Harry Reid is a Disappointment (Again)

Harry Reid claims that while he respects freedom of religion, he's not willing to support an Islamic center near Ground Zero.

Specifically, says Reid spokesman Jim Manley, he thinks the "mosque" should be built "some place else":

The First Amendment protects freedom of religion. Senator Reid respects that but thinks that the mosque should be built some place else. If the Republicans are being sincere, they would help us pass this long overdue bill to help the first responders whose health and livelihoods have been devastated because of their bravery on 911, rather than continuing to block this much-needed legislation.

The second most powerful Democrat in the country is not willing to support the First Amendment.

What makes this an even greater disappointment is that Reid is a Mormon. Opposition to Mormonism began before the first Latter Day Saint church was established in 1830 and continues to the present day. The most vocal and strident opposition occurred during the 19th century, particularly during the Utah War of the 1850s, and in the second half of the century when the practice of polygamy in Utah was widely considered by the U.S. Republican Party as one of the "twin relics of barbarism" along with slavery. This is widely know by all Mormons and is a basic part of their history. But here is Reid who should be empathetic to the demonization and virulent discrimination of a religious group, taking sides with those who wish to discriminate.

How does he reconcile this in his soul?