fact that they equate Islam with terrorism, which is refuted by the daily actions of the world's over one billion Muslims, the vast majority of whom are as peaceful as followers of any other faith. To Obama and others who accepted the Islamic center the issue boiled down to only one valid question: “Would it be acceptable to put any other house of worship at this same site?” Their answer was yes.

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