THE GROUND ZERO MOSQUE

The battle over the mosque that is proposed to be built near Ground Zero highlights one of the basic problems with present day politics. Many conservatives, of which I am one, are upset that such a strong symbol of the Islam religion might emerge so close to the site of the horrendous al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist attack. However distasteful, or “obscene” as some have called it, that the existence of a mosque at that location would be, the real issue is that of property rights.

Strong support for private property rights has long been an important principle of conservative ideals—or so I’ve been told by conservative leaders. Thus, if the builders of the mosque are within their legal rights, conservatives should be defending those rights to develop the property as the owners see fit.

As I stated, this debate points up one of the major problems with politics today. Both Republicans and Democrats are quick to set aside their foundational “beliefs” to protest any situation that does not suit their tastes at that moment—particularly if they see an opportunity for political gain.

A few decades ago, political parties and their candidates had clearly stated platforms that delineated their core beliefs. If not directly stated, it was at least inferred that the actions of the parties and their candidates would mirror those beliefs. These days, however, political platforms are incomplete, dreadfully vague, and undergoing constant alteration--if they exist at all. This is because the platforms (should) dictate the behavior of their followers, thereby, greatly cramping the style of politicians today who prefer to base their actions on the potential for short-term political advantage, with little or no regard for one’s so-called core beliefs.

Such it is, it seems, for many conservatives and the mosque.