This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The controversy over the building of an Islamic community center near ground zero is the result of a well-meaning Muslim who is insensitive to the simplistic reactions of Americans who aren't quite up to the ideals set forth in the First Amendment. Many view the construction of the center as a victory for the terrorists, but is it really a victory for Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida?
Bin Laden wants to create a holy, worldwide war of Islam against the imperialistic West. To do so, he must divide Islam and the West, instill fear in each of the other and trigger conflict. If the proposal to build the community center is denied, that will play out in the Middle East as another example the West's battle to destroy Islam.
On the other hand, if the center is allowed, it stops cold the process of dividing and instilling fear and demonstrates that the United States has no agenda against Islam. It defeats the objectives of extremists like bin Laden.
We should stop viewing the building of this center as a victory for Islamic extremists; it would be a victory for the ideals of a free America.
Bill Peterson
Sandy