Stephen Schwartz of the CIP Questions the ground Zero Mosque

The USA is a secular society based in the respect of all religions, including Islam. The idea of a Mosque so close to ground zero is a bad idea. We do not place the Mexican embassy in the center of the Alamo or place Japanese cultural centers on top of the Arizona in Pearl Harbor.

Schwartz like many others have questioned the forthcoming of the mosques leaders to show exactly where the funds came from. This should be a warning to those who think that this is merely local Muslims seeking a house of worship. The Mosque is funded by foreigners outside the USA for expressly political purposes.

I will point out that Schwartz has opposed the religious apartheid at Mecca and Medina. He is an advocate of a more cosmopolitan Islam that is part of Western Civilization. To a large degree Schwartz is correct in that the true reason we have problems with terrorism and radicalization is that Islam is caught in a self defeating circle. The radicalism scares investors who would build the factories that would employ the locals who turn to radicalism. The divide will grow worse in the information age where societies that allow women to do nothing will fall further behind those that develop their vocational talents.

As far as Sharia in a Western perspective it should be handled in a manner similar to the Jewish
courts. Let it regulate Halal and provide religious divorces. However, division of assets and official divorce is only recognized by the State. Muslims would still have to obey laws like those regarding monogamy. Offering Halal meals is an innocuous accommodation less intrusive than the demands of vegans. We do not chafe at putting up with demands of vegans, who are far and away more obnoxious and preachy than folks who eat Halal or Kosher food. In fact I have spent much time in the Hindu community and I have never been subjected to the nasty commentary of vegans. Usually the question comes up and I explain my culture has a different perspective respectfully. I do not eat those food in their presence. However, in the Guyanese tradition it is not uncommon for some people to eat differently with no problem in larger settings, but I retain my respect for those who object and grab a whopper in private later.