How could Mr. Coccia see opposition to the “Ground Zero Mosque” as xenophobia and imply that those that oppose the building are somehow racist and inherently close minded? (“Islamic Center a step in the right direction,” Aug. 25) Even moderate Muslims recognize that it is disrespectful to put a mosque that close to the twin towers site at this point in time. There are already plenty of Islamic places of worship in the city of New York so it is not a question of religious freedom. The fact of the matter is that radical followers of Islam will view this new mosque as a monument to a great victory over America, which is a slap in the face to everyone that died that day. In addition, the Imam in charge of the formerly called “Cordoba Initiative,” Cordoba being a great victory site of Muslim invaders in southern Spain, has been quoted as being sympathetic to Islamic terrorist groups like Hamas and blames America as being an “accessory” to the 9/11 attacks. The scale and leadership of this project screams disrespect, which is why mainstream Americans are rightfully up in arms.

Mark Easley

junior

Keenan Hall

Aug. 25