But since when does deference to the Constitution prohibit a person from pointing out the obvious and worrisome symbolism of this project?

If we concede that a mosque at ground zero is a sign of our tolerance — and it is — surely debating the problems with its setting lets the world know we have the cognitive ability not to be a bunch of saps.

Bigot!

It is, you see, ugly and un-American to question the motivations of those opening an Islamic center a stone’s throw from ground zero — a project that will cost $100 million — but not ugly of organizers to pick a spot that’s a stone’s throw from ground zero.