Let Mosque Application be Fairly Evaluated
Dear Editor,
We want to echo the sentiments expressed in recent letters by Alex Kennett, Bruce Tichinin and the editorial by Lisa Pampuch regarding the issues surrounding the building of a mosque in our area.
It is 2007 and we are shocked that anyone would suggest depriving their neighbors of their right to worship in their chosen faith because of the actions of a select few extremists. If we justify dismissing the building application because of the logic expressed by some recent letter-writers, then the terrorists from 9/11 have not only succeeded in bringing down the Twin Towers, they will have successfully ransacked our constitution.
As Americans, let’s stand together, speak up, and protect our precious freedom of religion. The members of our community who belong to the Islamic faith are our teachers, our doctors, our shopkeepers, and our friends. They deserve the same rights as everyone else. Invoking paranoia and painting all members of a faith or culture with a broad brush is not how we “love our neighbors.” It’s a slippery slope that was traveled during World War II and it greatly saddens us that the lessons from that era have apparently not been learned.
Let the building application stand on its own merits, based on the same criteria for environmental impact, design, etc., as any other house of worship in our area.
Patti and Norihito Hamaguchi, Morgan Hill
If Mosque is Denied, What Will I tell My Son?
Dear Editor,
I am a Muslim and proud resident of Morgan Hill since 2003. I am writing this letter in response to the letter published recently in your newspaper regarding the mosque in San Martin.
Currently, there is no permanent mosque for worship for the Muslim community in the south valley. The local Muslim community is trying to buy a piece of land where we plan to build a mosque and a cultural and community center.
I see myself going to the mosque for worship holding my little boy’s hand. I see myself mingling with the community in the center. But my dreams will be gone if we fail to purchase the land or build the mosque. What will I say to my son when he grows up about why there is no place for him to worship. Will it be as lame as “because our neighbors did not want us?”
I humbly request the local residents to get to know the local Muslims. You will find that we are living next to you, we are behind you in the line at the bank, we are shopping at the same Safeway, cheering for the 49ers. We are your neighbors.
Farhana Afroz, Morgan Hill
