Another error is the idea that, on 9/11, we were attacked by a religion, rather than by al Qaeda. For this, George W. Bush deserves much credit, for arguing that al Qaeda had hijacked Islam, rather than that they legitimately acted in the name of Islam.
These errors of perception are augmented by simple errors of fact: such as, that the community center is actually a mosque, and that it is actually at ground zero. Opponents of the planned center are left in the absurd position of arguing that a former Burlington Coat Factory is somehow hallowed ground.
I've heard a number of people say that it would be upsetting to 9/11 families to "see" the "mosque" from "ground zero." This, of course, ignores that fact that the community center would not be visible from ground zero, and that some 9/11 families are in favor of the community center.
The lesson of Thomas Frank's Kansas, is that we progressives need to find a way to make critical thinking fashionable again.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).