Reply #54: What else do you expect from them?

[dkf]

That was part of the huge miscalculation. The smart thing to do would have been to reach out to the 9/11 families first. Inform them how Sufism differs from Wahhabism, allay their fears, make them comfortable, make them part of the solution. Once you have established that first level and can say you have the support of most of the families, then you move on to others. Park51 wasn't an effort to exercise Muslim right to worship. It was supposed to be a peace bridge to understanding.

When Hillary Clinton started debating Obama on the need for preparation before you meet I did not understand that concept. Nor did I understand that churches also have to do outreach to the communities before they move in. But part of the advice that even Christian chuches get is to have a clause giving the church an out of the property if they are not able to get zoning due to public outcry. Even they understand that it is not the lawyers and Government officials that approve the Church but it is the community. That part is achieved by talking, praying, patience, and understanding.