A mosque is as American as apple pie. Admiral Zeng He a Chinese Muslim and his entourage “Came to American before Columbus” (“1421”). Columbus sailed from Muslim Spain (Al-Anduls) and many of the sailors were Muslim. At least two captains of his ships were Panzone brothers who were Arabs. At least one third of the Africans slaves brought in as slaves were Muslim and demographically more than a third of the current African-Americans are still Muslim. The Cherokee language is based on the Arabic alphabet and the Cherokee headdress resembles Mali head wear. From Moorestown New Jersey, to Islamdora Florida; from Medina Ohio to Lahore Virginia more than 500 American towns are named after Muslim cities in the old world. The first mosques in America were not built in the 60s but in the earliest times when African and a Cherokee Muslims prayed in small buildings. From the Islamic architecture Tiffany houses ensconced in the American section of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to Caad Zaan the Rignling Brothers home in Sarasota Florida; from Labanon in New Jersey to California (Khalifa Harunia); from Alabama (Allah um ya) to Talahasse (T Allah Hassee)---Islam is not only visible in America, it is part of our American society and American culture. Islam can be heard in American concert halls in Beethoven’s 9th symphony or on the Turkish instruments that make up the orchestra. Islam can be tasted in America when you eat a croissant (patterned on the Turkish flag-Crescent) or crepes (from the original Morocoon Crepes). Islamic architecture can be seen in the architecture of 5th Avenue synagogues, gothic buildings, dome structures of our capitols, and in California homes. Our nation is an amalgamation of many cultures and religions. By opposing a mosque in our midst we are simply hurting the feelings of our fellow countrymen. New mosques are being built not to attract new Muslims, but to allow our existing congested structures. Without a Rockaway mosque the Muslims will pray in older crowded mosques, in basements and in rented warehouses. With a Rockaway mosque Muslims will pray in the open and intermingle with our other American friends. God Bless America.