Islamic Center issue hit too close to home?

On September 11, 2001, I remember exactly where I was when the terrorists slammed into the second tower of the World Trade Center. I watched it happen. I actually saw the second plane hit the tower. I was a sophomore in high school, just about to start religion class. Nine years later, I find that fact ironic, especially with the controversy concerning the Islamic Community Center planned at a site several blocks from ground zero. Has the media used this day of sensitivity to try to appeal to Americans about their freedoms promised to them by the Constitution?

With emotions running high, those in favor and opposed to the community center gathered in New York with hand-made signs and ready to voice their opinions. Below is a photograph from CBS.com depicting supporters of both sides. "Support freedom of religion," and "Remember 9/11/01" are written on the signs.

Is it ethical to deny the rights of American citizens to pray or worship in a place and form of their choosing? Would there be such a media storm if, say for example, Christians wanted to build a church near ground zero?

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America so states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; of abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." It seems there are two major issues being demonstrated about the Islamic Community Center.

One. The Constitution promises the freedom of religion. Whatever religion that may be. Those who practice any sort of worship are promised the right to convene and pray when and where they want to. Just because the proposed center is very close to the memorial of the attacks of 9/11, that should not be a reason for community uprising.

Two. The Constitution also promises the freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Those opposed to the building of an Islamic center are well within their right to display their distress. They believe that by constructing an Islamic center near ground zero will dishonor the 3,000 American citizens that lost their lives that day.

So who is right? Is it ethical to deny the rights of Muslims in America to worship where they choose? Or, is it ethical to deny the rights of New Yorkers to display their grievances to other Americans feeling vulnerable about the anniversary of terrorist actions? Those media representatives tread carefully when reporting this story and be aware of the thin ice America is walking on.