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I didn't say their freedom is less than anyone else's. I have CLEARLY stated they have the right to build there. This is not in question, just as the right to protest and put pressure on elected officials is a right. I am simply looking at it from a standpoint of public relations.
If the Imam said "People of America, I recognize that the 9/11 attacks on your country are still quite fresh in your minds, and while what I support and the God I serve did not and would never support such an attack, there are those that twist Islam into violence rather than what it truly is. Because of this, we will most certainly be willing to look at alternatives to this site.".
That would diffuse the entire situation. He certainly does not have to and the center will most likely be finished and there will be protests and counter protests and cries of Islamophobia.
What if he called for Saudi Arabia to allow for building of a Christian church? I realize that is completely unrelated to this, except that if he said that he would show his support of religious tolerance in all cases.
To be clear: They own the property. They have the permits. They can build. They have the right. I am looking at it from a public relations standpoint.
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