The construction of a Mosque two blocks from Ground Zero shouldn't be stopped.

In this debate I would like to argue for the creation of what has come to be known as the "Ground Zero Mosque." I would like to bring forth four main contentions. First, we have to realize that on 9/11 the United States was attacked by terrorists, not the Islamic faith. Second, we shouldn't tear down the freedoms upon which this country was built. Third, if the mosque is to be stopped, it will fuel the hatred and prejudice against the entire Islamic faith. Fourth, a law does not exist that actually makes the creation of this mosque illegal. It is for these reasons that I stand in strong affirmation of the resolution; Resolved: The construction of a Mosque two blocks from Ground Zero shouldn't be stopped. For the purpose of clarity would like to offer the First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Contention 1: Terrorist Extremists, not the Islamic faith, attacked the U.S. on 9/11. When discussing the idea of building a mosque so near to Ground Zero we must remember one key fact. On 9/11 the United States was attacked by a group of rogue extremists. We were attacked by terrorists. However, while these evil men were of an Islamic faith, it was not the religion itself that attacked the U.S. Instead it was a group of irrational and terrible men. It is because of this fact that we must not stereotype all Muslims as evil or terrorists. Not all Muslims are terrorists. We must not deny rational, level headed Muslims the opportunity to build a place of worship where they please. Contention 2: The Freedom of Religion is the basis of this country. If we look to the beginning of the United States we can see that this country was founded upon religious freedom. Many of the original colonists and pilgrims came to the New World in search of an escape from religious persecution in their homeland. These people simply wished to have the freedom to practice their religion openly. It is this fundamental belief that created the freedom of religion that is now protected by the first amendment. We cannot forsake the original values of this country for reasons based on pitiful stereotyping. Contention 3: The denial of this Mosque will fuel the needless prejudice against Muslims. The prejudice against anyone or anything of the Islamic faith is a disease that is running rampant in our country. It is, when put simply, stupid. We base this prejudice on irrational and illogical stereotypes. If this Mosque is denied it will show that the government supports this idiocy. This cannot be allowed. Freedom of Religion is a protection of the first amendment and the government cannot forsake it's foundation. We must uphold the basic values of this country and avoid falling victim to this pitiful prejudice against the Islamic faith. Contention 4: A law does not exists that makes the construction of this Mosque illegal. At this time a law that bans the construction of this Mosque doesn't exist. This shows that even above the arguments focused upon prejudice there is no substance for blocking the construction of the Mosque. On top of this it would directly contradict the constitution for Congress to pass such a law; as no law can be created to constrict the freedom of religion. This is stated in the First Amendment. From this we can see that there is no legal issue that arises to stop the construction of the Mosque. Conclusion The points I have presented today show that there is simply no reason to negate the resolution. If one still wishes to go against the construction of the Mosque; they also wish to go against logic, rationality and above all else the very foundation of our country. It is for the convincing reasons I have given that the vote should be in Affirmation.