To the editor:

Timothy McVeigh was raised Catholic. He remained a Christian, believed in God as an adult and received last rites before he was executed. I recall no outrage afterward at the idea of Christian churches anywhere near the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

His thinking and actions were anything but Christian — and this, angry comment writers, is the point. If you don’t demonize all Christians because of the acts of a few, sick, violent, fundamentalist and fanatical individuals or groups who happen to be Christian — history is peppered with them — then don’t demonize all Muslims because of the acts of a few, sick, violent, fundamentalist and fanatical individuals or groups who happen to be Muslim.

Those opposing the “WTC Mosque” rely on fear- and emotion-based, inflammatory and flawed arguments that lack substance. I’ve heard no specifics, no fact-based complaints about individuals involved with this project. An actual look at the imam — turns out he’s been helping the FBI’s counterterrorism efforts, starting back when asked by George Bush — shows his work to promote authentic and moderate Islam and better understanding between cultures. What are the motives of those attacking a moderate religious leader?

When mainstream members of different (or no) religions support and respect each other, a diverse but united front forms that marginalizes those who have strayed and wish to harm others. Ignorance is no excuse for hatred. Fairness and tolerance of our fellow law-abiding citizens are not just American ideals. They are in everyone’s best interest.

Christy Kennedy,

Lawrence