Gotta love those fear-mongers.

Maybe it's the political science major in me, but I feel compelled to talk about the "Ground Zero Mosque" issue...just like everyone else.

If you don't know what's going on, here it is in a nutshell: There is a proposal to build an Islamic center and mosque on private property located three blocks from Ground Zero. This center would include a performing arts center, a swimming pool, a lecture hall, a culinary school and restaurant, a gym, and a mosque.

I'm left wondering - what's the issue here?

Trust me. I understand the gravity of 9/11. I wasn't too young to realize the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. I was lucky enough to know no one harmed during the attack. This, of couse, doesn't mean that I wasn't deeply affected by it. So many people were lost and even more people were left to deal with the pain of losing them. I know that Muslim extremists were responsible for this atrocious act. I, like every other American, wanted them to pay. I know that Ground Zero is sacred ground: a spot to remember those lost and reflect on the tragic events of that day. Consequently, I know that people can become quite emotional when discussing 9/11 or Ground Zero.

That being said, this has nothing to do with any of that.

As we approach the nine-year anniversary of 9/11, I thought Americans would be more in tune with the difference between practicing Muslims and radical Muslim extremists. Apparently not.

First of all, why is this even being called the 'Ground Zero mosque?' It's not on Ground Zero. It is being built three blocks away from where the Twin Towers fell. Also, it is an Islamic center that includes a mosque - so, why are we simplifying the name to 'mosque?' We don't call the YMCA the LaRosa's basketball court. Why? Because it's not in LaRosa's and it's more than just a basketball court.

Also, there should be no question as to whether or not they can build this center. It is on private property. Those with the money to build it should be allowed to do so, assuming they abide by local construction laws.

America was founded on the principle of religious freedom. In fact, we learn in elementary school that the first European settlers came to America in an effort to avoid religious persecution. Years later, the founding fathers guaranteed religious freedom in the First Amendment to the Constitution:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

For hundreds of years, religious freedom has stood at the core of American beliefs and values. What better way to stay true to ourselves and affirm our strength and resilience to the rest of the world than show how tolerant we are? Why are we making an exception to our rule?

ISLAM IS A RELIGION. IT IS NOT A TERRORIST IDEOLOGY. There are Christian terrorists. There are Jewish terrorists. Terrorism is not exclusive to Muslims. This should go without saying. Unfortunately, we often have ignorant opinions force-fed to us and I think that many people forget this.

Building a mosque near Ground Zero isn't offensive or insensitive. It isn't being done maliciously as a slap in the face of the victims of 9/11. It won't look like a symbol of the terrorists' victory. It will serve as a symbol of our tolerance and our ability to forge ahead. It will demonstrate that we have preserved the ideas of our founding fathers and stand true to them today. It will show that we aren't bigots and that Muslims in our country are treated with the same respect as Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Mormons, and atheists.

There's another reason why this center should be built. Imagine being a Muslim American citizen on September 12, 2001. I really can't fathom the amount of ridicule, distrust, and scathing comments they have unjustly received. Can you imagine being on a plane? Unfortunately, our country is filled with too many closed-minded racists who can't move past the image of a turban or a burka. This center will serve as a community center for American citizens, not terrorists. We don't judge every pro-life advocate based on the actions of the few who walk into abortion clinics strapped with TNT. These American citizens have been criticized and mistreated for years, thanks to the horrendous actions of just a few extremists and our resulting Islamaphobia.

I understand how hard it is to get straight facts in this country. If you grow up with racist parents, chances are you will be racist. If you watch certain television programs, you will hear racist commentary. Contrary to popular belief, just because you see the word 'NEWS' in the corner of your television screen doesn't mean you are hearing unbiased facts.

As I've already mentioned, I have liberal leanings. I cannot stand Fox News. I would rather go to the dentist than listen to the garbage that spews from the mouths of Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, or Sarah Palin. Unfortunately, so many people in this country listen to their programs with the mistaken belief that what they are hearing is unbiased news. It isn't. It is commentary...on a news channel. Biased commentary (that happens to be on the opposite side of the political spectrum than me). If their opinions align with yours, then that's fine. Listen to them. I can respect their opinions, but not when they are racist or use unfair generalizations. That is where I draw the line.

For instance, Glenn Beck recently said, "Muslims can do anything they want, just like every other American, except blow people up." Why is he insinuating that Muslims would want to blow people up? Comments like these create mistaken ideas. He isn't directly saying it, but that comment comes across to me as something close to 'Every Muslim is a terrorist."

Critics of the mosque are right about one thing. Building the center near Ground Zero won't improve Americans' perception of Muslims. Those who see Muslims with tunnel vision and lump them together with terrorists won't suddenly change their minds. Fox News commentators will continue to re-inforce the baseless, racist opinions of many Americans who don't realize the impact of their hate-filled words. Only people themselves can change their own personal perception of Muslims.

BUT, do you know what the center's construction will do? It will reassure me that the United States is truly the greatest and the strongest country in the world. It will show me that despite the fear-mongering, the racism, and the ignorance of a few, our country prevails on the tolerance and the fairness of the majority. It will prove yet again that we stand by the ideals of our founding fathers and that one horrifying act by a terrorist group hasn't altered the foundation of our wonderful country. It will make me even prouder than I already am to live in this country - a country in which a random 22-year-old girl can openly share her opinions on important issues like this.