What is Going on in Murfreesboro?

Gary Fouse
fousesquawk
http://garyfouse.blogspot.com




Hat tip Atlas Shrugs



Atlas Shrugs is featuring an article by film maker Eric Allen Bell regarding his experience with the Murfreesboro, Tennessee mosque project. Bell, who considers himself a liberal, traveled to Murfreesboro to make a documentary about the controversy over a proposed 53,000 sq foot mosque. Initially supportive of the mosque due to his belief in freedom of religion, the more he learned, the more he turned against the project. Bell has now become an activist in exposing the forces behind the project. He has done so at considerable risk to himself and his family. Below, he describes the efforts of those involved with the mosque to influence the local schools.

http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2012/06/exclusive-.html

Not since the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 has the state of Tennessee seen such a religious controversy.

To me, this boils down to a few simple questions. If local Muslims want to build a mosque that is proportionate to the size of their community in a manner that is not disruptive to the community, they should enjoy that right. Approval should be handled as any other construction permit would be. In addition, people have a right to be concerned over the type of  Islam that is being preached, for example, Sufist vs Salafi/Wahabist. If there is an ideological connection with Hamas, that is an issue of valid concern. In addition, it appears the school board is not being truthful with the community as to its communications with mosque leaders regarding all the considerations that must be given to Muslim schoolchildren.

Eric Allen Bell has raised valid concerns, which the community has a right to be addressed.