Obama backs mosque near ground zero

[carlablum]

Obama backs mosque near ground zero

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_ground_zero_mosque_obama

AP – Construction cranes tower above One World Trade Center, Friday, August 13, 2010 in New York. President … By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writer Erica Werner, Associated Press Writer – 12 mins agoWASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Friday forcefully endorsed allowing a mosque near ground zero, saying the country's founding principles demanded no less.

"As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country," Obama said, weighing in for the first time on a controversy that has riven New York City and the nation.

"That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances," he said. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable."

Obama made the comments at an annual dinner in the White House State Dining Room celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The White House had not previously taken a stand on the mosque, which would be part of a $100 million Islamic center two blocks from where nearly 3,000 people perished when hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Press secretary Robert Gibbs had insisted it was a local matter.

It was already much more than that, sparking debate around the country as top Republicans including Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich announced their opposition. So did the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil rights group.

Obama elevated it to a presidential issue Friday without equivocation.

While insisting that the place where the twin towers once stood was indeed "hallowed ground," Obama said that the proper way to honor it was to apply American values.

"Our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect to those who are different from us — a way of life that stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of those who attacked us on that September morning, and who continue to plot against us today," he said.

Obama harkened back to earlier times when the building of synagogues or Catholic churches also met with opposition. "But time and again, the American people have demonstrated that we can work through these issues, stay true to our core values and emerge stronger for it," he said. "So it must be and will be today."

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent who has been a strong supporter of the mosque, welcomed Obama's words as a "clarion defense of the freedom of religion."

But some Republicans were quick to pounce.

"President Obama is wrong," said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. "It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of ground zero. While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much."

Entering the highly charged election-year debate, Obama surely knew that his words would not only make headlines but be heard by Muslims worldwide. The president has made it a point to reach out to the global Muslim community, and the over 100 guests at Friday's dinner included ambassadors and officials from numerous Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Seated around candlelit tables, they listened closely as Obama spoke, then stood and applauded when the president finished his remarks.

While his pronouncement concerning the mosque might find favor in the Muslim world, Obama's stance runs counter to the opinions of the majority of Americans, according to polls. A CNN/Opinion Research poll released this week found that nearly 70 percent of Americans opposed the mosque plan while just 29 percent approved. A number of Democratic politicians have shied away from the controversy.

The group behind the $100 million project, the Cordoba Initiative, describes it as a Muslim-themed community center. Early plans call not only for prayer space but for a swimming pool, culinary school, art studios and other features. Developers envision it as a hub for interfaith interaction, as well as a place for Muslims to bridge some of their faith's own schisms.

Opponents, including some Sept. 11 victims' relatives, see the prospect of a mosque so near the destroyed trade center as an insult to the memory of those killed by Islamic terrorists in the 2001 attacks. Some of the Sept. 11 victims' relatives, however, are in favor.

The mosque has won approval from local planning boards but faces legal challenges, and New York's Conservative Party is planning a television ad campaign to pressure a New York City utility to use its power to block the project.

[Niko]

2012

[Rodrigo1]

Please refresh my memory ... exactly WHEN was the last time the Vatican flew a plane into a New York skyscraper?

[carlablum]

Please refresh my memory ... exactly WHEN was the last time the Vatican flew a plane into a New York skyscraper?

Now thats a good way to put it!

Unbelievable wouldn't you say!

[ds2]

ok they have a right to build a mosque. why do they need it in the shadow of ground zero? why not build it somewhere else? and i see once again obama is making a fool of himself. this guy is a joke plain and simple. he didn't have to agree or disagree with it. he should have just kept quiet on the subject but he opened his mouth, and once again showed his true colors. it is like he is rubbing it in americas face. he has made it clear he is not american by his words and actions. and i don't care if supporters of him don't like what i say. this muslim is the downfall of the america we once knew. washington, lincoln, FDR, and other great presidents are rolling in there grave at what our country has become under his leadership--and i use the word leadership lightly. 2012 can't come soon enough. i just hope it isn't too late.

Please refresh my memory ... exactly WHEN was the last time the Vatican flew a plane into a New York skyscraper?

or a christian, jew, methodist, baptist, lutheran, etc. none i can recall.

[LittleMissGrits]

Muslim is as Muslim does ... unbelievable ... less than 10 years after 9-11 we have one in the WH! He is a disgusting excuse of a man and should be tried for treason ... and then appropriate action taken!!! Should I tell you how I really feel?

[jedwards]

Exactly Rodrigo1!!! My sentiments exactly !

[Traconesu02]

Unbelievable - Is the only word I can come up with.

Thanks for the post carlablum

[2dinar1dong]

it is a sad and SCARY day...................Truly is...

[Chape]

They did the same in the UK, where my family live. But there was a big hallabaloo, the residents wouldnt put up with it.

They wanted to take over a local church and cemetery, and build a mosque on the land. Seems to me that there is a pattern here!

O wants Muslims to enjoy "Religious Freedom" in America, BUT America wants them to enjoy it somewhere else and not on hallowed ground.

And, YES ! He IS "Infringing on the seperation of Church and State".

2012 Cannot come soon enough for me also !!!

[WickedWays]

President Obama delivered remarks before hosting an Iftar Dinner at the White House to commemorate the Islamic holiday of Ramadan in Washington on Friday.

WASHINGTON — President Obama delivered a strong defense on Friday night of a proposed mosque near ground zero in Manhattan, using a White House dinner celebrating Ramadan to proclaim that “as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”

By SHERYL *** STOLBERG

Published: August 13, 2010

After weeks of avoiding the high-profile battle over a Muslim community center and mosque — his press secretary, Robert Gibbs, said last week that the president did not want to “get involved in local decision-making” — Mr. Obama stepped squarely into the thorny debate.

“I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground zero is, indeed, hallowed ground,” the president said in remarks prepared for the annual White House iftar, the sunset meal breaking the day’s fast.

But he continued: “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are.”

In hosting the iftar, Mr. Obama was following a White House tradition that, while sporadic, dates more than 200 years to Thomas Jefferson, who held a sunset dinner for the first Muslim ambassador to the United States, from Tunisia. President George W. Bush annually hosted iftars. Aides to Mr. Obama say privately that he has always felt strongly about the proposed community center and mosque. But the White House did not want to weigh in until local authorities made a decision on the proposal, planned for two blocks from the site of the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center.

Last week, New York City removed the final construction hurdle for the project, and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg spoke forcefully in favor of it.

The community center proposal has led to a national uproar over Islam, 9/11 and freedom of religion during a hotly contested midterm election season.

Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and the Republican vice-presidential candidate in 2008, called the project “an unnecessary provocation” and urged “peace-seeking Muslims” to reject it. The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish organization, also opposed the center.

In his remarks, Mr. Obama distinguished between the terrorists who plotted the 9/11 attacks and Islam. “Al Qaeda’s cause is not Islam — it is a gross distortion of Islam,” the president said, adding, “In fact, Al Qaeda has killed more Muslims than people of any other religion, and that list includes innocent Muslims who were killed on 9/11.”

Noting that “Muslim Americans serve with honor in our military,” Mr. Obama said that at next week’s iftar at the Pentagon, “tribute will be paid to three soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq and now rest among the heroes of Arlington National Cemetery.”

Mr. Obama ran for office promising to improve relations with the Muslim world, by taking steps like closing the detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and more generally reaching out. In a speech in Cairo last year, he vowed “a new beginning.”

But Ali Abunimah, an Arab-American journalist and author, said the president has since left many Muslims disappointed.

“There has been no follow-through; Guantánamo is still open and so forth, so all you have left for him to show is in the symbolic field,” Mr. Abunimah said, adding that it was imperative for Mr. Obama to “stand up to Islamophobia.”

Once Mr. Bloomberg spoke out, the president’s course seemed clear, said Steven Clemons of the New America Foundation, a public policy institution here.

“Bloomberg’s speech was, I think, the pivotal one, and set the standard for leadership on this issue,” Mr. Clemons said.

Mr. Bloomberg, in a statement, said: “This proposed mosque and community center in Lower Manhattan is as important a test of the separation of church and state as we may see in our lifetime, and I applaud President Obama’s clarion defense of the freedom of religion tonight.”

Sharif el-Gamal, the developer on the project, said, “We are deeply moved and tremendously grateful for our president’s words."

Anne Barnard contributed reporting.

This is the biggest slap in the face the USA has ever gotten and it's from our so called Commander and Chief!!!

http://www.escortobamaout.com/showthread.php?568-Obama-Backs-Rights-of-Muslims-on-Center-Near-Ground-Zero

Edited August 14, 2010 by WickedWays

[ajob]

Muslim is as Muslim does ... unbelievable ... less than 10 years after 9-11 we have one in the WH! He is a disgusting excuse of a man and should be tried for treason ... and then appropriate action taken!!! Should I tell you how I really feel?

No! we get it, don't get yourself in trouble.

I am counting the days till we can vote this piece of toilet paper out of office.

The next guy we elect has to be a strict to the constitution.

We need to turn this ship around hard, we are headed in the

wrong direction.

[nick s]

here is one or two for you to think about, first talking about the vadican, ummm read your history see how many they killed, remember the witch hunts? the crusades, so dont go there , and also for those of you non Americans here we belive in the freedom of religion, so if it is not your religion sorry but those americans that it is well its their right even if we dont like it, thats the great part of being an american you get to belive in what you want and the guy next to you gets to belive in what he wants. sorry but that is the way it is and our President had no option but to respect that!!!! had he not then he would not be holding up to his oath to. I know most of you dont like this and I am not a big fan of it either but To be an American means we have to allow things we dont belive in because others do. maybe we should all be comunist then we can dictate what churches get to be built and where. thats all have a great weekend Peace

[shannybelle27]

Muslim is as Muslim does ... unbelievable ... less than 10 years after 9-11 we have one in the WH! He is a disgusting excuse of a man and should be tried for treason ... and then appropriate action taken!!! Should I tell you how I really feel?

well said!

This is God's judgment on america. It's time to wake up from the slumber and start praying!

Edited August 14, 2010 by shannybelle27

[DCupp]

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama on Friday forcefully endorsed building a mosque near ground zero, saying the country's founding principles demanded no less.

"As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country," Obama said, weighing in for the first time on a controversy that has riven New York City and the nation.

"That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances," he said. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable."

Obama made the comments at an annual dinner in the White House State Dining Room celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Republicans were quick to pounce on the president's remarks.

"It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of ground zero. While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much."

The White House had not previously taken a stand on the mosque, which would be part of a $100 million Islamic center to be built two blocks from where nearly 3,000 people perished when hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Press secretary Robert Gibbs had insisted it was a local matter.

It was already much more than that, sparking debate around the country as top Republicans including Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich announced their opposition. So did the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil rights group.

Obama elevated it to a presidential issue Friday without equivocation.

While insisting that the place where the twin towers once stood was indeed "hallowed ground," Obama said that the proper way to honor it was to apply American values

"Our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect to those who are different from us -- a way of life that stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of those who attacked us on that September morning, and who continue to plot against us today," he said.

Entering the highly charged election-year debate, Obama surely knew that his words would not only make headlines but be heard by Muslims worldwide. The president has made it a point to reach out to the global Muslim community, and guests at Friday's dinner included ambassadors and officials from numerous Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

While his pronouncement concerning the mosque might find favor in the Muslim world, Obama's stance runs counter to the opinions of the majority of Americans, according to polls. A CNN/Opinion Research poll released this week found that nearly 70 percent of Americans opposed the mosque plan while just 29 percent approved.

A number of Democratic politicians have shied away from the controversy. New York's mayor, independent Michael Bloomberg, has been a strong supporter of the mosque, which has won approval from local planning boards.

The group behind the $100 million project, the Cordoba Initiative, describes it as a Muslim-themed community center. Early plans call not only for prayer space but for a swimming pool, culinary school, art studios and other features. Developers envision it as a hub for interfaith interaction, as well as a place for Muslims to bridge some of their faith's own schisms.

Opponents, including some Sept. 11 victims' relatives, see the prospect of a mosque so near the destroyed trade center as an insult to the memory of those killed by Islamic terrorists in the 2001 attacks. Some of the Sept. 11 victims' relatives, however, are in favor.

[Doc31]

I don't understand ... why does this surprise anyone?

Google Cloward and Piven ... he is just following a playbook ... this ... this is just to "**** you off" because he doesn't care what you think. Narcisists are sick puppies by definition. A mosque at ground zero ... a cocker spaniel with bad taste knows better than this.

Remember in November

Bash if you like ... doesn't change the truth.

Thanks for the post

[ajskj]

That sounds like a threat.

[kittycat]

HE IS A DISGRACE. Yes they have a right to build a mosque and yes they have a right to worship their religion. We have a huge temple of worship in our area, but we aren't the grounds of the World Trade Center - where Muslims blew-up buildings and people. OBama could have shown respect and stated that he believes in there right to worship, but asked that they show the American people some respect and select a different site. they want to take over and he is "with them" folks...because he is one of them! This is just step one..........they want to FORCE us to accept and follow their religious laws. Laugh at my words now, but watch and see.

[kittycat]

If the American people don't wake up and take back this country.....we will all be living under the next Hitler - spelt OBAMA!

[DaveH]

I don't understand ... why does this surprise anyone?

Google Cloward and Piven ... he is just following a playbook ... this ... this is just to "**** you off" because he doesn't care what you think. Narcisists are sick puppies by definition. A mosque at ground zero ... a cocker spaniel with bad taste knows better than this.

Remember in November

Bash if you like ... doesn't change the truth.

Thanks for the post

you are spot on Doc...

thanks for you reply to the post

[shannybelle27]

HE IS A DISGRACE. Yes they have a right to build a mosque and yes they have a right to worship their religion. We have a huge temple of worship in our area, but we aren't the grounds of the World Trade Center - where Muslims blew-up buildings and people. OBama could have shown respect and stated that he believes in there right to worship, but asked that they show the American people some respect and select a different site. they want to take over and he is "with them" folks...because he is one of them! This is just step one..........they want to FORCE us to accept and follow their religious laws. Laugh at my words now, but watch and see.

You have made an excellent statement here. You said it perfectly and I agree with you 100%

[bright_side]

Carlablum's post:

"A CNN/Opinion Research poll released this week found that nearly 70 percent of Americans opposed the mosque plan while just 29 percent approved.

Read more:

I am all for Religious freedom, but I am also for American democracy. Isn't our gov't supposed to listen its people? (see above) Putting a Mosque in the shadow of that terrorist attack is to put a conqueror’s flag over the site. Shameful.

[Telabiz]

Sounds like y'all are blaming the many for the few , reminds me of the American/Japanese during world war 2 . American muslims may have an american reason to build that Mosque , " Ye with out Sin cast the first Stone "

[dinarded]

Sounds like y'all are blaming the many for the few , reminds me of the American/Japanese during world war 2 . American muslims may have an american reason to build that Mosque , " Ye with out Sin cast the first Stone "

Yeah, they have a reason.

9/11 was the result of what MANY Muslims believe to be the teaching of Islam.

I can hear it now........... "You know what we're gonna do? We're gonna fly two 757 airliners into the World Trade Center Towers and after the dust settles, we're gonna build a 15 story Mosque RIGHT NEXT to where the towers used to stand! VICTORY!!!"

Folks, they are trying to build a Mosque and, nearly 10 years later, we haven't rebuilt ANYTHING!

Edited August 14, 2010 by dinarded

[Telabiz]

Yeah, they have a reason.

9/11 was the result of what MANY Muslims believe to be the teaching of Islam.

I can hear it now........... "You know what we're gonna do? We're gonna fly two 757 airliners into the World Trade Center Towers and after the dust settles, we're gonna build a 15 story Mosque RIGHT NEXT to where the towers used to stand! VICTORY!!!"

Folks, they are trying to build a Mosque and, nearly 10 years later, we haven't rebuilt ANYTHING!

RV will change ( I assure you) Everything , Including How the world looks at our President . Pearl Harbor , and the American/Japenese consentration camps , in America !!! I just hope the Scot's keep their nose clean , or I'm packing my bag's , You Dig ? Relax .