Althouse: “Is the 9/11 Mosque a Publicity Stunt?”
I entertained the notion that the idea was to propose it in order to stir up the reaction that was, in fact, stirred up. Some Americans would be outraged, including a subgroup that would say anti-Muslism things, and some Americans would get passionate about freedom of religion and celebrating diversity. In this theory, the point was always and only to undermine American society by dividing us in two and touching off a terrible, endless fight between the two halves. In this theory too, then, the mosque is never built. It’s not that the business scheme fails, but that the proposal was itself the project, and the project succeeds.
So, let’s see, inspiring discussion, exposing deep-seated bigotry and a willingness to exploit it demagogically, and also inspiring a passionate defense of freedom… is a bad thing?
And the reason you’re a blogger is… ?
