Behind the Ground Zero Mosque

To build or not to build?

Let's skip the fact it's not exactly a mosque nor is it at Ground Zero and get to what this uproar really says: American freedom stops where American ignorance begins. I'm going to skip all the history that supports that and jump to what the means today.

Essentially, if you are against the Islamic culture center going up near Ground Zero you should also be against cathedrals being near schools. Some of you might understand the parallel and thus you don't have to read any further. However, some of you need me to break it down. Gladly.

To stress the insensitivity of an Islamic culture center being constructed two blocks from Ground Zero is to accuse all Muslims of sharing responsibility for the 9/11 attacks. It ignores the divisions of Islam. It ignores the fact that Muslims were victims of the attacks just like everyone else. It ignores everything we should have learned in the misguided time following 9/11 (especially the backlash murders of Muslims and non-Muslims). It's fundamentally ignorant.

We don't expect all Christians to do crazy things despite the Branch Davidians, FLDS Church, and near incessant scandals. That's also overlooking the Roman Catholic priest sex abuse that has been taking place since at least the 1960s. I could easily keep going! Essentially, you cannot treat Islam as a monolith just as you cannot treat Christianity as one unified whole.

The point is that ignorance is dangerous. So take a minute, get the quick crucial facts, then voice your opinion. I like to think my nation is more than an angry mob. Then again I like to think that one day we will be the nation we pretend to be rather than the nation we are. What will you stand for? When do you realize you are outside of the groupthink? When do you conform back inside it?

Not going to lie, I appreciate when non-issues like the Cordoba House get over-hyped. Sure it creates Salem witch trials for most Americans; they have to either follow the shepherds of controversy or be accused of treason. But, I love watching the interviews as people tepidly offer their opinions but make sure they say that they see the emperor's clothes. You find out who has courage and who does not. (Et tu, Barack?)

"America is a nation of B and C students." © Chris Rock

Even more fun, I am afforded the opportunity to conduct a Spanish Inquisition for ignorance. I get to find out who to keep at a distance because they are one of the flock. They don't think for themselves and when they do the results are disappointing at best. I take a "guilty until proven innocent" stance. It's the American way, ask Shirley Sherrod. Sure "innocent until proven guilty" is what we profess, but we also claim that all citizens are free and equal. C'mon.

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool; avoid him.

He who knows not and knows that he knows not is a student; teach him.

He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep; wake him.

He who knows and knows that he knows is a wise man; follow him.

Attributions: Persian apothegm, Sanskrit Saying

Our music is the vehicle.
You are the weapon.
This is our revolution.

Rock smarter.

That's all folks!

I would like to take this moment to extend my gratitude to Warner Bros for their Looney Tunes series that introduced me to classical music. See now and then, I listen to classical radio stations and notice the sensation of a beaming smile adorning my face as I recognize tune after tune. I may not know them all by name and composer, but I am loosely familiar with them. Also, I have jovial animated moments associated with them so it's not only entertaining, it's nostalgic. Thus as I said, I'd like to send a sincere "Thank You" to Warner Bros for their use of classical music in their cartoons. In fact, I learned a lot glued to those animated shorts. For instance:

• There is nothing wrong with cross dressers. They are just doing they're thing, having fun and being themselves. If a bunny wants to wear ladies clothing and seduce a man, that's his/her prerogative.

• Don't get too excited over gifts you didn't expect. They may not be all that they appear to be. Granted they might not be filled with dynamite but still one shouldn't get too attached.

• Remaining cool and calm while someone is angry is a great way to piss them off even more. Not only is it easier on your health, it is wonderfully entertaining.

• Persistence pays off. (Eventually the Wile E. Coyote caught the roadrunner.)

When you think about it, there were a lot of life lessons in those cartoons. Meanwhile I can't say I learned anything of significance from the Hanna-Barbera cartoons. Tom and Jerry, for instance, stereotypes galore! Any time side characters spoke they were always... well, Black. Which could have been alright, but unfortunately they were the 1940s and 1950s idea of Black. Not to mention, the maid. Whether she was being portrayed as a jive-talker, a West Indian or as Mammy, there was never a proud moment from her. The closest Tom and Jerry came to cool was when they soundtracked the shorts with jazz and/or performed jazz interpolations; their rendition of "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" is my jam. Great bass solo. But beyond that, it's definitely a time capsule of sentiments in that era. Not that there weren't stereotypes in Looney Tunes (we're looking at you Speedy Gonzales) but at they weren't as horrible. Speedy was at least smart...ish. On the other hand, Michigan J Frog was cooning like a mofo. Dave Chappelle summed up the underlying message from the WB frog best. So while both have their flaws, at least one gave me classical music. I sho' is grateful, boss!