On the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque"

I've been wanting to write something about this, but couldn't quite find the words. I wrote the lines below as a response to a friend's Facebook post, and it seemed just about right:

I am not prone to bouts of patriotic fervor, but I am proud to live in a country which protects its citizens' right to practice the religion of their choice, and I am inspired beyond measure by the tolerance and openness practiced every day in the city I call home.

Prohibiting the construction of a house of worship is much more an affront to my values than the building itself could ever be, no matter how unpopular the religion in question.

If you have questions about the Park51 project, check out their FAQ.