Intolerance by the supposedly Tolerant

There is another article from the AP out today on the Ground Zero Mosque controversy entitled "Mosque Flap Tests Limits of US tolerance". The thesis of the article is that those who oppose the mosque are intolerant. Alan Breed, the author of the piece, interviews people who have been the victims of intolerance like holocaust survivors as well as the head of something called the Tolerance Museum to show the results of intolerance. In truth, the article itself is a remarkable display of intolerance from someone supposedly promoting tolerance. Opposition to the mosque at ground zero is not intolerance. It is not even close to intolerance. It is simply an expression of support for keeping the area free from symbols of those who committed mass murder.

Strangely, those who support construction have changed the language of the dispute from whether or not it is appropriate to build a mosque at that site into the question of whether or not the developers have the right to build there. Then they go into rants about religious freedom and tolerance. By this change, the supporters try to change the opponents from reasonable thoughtful people into mindless bigots who are trying to deny Muslims the freedom of religion. This tactic of villification of those who oppose the mosque is a commonly used tactic of the left. If people oppose Obamacare, it is racism. If the Tea Party wants to stop runaway spending by the federal government, they are bigoted, homophobic kooks. If one wants proof of global warming other than the bogus numbers from East Anglia University that are questionable at best, one is a flat earther, a know nothing, a luddite. This attempt to change the debate seeks victory for the mosque supporters by delegitimizing the position of the opponents, not by the superior logic of the promosque group.

For far too long, the left has used personal attacks as the method to get their way. In the last few years, they have been astounded as these attacks have failed to work as in the past. The tea party did not disappear even though the media went crazy with articles about the racist, homophobic, and misogynous nature of the group. Fortunately, there was enough video and audio and alternative media out there for the truth to get out. This has, however, only resulted in the left stepping up the level of its attacks of this sort.

It is time for the media to stop this nonsense. Imagine the uproar if those opposing the mosque were to come forward and accuse the supporters of promoting terrorism. Mayor Bloomberg would be horrified. President Obama would probably give a national speech. But when the supporters say that the opponents are anti Muslim bigots, not a whisper is heard from these folks. Indeed, it is clear that Bloomberg and Obama believe that to be the case. They are so out of touch that it amazes me.