U.K.: Nothing says "we want to integrate and co-exist as equals" like a mega-mosque complex with a giant minaret
Subtle!
The attitude and approach of these developers are strikingly similar to those of the Ground Zero mega-mosque's backers: they are demanding sensitivity while showing none, building ostentatiously and acting aggressively, and then gnashing their teeth about "intolerance."
Suppose these obnoxious structures planned for Dudley were part of a mall or a sports arena. When non-religious developers act like this, community members rightfully demand transparency, and air their concerns about the impact of the project on the character of the area. No one gets called a shopper-phobe, or anti-athletics. Indeed, calling the planned structures "obnoxious" wouldn't ruffle any feathers.
But Islam's sense of supremacy, entitlement, and triumphalism demands a free pass, and Islamic groups get that pass all too often through attempts to blackmail critics (and fence-sitters with questions) with accusations of racism, fascism, and "Islamophobia." That behavior, their agenda, and funding of the building project itself must be questioned, scrutinized, and exposed. It's the least that would be done for any massive, disruptive development project.
An update on this story. "Shock as Dudley mosque scheme revived," by Mark Mudie for the Express and Star, September 7 (thanks to Twostellas):
Muslim leaders are going ahead with a controversial multi-million pound mosque in Dudley town centre after abandoning hopes an alternative site will be found.
The Dudley Muslim Association says it has "no choice" but to prepare a full planning application for a mosque and community centre on land in Hall Street. Chairman Khurshid Ahmed said members could not wait any longer.
They have decided to pursue the Hall Street proposal, which is expected to cost up to £1 2million and for which outline planning permission has already been secured. Detailed plans must be in by July next year.
The news is a hammer blow to Dudley Council. It has been involved in months of delicate negotiations with the DMA over Hall Street, which has attracted huge protests.
The authority claimed in May the DMA had agreed to ditch the scheme in favour of a scaled down proposal in Castle Hill.
The Castle Hill proposal was later ruled out sparking a fresh search for new sites.
Mr Ahmed said today: "We have no choice but to go ahead and make a full planning application for Hall Street.
"I'm very disappointed the council have not been able to come up with a viable alternative which would have resolved the issue.
"We have reached the stage where it's all systems go. Once we start investing money and commit a budget to making the full application, it will be the point of no return."
Mr Ahmed added architects would be instructed "within weeks" while detailed plans would be submitted "in months".
The council rejected initial plans for the Hall Street mosque and community centre but they were granted on appeal.
A High Court judge upheld the appeal decision. Two petitions against the plan drew more than 50,000 signatures with residents saying the building would be out of keeping with Dudley's medieval character.Posted by Marisol on September 7, 2010 7:53 AM
No comments:
Post a Comment