Mosque opposition simply about 'discourse

On Monday, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf told Abu Dhabi's The National newspaper that opposition to the Ground Zero mosque is based on election-year politics, and that the debate over the center can be distilled down to "which discourse will dominate."

Jewish and Christian leaders have also come out in favor of the plans and in support of interfaith discourse, Abdul Rauf said. "However, there are also those very small, loud and vociferous voices who are beating the drum for the opposite kind of discourse."

Unfortunately, Rauf still doesn't understand that the opposition isn't a bunch of uneducated half-wits stirring up fear and who are opposed to reasoned dialogue. In fact, I think many of those opposed to the Mosque would like to see reasoned dialogue in this debate. Instead of supporters writing off detractors as intolerant haters of the Constitution, they should look to see if there are legitimate reasons why a Mosque at Ground Zero is not a good idea. They might just end up agreeing.