When a RIGHT is WRONG

JW Ross

A thinking person can make a comparison between the pending construction of a Islamic Center/Mosque at Ground Zero, in New York City, and the pending destruction of the William Smith House, in Mercersburg, PA.

In both cases, the RIGHT of the Muslims or the members of the Fire Board to "construct" or "destruct" is largely supported.

But support for the RIGHT does not mean, in either case, support for the action. RIGHTS come with responsibilities. RIGHTS come with sensibilities. RIGHTS have a moral and ethical component. We have, in principle, the First Amendment RIGHT to "yell fire in a crowded theater", but society has, for the welfare of all, deemed it WRONG to do so. It is WRONG for the Muslims to build a mosque at Ground Zero. It is WRONG for the Fire Board to chose to destroy the historical legacy of the people of Mercersburg.

That said, the Muslims may prevail in their wish to build the Mosque and the Fire Board may prevail and demolish the Smith House. If so, both do so at their peril. Legal WRONGS committed against the ethical RIGHTS of "the people" are not soon forgotten, or easily forgiven.