As a citizen of the USA, perhaps "average", perhaps otherwise, I have mixed feelings on the matter. The previous arguments that all religions have "extremist" followers is important to note, and I feel it to be on the mark. It is also important to recognize the previous comments that this is being debated in an open forum, rather than being opposed forcefully under a flag of perceived righteousness, is no small victory. The USA has no corner on the market of tragedy, as members of this forum from all countries have suffered the same or worse. However, I would argue that most of the countries of the world have suffered or perpetuated prejudice, or worse at some point in their history.
I am not naive enough to assume that an extremist view from a priest, rabbi, imam, or otherwise does not hold the power to sway the impressionable to an extremist view. Regardless, the practice of religion should not be prohibited in any form. That said, I would argue that this project is misguided, even with the best of intentions. Whether on or near the WTC site, whether or not the building plans are aesthetically pleasing, http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2010/05/..._wtc_mosque.jpg or how many people can enjoy sports or cultural events at this location, http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/0...oves_ahead.html what it seems to me is that the argument is missing the point.
An Islamic cultural center at this location is promoted as intending to foster relations between the west and Muslims. At it's most basic it's a "we're not all bad" argument. I would see a multicultural and interfaith center at this location as a better method, and more in line with the ideal of the USA being a melting pot of many cultures and faiths. You can separate the church from the state, but you'll be hard-pressed to separate the person from the faith, so I would agree that we should be more open minded. I would argue that we should be more sensitive to all diversity regardless of how long the roots may be in a particular country. All that said, with the vast diversity of cultural origins of the forum members, I think this is a great place to discuss this topic. Thank you for the opportunity.