I’m grateful that Paul took the time to write the post below on the NYC mosque debate. I agree with his analysis completely, and I’ve found that it gave me a better perspective on the debate as a whole. While my views remain the same, I’ve got a better grasp of the merits of the opposing view. I hope that I’m not alone in that.

I’d like to see everyone involved in this debate take a step back and a deep breath. It’s very much needed.

I would hate to see OCON marred by unpleasant sniping, belligerence, or worse. OCON should be nothing but wonderfully fabulous delightful enjoyment. That’s what I aim to make it for myself. Personally, I don’t want to hear any sniping about this debate, nor hear any reports about sniping. Instead, I hope that people who dislike and disrespect each other can politely avoid the other without undue fuss — and avoid bitter chatter about each other too. That’s what I aim to do. If I falter in that, I hope that my friends will gently correct me.

To help calm the waters before OCON, I’ve decided not to write any further blog posts on this topic — nor comment much on it — for the next few weeks. I’m just too busy to indulge in the distraction, and I don’t want to start OCON feeling like I’m entering a war zone. (I was planning to write up a post featuring these excellent comments from Tony Donadio and Ray Niles, as well as Ari Armstrong’s blog post What About the Forty Other Islamic Centers?. Alas, these links will have to suffice.)

In addition, I’d ask that people wrap up any debate about the mosque in the comments by this evening. Let’s step away from that debate before OCON, as much as possible.

Personally, I plan to spend the next few days preparing for OCON, plus indulging in the fantastic pleasure of buying a stellar horse. (Yup, details will be forthcoming… although all depends on Thursday afternoon’s vet check. I’m absurdly excited.)

In the comments, why don’t you tell me about something special that you’ll be doing over the next few days? I think we’d all like to hear about something positive!