On Goal Lines and Ground Zero

There are only a few things that bring Americans of all races, ages, and socio-economic statuses together and can equally divide them at the same time: SPORTS, RELIGION, and, POLITICS. This past weekend marked an unlikely mixture of all three entities.

Both college and professional football seasons commenced this weekend, much to the joy of millions of fans across this country. It’s weird. The passion for a particular football team has the ability to unite people that may otherwise be mortal enemies. A simple combination of colors or a school fight song led by some pimply-faced coed in a sweaty, non-hygienic mole or polar bear suit can cause the fellow who just got his car repossessed to high five and fist pump the repo man.



Look in any stadium stands, except maybe an Ivy League or MEAC game, and you’ll undoubtedly see the veritable “salad bowl” that America espouses to be.

But football season also serves as a great divider. Even I occasionally succumb to the madness that is football fandom. While I proudly bleed the Orange and Blue of the University of Florida Gators, a few of my friends made disheartening decisions by attending Florida State University. And though I know better, there’s always a bit of a divide between us when football season rolls around. Hell, my good friend, Alexis, put our friendship on pause because her USF Bulls, a grossly inferior opponent, was playing against UF. Good thing the game's over; we’re friends again.

Just like football, a person’s faith or political persuasion immediately aligns them with a million strangers. I was reminded of this during all of the fuss around the so-call Ground Zero Mosque.

On September 11, 2001, men claiming to be doing the will of Allah were responsible for nearly 3,000 deaths when commercial planes were hi-jacked and crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. (Unless you believe the conspiracy theories.) This catastrophe seemed to unite all people in America for a fight against a common enemy: terror. Unfortunately, this fight against tyranny became an attack on all things Islamic.

And while Ground Zero is being reestablished, there have been many discussions about placing various monuments and memorials to the victims in that spot, but the possible placement of an Islamic community center two blocks away from Ground Zero has gotten all of the publicity. With that, the line was drawn in the sand again. Either you are against the center being built, or you’re for it. You couldn’t have an insightful and rational opinion. That’s like being an Ohio State and Michigan fan, or a simultaneous Miami Dolfan and New England Patriot enthusiast. It’s impossible. In protest to the center, which includes a mosque, a complete imbecile disguised as a Florida preacher threatened to burn the Koran. Really? He’s since backed off the threat, but come on.

Is this WJWD?

It’s amazing, but not really surprising, that this is even a debate. With noted intellectuals like Sarah Palin leading the charge, many would have the U.S. ignore its own tenets of freedom. I’m not sure, but I think I remember reading something about freedom of and from religion. If I’m correct, then if I wanted to build a church where I could worship cabbages, then I should have the right to.

Now, I understand some of the genuine sentiment regarding the whole situation. I think a certain amount of respect should be given to the victims and their families. There should be some sort of honorarium for them at the place so many lost their lives. They should show that from the ashes of terror rise bonds of strength. Building anything that doesn’t memorialize them and promote peace would be an injustice. But the fervor regarding this situation is unfounded.

First of all, there isn’t a mosque being built directly on the hallowed grounds where the Twin Towers once stood. It’s about two blocks away. Some say that’s too close. Oh, okay. How far should they go? Jersey? Connecticut? Oh, maybe they should just build it back in EvilIslamland. That is a country, right?

And like I mentioned before, it’s a community center. Yeah, there’ll be a place of worship there, but there’s also going to be a basketball court. I guess they fear someone might throw a lot of Allah-oops…I couldn’t resist.

It’s just like those commercials that DirecTV has been running to promote their NFL packages. In these commercials, fans of a particular team extol the virtues of their team and city while lamenting over the fact that their neighbors can watch and cheer for their rivals anytime they want. A waitress spits in drinks, snow gets shoveled onto someone’s door, a dog even leaves his mark in someone’s house. All of this happens because someone with a minority opinion and set of loyalties is close to the majority's territory and they don't like it.

Hmmm…

If I can maintain friendships after some of the historical battles between the Gators and Seminoles, then those who profess to be loving, caring Christians should be able to open their hearts and see the God in all people, even those from EvilIslamland.