Actually, it isn't a resting place in the sense that it is where human remains have been interred, as all the bodies and body parts were removed from the site, and given to loved ones when identification was possible.

So, I disagree with the idea that Ground Zero should be considered a mass war grave, because technically, it isn't a grave site, but an accident site, or the site of the attack, or whatever you want to call it.

I definitely don't think it should be left empty. I also believe it should definitely have a memorial site, which I'm sure it will have. However, I am utterly turned off by attempts to somehow militarize the location with suggestions of "war site" or a "war grave" as I don't view it that way, and I would hate to see our future generations have the events distorted like that, just to serve current propaganda purposes.

"Is it insensitivity or greed that eccourages such desecration?"

Again, for there to be any desecration, people must first share the belief that this is sacred, holy ground. I think it would be very difficult to reach a national consensus on that point.

Secondly, I don't think it is insensitive to want to build a memorial, and put something of use to the New York community that lost the buildings, which included retail businesses, offices, and some residences. I think there is plenty of greed among the potential developers, but that doesn't mean that is the sole motivating factor in developers' desire to be involved in the rebuilding of the site.

In the long run, I don't think we Americans are going to continue to view the site as emotionally as some, like you vectis, perceive it today. I think a legitimate, positive, appropriately respectful and tasteful commercial use of the site can and should be made, in conjunction with a memorial. For me, that would be respectful of the living and the dead, as well as honoring both our past and our future.

I really dislike the idea, especially for the New Yorkers who live and work in the area, of leaving a gaping hole, or making the site exclusively into a memorial. That just is too disturbing to me.