In Southern California, a Very Local Mosque Dispute

[Douglas Carpenter]

In Southern California, a Very Local Mosque Dispute

Kevin O'Leary Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010


A rendering of the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley's new mosque


In Southern California, the question is whether the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley should be granted a permit to build a mosque on land it owns next to two established churches. The Islamic Center presently holds prayer services in a warehouse next to a pipeline company, down the street from a smog-test station and masonry supply yard. And during Friday prayers on July 30, around 25 local conservative activists stood outside shouting slogans of hate through a bullhorn, carrying signs with messages such as "No More Mosques in America", and brought along several dogs, hoping to offend Muslim sensibilities.

"We've never had a problem with anybody before this," said Iman Mahmoud Harmoush, the Center's spiritual leader and a lecturer at California State University, San Bernardino. "It is common sense that you don't disrupt a religious service by creating noise and bringing dogs."

snip:


Pastor Bill Rench, whose Calvary Baptist Church sits just across the cul de sac from the mosque site, says Islam and Christianity are like "oil and water" and that Islam is "intolerant at its core". He argues that when Islam becomes dominant in a society, "you also see a repression of freedom of speech and religious expression. In my view, building a mosque in Temecula would act as a magnet. It would embolden the more aggressive acting on the beliefs." In an interview with TIME, Rench accused the Imam of refusing to disavow Islamic terrorism. Harmoush says this is patently untrue. "Unconditionally, I have explained to him (Rench) and others, that I disagree and condemn all sorts of violence by the mentioned organizations," Harmoush explained. On Tuesday, Rench and Harmoush squared off on CNN in an interview conducted by John King. They did not bridge their differences

snip:

Antagonism towards Islam in Temecula breaks largely on generational lines. At a small well-manicured park near the churches and proposed mosque, a group of young adults playing basketball tended to shrug off the controversy. Finishing a jump shot, Dante Paez, a 29-year-old African American, said, "I am not religious, but it seems something like that should never be wrong. I say build it." Paul Lopez, 34, added, "Why are people mad about something that brings joy to people. To each his own." Brianna Bowers, 16, has Muslim friends and said there had been discussions about the controversy at school and at her home. She says her Muslim friends observe that there are dozens of churches in town and wonder what is wrong with building one mosque. Bowers, who is African-American and Latino, says, "I think it would broaden the culture in Temecula

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2012134,00.html#ixzz0xKO9Dx00

[JI7]

1. it's so funny when they oppose it based on intolerance

[Douglas Carpenter]

3. that is beyond double speak - it is double-think

during Friday prayers on July 30, around 25 local conservative activists stood outside shouting slogans of hate through a bullhorn, carrying signs with messages such as "No More Mosques in America", and brought along several dogs, hoping to offend Muslim sensibilities.

Pastor Bill Rench, whose Calvary Baptist Church sits just across the cul de sac from the mosque site, says Islam and Christianity are like "oil and water" and that Islam is "intolerant at its core".

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2012134,00.html#ixzz0xKO9Dx00

[pinboy3niner]

4. Clearly, the pastor is a paragon of tolerance

:sarcasm:

[d_r]

5. "intolerant at its core"

[madrchsod]

2. it`s obvious these stupid ass christians have not read the koran...

to bad christ had to die for these stupid ass christians

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

6. K&R. What a shameful display...

...of ignorance and intolerance.

[Douglas Carpenter]

7. What It Means To Be An American - Have You Forgotten? a fantastic old black and white video

It is 15 minutes long, a bit old fashioned and a little bit corny - but it is so appropriate when I hear about things like this and consider the current political environment:

What It Means To Be An American - Have You Forgotten?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x497529

[msongs]

8. may both groups fade into the sunset and duke it out in the hereafter lol nt

[madmom]

9. He argues.....

"He argues that when Islam becomes dominant in a society, "you also see a repression of freedom of speech and religious expression."
as he tries to repress their freedom of speech and religious expression.:banghead:

[Douglas Carpenter]

10. amazing twist of logic, isn't it?