They hate us for our freedoms...that's what they told us about the Islamic militants. Of course the reality is much more complicated, but as a first approximation it makes a good sound bite. Fine...for purposes of argument, let's say they DO hate us for our freedoms.

So why are we giving into them by giving up so many of our freedoms? If they hate us for our freedoms, why don't we embrace and cherish those freedoms as an act of defiance against the extremists?

Instead, Bush and Co. did all they could to reduce freedoms Americans enjoy, increasing surveillance to levels unparalleled in free societies, trying to eliminate habeas corpus, advocating torture, trying to avoid jury trials, etc. Bush did his best to surrender our freedoms that he claims extremists hate us for. Obama has reversed some of the worst of Bush's attacks on our freedoms, but not enough. More needs to be done.

But Americans are now in the habit of surrendering those freedoms that we claim Islamic extremists hate us for. The latest is attacks on religious freedom.

The proposed Mosque near Ground Zero (and near some strip joints) is not really a problem. Seriously. There are mosques everywhere in America. Islam is a major world religion and many Americans are Muslims. What is the big deal? People don't seem to mind building of churches and synagogues. Why mosques. Our nation was FOUNDED on religious freedom and tolerating mosques anywhere...yes ANYWHERE...churches and synagogues are tolerated. That is what our nation was founded on. Religious freedom. Freedom of religion. Freedom from religion. Those who attack the building of a mosque (ties to extremists aside, and I would say the same for churches and synagogues as well) are attacking America's most cherished of freedoms.

I am Jewish with some atheist leanings. I am not that likely to attend services in a mosque. But I think if any religions building is allowed in that neighborhood, and if those who want to build the mosque are not tied to extremists, then let them build.

Another attack on religion in America is more complex. There are those who want to celebrate 9/11 by burning Korans. These people are complete idiots. They are the equivalent of the Iranian Imams or Saudi extremists who burn American flags or persecute Jews or Christians. Those who want to burn Korans on 9/11 are idiots who play into the very plans of the Islamic extremists and they are extremists themselves. I detest them and oppose almost everything they stand for.

Of course I support their right to burn Korans as long as they aren't violating fire codes. It is part of another American freedom: freedom of expression. I may hate what they stand for and think they are fools who would fit in better in Iran than in America, but I will stand up for their right to make idiots of themselves. It is a fundamental right of Americans to express even idiotic, stupid and intolerant opinions as long as that intolerance doesn't become violence. Let them have their little temper tantrum. The rest of us know it is stupid.