Some points about the "Ground Zero mosque"

1. There is already a mosque using that space for Muslim prayer. Really. They're right there, in the exact location all the fuss is about. Praying. So the whole 'debate' is incredibly inane.

2. It is also not at Ground Zero, it is two blocks away. Manhattan is a very small, very dense island; nothing on Manhattan can truly be a significant distance from anything else. A brief look at Google Maps reveals the the following businesses are an equivalent distance or closer from the site of the former WTC towers: a law firm, a dental office, an Amish market, a sailboat charter business, two health clubs, several hotels, a dozen or so cafes and restaurants including a Starbucks and McDonalds, a Payless Shoe Source, Staples, and a post office. Hallowed ground, indeed.

3. It's not a mosque. It's a community center. There will be a space for prayer (which, again IS ALREADY HAPPENING AT THAT EXACT SITE). There will be an auditorium and meeting room. There will be a swimming pool and basketball courts. In short, it will look a hell of a lot like a YMCA or JCC. Know what it will most likely be used for? Meetings and presentations and swim classes and basketball games and things like that .

4. The fact that A) there are already Muslims praying right there and B) there's any demand at all for this center indicates that there is already a significant Muslim population in Manhattan. Know what else supports this theory? It's fucking New York City. Pick a demographic, any demographic, and there's a significant chunk living there*. Get over it.

*Possible exception: the Amish.