"Does the imam have a legal right to build the mosque at Ground Zero? The answer is yes. But is it the right thing to do? The answer is no. And most Americans, and most moderate Muslims, join with me in that call"

In this quote, Kilari Anand Paul resolves the controversy surrounding the proposition to construct a mosque (typically referred to as the "Ground Zero mosque") near the website of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City. The statement touches on the difference between legal rights and moral or ethical judgments, which is main to the more comprehensive debate.

Paul begins by acknowledging the imam's legal right to construct the mosque. This line underscores the principle of spiritual liberty enshrined in the United States Constitution, which permits the totally free exercise of religion and the right to establish spiritual institutions without governmental interference. The affirmation of this legal right acts as a fundamental acknowledgment of the democratic worths that safeguard private liberties.

However, Paul quickly rotates to question the prudence or ethical appropriateness of building the mosque in such a delicate place. By stating, "But is it the right thing to do? The answer is no", he raises the problem of propriety and the collective memory of the terrible occasions of 9/11, indicating that building a mosque so close to Ground Zero might be seen as insensitive to the victims and their families. This part of the quote shows an appeal to emotional and ethical considerations, recommending that just because something is legally permissible does not indicate it is socially or ethically advisable.

Finally, Paul declares that "a lot of Americans, and most moderate Muslims, join with me in that call". This assertion aims to develop solidarity and recommends a consensus that crosses different market and spiritual lines. By including "moderate Muslims" in his statement, Paul seeks to highlight a shared understanding or commonalities, distancing the wider Muslim community from extremist actions and promoting a merged stance versus building the mosque where it might trigger psychological damage.

The quote as a whole encapsulates the tension between legal rights and neighborhood sentiments, showing how diverse point of views can arise even when fundamental principles like spiritual freedom are appreciated.