Religion has long been touted as the "opiate of the masses". Events of recent past and until date around the world makes one wonder if that is an understatement and the real religious scenario is more close to addiction than alleviation.
One interesting event unfolding in that regard in the post 9/11 era is the proposed construction of a mosque at or near the ground zero site. There has been support and vehement opposition to the idea with the supporters calling for peace and religious tolerance (should be religious "appreciation") and opponents going to the extent of equating it to a "hitler memorial at auschwitz". Whatever the outcome is going to be, the idea sure is a novel one, not sure if we have precedence in history. If one were to put on a Gandhian hat, its actually a masterstroke and a humbling reponse to the religious extremists from the victims and their survivors - the type even Christianity espouses.
Of course, I being neither a muslim nor an american, can pass any arm-chair criticism or comment. Will my opinion be the same had I been in either's shoes, I don't know.
In the course of this discussion between my wife and I, she commented, albeit on a lighter vein though, that if one were to build a small mosque near all important sites targeted by such religious terrorists would it deter them from committing such heinous acts - after all its a place of worship and all religion mean good its just the true meaning gets lost in translation sometimes. Well, her statement struck to me as a seemingly innocuous but definitely one that has a deeper meaning and one that merits a great deal of thought from every one of us. After all religion is man's creation intended for our own good.
Today's pic is a famous tourist spot - downtown SFO - taken by me from a tourist chopper flying low on the SFO skyline - where such a mosque could add to its safety. Okay, if you havent got it till now - it was just the San Diego Legoland's mini replica of the SFO downtown.
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