Sunday, August 15, 2010

An elegant response to the WTC mosque controversy

TV host Greg Gutfeld (Fox News' Red Eye, which isn't a typical Fox show) is apparently serious about his proposal to open a bar that caters to a unique clientele, adjacent to the location of the proposed World Trade Center mosque that has every conservative in America frothing at the mouth.

I firmly believe they have every right to place the mosque anywhere that is legal in our country, just as Gutfeld has the right to do the following (via Mediaite):
“So, the Muslim investors championing the construction of the new mosque near Ground Zero claim it’s all about strengthening the relationship between the Muslim and non-Muslim world.

As an American, I believe they have every right to build the mosque – after all, if they buy the land and they follow the law – who can stop them?

Which is, why, in the spirit of outreach, I’ve decided to do the same thing.

I’m announcing tonight, that I am planning to build and open the first gay bar that caters not only to the West, but also Islamic gay men. To best express my sincere desire for dialogue, the bar will be situated next to the mosque Park51, in an available commercial space.

This is not a joke. I’ve already spoken to a number of investors, who have pledged their support in this bipartisan bid for understanding and tolerance.

As you know, the Muslim faith doesn’t look kindly upon homosexuality, which is why I’m building this bar. It is an effort to break down barriers and reduce deadly homophobia in the Islamic world.

The goal, however, is not simply to open a typical gay bar, but one friendly to men of Islamic faith. An entire floor, for example, will feature non-alcoholic drinks, since booze is forbidden by the faith. The bar will be open all day and night, to accommodate men who would rather keep their sexuality under wraps – but still want to dance.

Bottom line: I hope that the mosque owners will be as open to the bar, as I am to the new mosque. After all, the belief driving them to open up their center near Ground Zero, is no different than mine.

My place, however, will have better music.”
Gutfeld is brilliant for making an argument supporting the mosque's right to exist, while at the same time drawing attention to certain aspects of the religion (their well-known anti-homosexual prejudice) that are at odds with the cultural and legal customs in our country.

And there's more from The Daily Gut, which obviously is Greg's blog.

5 comments:

tessa said...

I thought you were on your boat???

Here is my input, put in:
I have heard that this "mosque" term is a misdirection. My understanding is that it will be a cultural center, like a Jewish Community Center or Young Men's Christian Association. But with a place for prayer, like at the Airports.

lakezoarian said...

I would call this a “red meat” issue to distract us from the real issue at hand and further cement the Official Myth of 9/11 in people’s mind’s. Just like the “controversy” around having the KSM trial in lower Manhattan.

Click on my name up above for a heartbreakingly insightful video relating to this "issue."

Anonymous said...

Hey,
If this Bar becomes a rality at least we'll know where to find a Catholic Preist when one is needed.

Anonymous said...

at odds with customs and laws in our country? We may not be as bad with homosexuality as some middle eastern nations but we still treat gays as if they are second class citizens. don't try to put the U.S. on a moral high horse on this issue

Authentic Connecticut Republican said...

>>but we still treat gays as if they are second class citizen..

Not in CT we don't and it's bi-partisan too seeing as the Republican Party has run an openly Gay male for congress twice.

Bob said:
Fox News' Red Eye, which isn't a typical Fox show..

Oh yes it is a typical Fox show; that idiot Hannity is the anomolie - skip that bozo's little ego-trip show and the rest is okay.