Time to Do the Right Thing
Friday, August 20, 2010
Peter J. Johnson, Jr.

I am standing at the site of the proposed mosque and community center about 500 feet from Ground Zero. I lost many friends here. As a lawyer, I represent retired firefighters and fathers who suffer cancer and other serious illnesses as a result of the rescue and search operations for their sons who perished at the site of the attack.

For some, including the president, this has become about civil rights: the First Amendment. But it is not really about the First Amendment. It is about America giving and taking. It is about Americans respecting other Americans; about neighbors supporting neighbors; about feeling each others pain; about being sensitive to the loss of life in a horrific act of war, where it still hurts almost nine years later.

We are proud that we are one of the few countries in the world which allows the free exercise of religion. But, when we resort to legalisms, when we invoke our First Amendment as a sword not a shield without seeing what there was to be seen and hearing what there is to be heard, well, it means we have lost touch with and lost faith in the victims. Because we know, whether it is the Fort Hood shooter or the Christmas Day bomber or the Times Square bomber or in battles in Iraq and Afghanistan, our nation is still under siege. But as united as we were as a people on 9/11, we are just as divided today.

We have forgotten the important wellspring of our nation's strength that when it comes to our national interest, we are neither Christians, nor Jews, nor Muslims. We are Americans first.

But our common bonds seem to be fraying. Why?

Does our government sanction disrespect and disagreement between our peoples? When we demonize an entire state like Arizona because of the failings of the federal government? Do our courts sanction, disrespect and incivility when they allow a so-called religion to protest at servicemen's funerals, holding signs that say "Thank God for dead soldiers?" And then say the First Amendment makes it all OK.

How have we fallen so far, so quickly?

The developer of this mosque promises to build bridges, yet reportedly announced that its ground breaking would take place on September 11, 2011. When questions are asked about this site as to whether it is to be a reminder of Islamic triumphalism or supremacy, no assurances can be given except to deny that Hamas is a terrorist organization and refuse to deny that this community center will accept funding from our implacable enemy, the nation of Iran.

Governor Paterson and Archbishop Timothy Dolan have each taken steps to resolve this crisis. They understand the importance of the inalienable right to worship, but also understand the need for sensitivity of a kind neighbor understanding the loss of another neighbor in a time of distress, anger and yes, painful healing; the concept of right idea, wrong address.

Our hope and prayer is that this is no longer about government or politicians, or pain or protest, but about neighbors becoming good neighbors, about Americans being good Americans.

Thank God and the Founders for the First Amendment. But God help us if it all comes down to the need to rely upon it. Before we start talking about rights, let's start acting on our unique American responsibility to do the right thing.

Excellent post thank you for sharing Kathy. Peter said it all Love of country and fellow Americans what a great commentary we would not see this on CBS ABC or NBC.

Kathy , you're the best person and thank you for doing the right actions. Wish I could go with you!! I'll be with you in spirit.

Been watching this issue very carefully. I watch at Pam Geller.

Bless you! Our fallen are watching and calling no doubt for us to ACT on their behalf and their families and friends.

Deb