PLATTSBURGH — A random survey shows little local support for an Islamic center planned for two blocks from ground zero in New York City.
The Press-Republican spoke with nine randomly selected people on the streets of Plattsburgh, and while only two were OK with the idea, the rest said it would be disrespectful.
DIVIDED
One couple interviewed, Patrick Benard, 42, and Erin Benard, 40, were actually from New York City and had recently walked by the proposed site.
Both identified themselves as liberals — and their divided opinion seemed a reflection of the national debate.
Patrick, who was wearing an Obama T-shirt, thought the proximity of the Islamic center was disrespectful, though he said agreeing with the right made him a little uncomfortable.
Erin, however, said the center was a symbol of outreach to the American people.
Patrick said those who conceived of the Islamic center should have had the wisdom to realize it was too close to ground zero.
But, Erin said it was simply convenient for those who would worship there, especially since Muslims pray five times a day. She said the people who plan to erect the center have shown no hints of extremism.
"They could be saying, 'This is a cultural center. We're working on interaction with the American people,'" Erin said. "Maybe they think it's the best way to bridge the gap."
"Or it could be a giant (expletive) you," Patrick said. "When they see that it isn't (the best way), shouldn't they then back down?"
He said the size of the proposed center — 13 stories tall — was a key issue. He said the building would be a clear celebration of Islam, which would make many uncomfortable.
He said many of his friends argued that Islam had nothing to do with Sept. 11, 2001, a point with which he disagrees strongly.
He said that while other terrorists, such as Timothy McVeigh, identified themselves as Christians, McVeigh didn't do what he did "in the name of Christ."
The 12 terrorists aboard the planes on Sept. 11 all did it for Allah, he said.
"It's a symbol of a clash of cultures. At least, it's very insensitive; at worst, it's a kick in the face."
He said no one would ever dream of building a German beer garden near a Holocaust museum, not because all Germans are Nazis but because it would simply bring up that image every time and stir up bad feelings.
'IT'S FINE'
Another person interviewed believed it was OK to build the Islamic center at that site.
Gloria Lumba, 20, of Juneau, Alaska, is a Plattsburgh State student who was recently in New York City. She said simply, "I'm not affected by it. I think it's fine."
VETERAN OPPOSED
Matt Smart, 51, of Plattsburgh did not think it was fine at all.
"They don't need one. I have a lot of negative feelings about it."
Smart joined the Navy in 1976 and fought in Desert Storm in the '90s. He said his time in the service shaped his views on the subject.
"We allow them to come here," he said of Muslims. "We do not allow them to build their (expletive)."
He also said he thought most people in Plattsburgh would agree with him on this point.
"I know these people. These are my people," he said.
TOO MANY HARD FEELINGS
Lorraine Roland, 61, of Plattsburgh said she doesn't agree with the location because there are a lot of hard feelings, sadness and terrible memories about Sept. 11.
She's not opposed to the building, she said, just the spot.
'OUTRAGEOUS'
Tyler Bellick, a 19-year-old Plattsburgh State student from Schenectady, was also concerned about the location. He is a member of the Army National Guard and will go to Afghanistan soon.
"It's outrageous. Muslims say it has nothing to do with 9/11, but it's almost taunting to build it there. It could go anywhere."
He believes that if the center is truly meant as a symbol of acceptance and a bridge to the American people, it's still not in the Muslims' best interest to pick that location because the amount of anger and hate that already exists would be amplified.
CONSIDERATION
His friend and fellow fraternity member, Roger Kallop, 20, also from Schenectady, agreed. He said the United States is considerate to all religions and that the consideration should be returned.
He feels the center could result in anger, or even action — not necessarily in terrorist acts, just a backlash of some sort.
Things are finally settling down, and this could stir up feelings, he said.
"As a fraternity member, I've learned that you want to avoid any action that could be assumed as a link — it's damage control."
'SLAP IN THE FACE'
Christiana Brucker, 18, of Olean, also a Plattsburgh State student, said she felt the proposed center was "just a tiny bit disrespectful.
"It's a slap in the face. They should build something else."
Her mother, Anne Brucker, who was with her on campus, said, "It's just not the appropriate place. Two blocks is still kind of close."
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