A Mosque at ground zero?

This is a true test of what the US stands for, free speech, religious freedoms and our tolerance of the differences that come about from individuals or groups exercising these freedoms. I don’t think the American people would stand for a US militant extremist recruiting center being built next to the Murrah Federal Building site in Oklahoma City as it would be disrespectful and inflammatory. So what motivation must this group have in picking this specific location is probably a better way to look at the issue? Do they have a constitutional right? Yes. Is it disrespectful and inflammatory? In my opinion, yes. Was this a location that gave them the biggest bang for the buck? I am no real-estate genius but I have to think that you can get a lot more bang for your buck (over $100 mil) building this in any other location within the US. I pay less for my 4 bedroom house than most folks in NY city pay for a 1 bedroom apartment!! Was the location picked because a high concentration of people of that religious belief live near the location? Last time I looked NY State had around 140 mosques/community centers, 30 in Brooklyn and another 12 in NY City proper. So maybe they need another one (and who am I to say they don’t) but it doesn’t appear as if this specific location is in dire need. So if it’s not financial and it’s not because they are lacking adequate locations to worship within the city; what must it be? In my opinion this location was selected to incite a controversy and further disrespect to those that hold this site sacred within their hearts. No good can come from this decision as it will further place a wedge between the Muslim and Christian faiths. I respect the right to practice your religion of choice wherever and whenever you so choose but I would ask that respect be given for those that oppose this plan equally. What is missing in this plan is compassion and understanding; compassion and understanding for those that were deeply scarred from the events that took place on 9/11 and, unfortunately for those of the Muslim faith, it was done in the name of that religion. I would ask that the leadership within the Muslim faith take this as an opportunity and stand up against this blatant attempt to further alienate the religion and show respect, understanding and compassion.