A thousand thanks to Lynn Selich for her “spin” on the 9/11 WTC site in New York and on the controversy over the planned mosque to be built there. I applaud the Newport Beach Indy’s publisher and its editor for their courage in letting Lynn’s opinion about this hotly debated subject be printed and see the light of the day in today’s intimidated American press.
Ms. Selich has grasped the essence of the argument that declares the WTC site as “Hallowed Grounds” that should not be disturbed under the excuse of misguided political correctness. She is so very correct in promoting this argument logically and fairly.
As a result of the literal interpretation of our civil rights and freedom of religious expression laws, we are witnessing a gradual expansion of the uniquely American generosity and civil liberties to uniquely absurd levels. As Lynn has put it, “…while no one objects to Japanese cultural centers, the idea of putting one up at Pear Harbor would be offensive.”
Conversely, inasmuch as United States has put Japan back on its feet as a successful country and a world economy after the end of World War II, in the absence of any apologies from the Japanese Emperor for the sneak attack on our country on Dec. 7, 1941, there have not been any consideration in Japan to erect a monument to America or an “America House” cultural center at the “Ground Zero” locations in Hiroshima and Nagasaki… that are, in fact, considered “Hallowed Grounds” by the Japanese people.
Like Lynn Selich, I, too, remember exactly where I was on that fateful morning of Sept. 11, 2001… and I will not forget it so long as I live.
I thank Ms. Selich for reminding us that certain crimes against humanity need not be forgiven, forgotten or rewarded. And that Hallowed Grounds such as Auschwitz, Dachau, Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and the World Trade Center in New York City mean a lot to all of us and to future generations and that violations of such Hallowed Grounds in the name of freedom of speech or freedom of religion is simply obscene.
Richard A. Finn
