Must watch vid and a birthday wish

Please take the time to watch this video, despite its length. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZpT2Muxoo0&feature=player_embedded.

I tend to be a bit of a broken record–posting things related to the rising Islamophobia in our country, especially with this Islamic center issues–but the massive amount of fear-mongering needs to be countered with something, even if my tiny blog can’t compete with Fox News. 🙂

As Keith clarifies in the above video, the Islamic center formerly called “Cordoba House,” will now be named Park 51, because politicians have tried–and succeeded– in demonizing this name.  They say it refers to the Muslim conquest of medieval Spain; as I have made clear in previous posts, that is not the case at all.  It is a reference to the spirit of convivencia, “living together in harmony”, that was experienced by people of all faiths in the city of Cordoba.  It was a place of knowledge, learning, and mutual understanding.

I am disappointed that the builders decided to change the name.  It seems like they are conceding a bit to the ridiculous and false criticism of politicians on the right.  Cordoba House is still going to be a part of the center; it is the name of the program promoting interfaith dialogue, as it should be.

My blog-friend, Saladin, wrote a great commentary on this situation.  Check out his blog–that is where I stole this video from.  Thanks, Saladin!

____________________

Also, Happy Birthday to my younger brother, Nick, who ran in his first Varsity-calibre cross country race today.  He turned 17 on the 17th, and he ran a 17:42.  Congrats bro, you have a very proud sister.