A broader perspective, hopefully, than that espoused by a few
recently should prevail, and the project should be judged on its
merits
A few pointed comments in opposition to the Islamic religious center proposed for San Martin have surfaced in print recently, both in news stories and in letters to the editor.
The points are accusatory in terms of associating the religion with violence. Hopefully, a broader perspective will prevail. It’s simply patently unfair to judge an entire religion by the actions of a few extremists. Instead, let’s judge this project on its merits alone – as we would any other project – and leave the overtones out.
The South Valley Islamic community’s plans for a community center and mosque on 15 acres at California and Monterey in San Martin should not become a flashpoint for emotional overreaction.
Though we hesitate to give credence to those kinds of comments by responding, the truth is that greater harm is done by letting them go unchallenged. After all, violence has been associated with most major religions throughout history, Christianity included.
The salient points are whether the project meets environmental, land-use, traffic, sewer and zoning regulations. The religious affiliation of those who are financing the project should have no bearing whatsoever on the project’s ultimate fate.
Finally, comments that the mosque’s architecture is “monstrosity” that is “out of tune” with South Valley simply don’t hold up in light of the fact that ground is being broken today for a 166,000-square-foot replica of a Moorish castle in the east foothills in Morgan Hill overlooking our valley by the American Institute of Mathematics. Does that “fit in?”
It’s worth noting that AIM’s project, which replicates the Alhambra, a palace and fortress occupied by Muslim kings in southern Spain, has inspired no similar letters to the editor protesting its architecture.
We’re certain that small-minded negative comments about Islam do not represent the attitudes of most South Valley residents, and we’re sure that the project will be treated fairly as it moves through the county planning process.ture.
We’re certain that small-minded negative comments about Islam do not represent the attitudes of most South Valley residents, and we’re sure that the project will be treated fairly as it moves through the county planning process.
