I'm conflicted...

September 11 left lower Manhattan simmering in a diaphanous fog of hatred and intolerance. It left the remnants of nearly 3,000 people and a symbol of American power and presence obliterated. All of this was done by the closed fists of Islam. Since then, the nation of Islam's defensive strategy of painting a picture of peace and serenity, as victims being misrepresented by zealots not following the holy book, is the irony of that horrific morning. There are nearly 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. I know, without a doubt, there are Muslims kneeling toward Mecca and worshipping Allah without the pretense of hatred and intolerance for infidels on their breath. But, as an American, as a patriot, and as a Christian, I struggle with a myriad of emotions. This ambivalence comes from countless acts of terror around the globe, almost exclusively in the name of Allah, constant reminders of hatred for our America in the long lines of airport security, counter-terrorism, Homeland Security and a relentless war to prevent the dismemberment of little girls, like the one above, by the godless hands of the Taliban. Some people argue religion is not flawed, but people are. I think all religion is flawed since it's conceptualized by people. Regardless of the denomination or preference, Religion has lead to more death than any war. Christianity, sadly, being among the most devastating. I, nor anyone before me, can alter the horrific acts of the Crusades, or defend the horrors of the Roman Catholic Church, among others, through the years. However, this isn't the 12th century. We're a land of punitive law and a people of God's Law. Our President is right. We cannot forget the principles which lay the foundation for this great nation. We cannot turn our backs to tolerance and religious freedom no matter how much it stings our prideful souls and mourning hearts. However, President Obama missed an opportunity to finally be the leader he promised this country he would be. He had an opportunity, at a dinner celebrating Ramadan, to challenge the Muslim community sharing our country to demonstrate exactly what they were celebrating: asking forgiveness for past sins, praying for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and trying to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. A good deed would have been to understand and sympathize with the many thousands mourning, whether justifiably represented or not, in the wake of Islamic terrorism. I cannot help but visualize a 100 million dollar structure that stands on ground so close to ground zero, landing gear crashed through its interior, as a trophy of triumph, strength, and the steadfast adherence to Allah's war against infidels and America. Our President isn't capable of speaking on my behalf. He doesn't share my passion for this country. He doesn't share my passion for my God. I would vehemently defend the right to build that Mosque based on the law of this country. I would defend any man's freedom to worship in this country. I shiver to think of Obama's words while addressing the tolerance of a Nativity Scene being built on the grounds of an Islamic Community Center devastated at the hands of Christian or Jewish terrorism.

9:5 "... fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war) ..."

An excerpt from the Koran. You be the judge, but tolerance and turn-the-other-cheek aren't the first things that come to mind.