Mr. Settle's letter on Wednesday titled "Islam still threat post-9/11" is a contribution of a national campaign of misinformation designed to marginalize American Muslims and demonize. The letter, which took verses from the Quran out of context, is identical to the right wing campaign that falsely accused Shirley Sherrod of racism. Furthermore, I disagree with Penn State's College Republicans Vice President Mr. Christina's argument in Wednesday's article that "sensitivity is key here" regarding the Islamic center being built two blocks from Ground Zero. Sensitivity is not an excuse for bigotry.
Constitutional rights must always take the precedent over peoples' sensitivities, something that Republicans often shove down our throats and which Mr. Christina ought to know. The argument that it is sensitive is only true if we buy into the perverted logic of Islamophobia. It's unfortunate that particular individuals, politicians and groups around the country have seized on the legitimate emotions generated by the horrific Sept. 11 terror attacks to promote their Islamophobic agenda.
