Letters: Japanese center makes sense for Pearl Harbor

Columnist Charles Krauthammer and others vehemently opposed to building the Islamic community center near the site of the former World Trade Center towers crown their argument by saying it would be like building a Japanese cultural center at Pearl Harbor. That is meant to slam the door on any other thought. But let's keep thinking.

The United States and Japan have come a distance since World War II. Trade, immigration, electronics and automobile preferences, arms control, travel, tourism, and business relationships indicate that our national and cultural relationship has thankfully moved on, even healed. A Japanese cultural center at Pearl Harbor could represent how far we have come, what we have learned, and what we will not do again. It could be a symbol of reconciliation born out of the struggle and wisdom of two nations. It would symbolize how it is possible to move beyond past hatreds and atrocities.

So why not build an Islamic Community Center two blocks from where the Twin Towers once stood? Build it on ground in a city that is arguably the most diverse in the world. Build it on ground begging for meaning and a higher purpose. If not now, when? If not there, where?

Vicki Ellis

Philadelphia