Obama backs controversial New York mosque project

While a lot has been said about this president’s stimulus incompetence, job creation failure, environmental ineptitude, and bringing the country to edge of bankruptcy with more financial bad news on the way — this latest pontification is downright scary. We can be “politically correct”, or we can exercise due caution. Its the cancer within that has destroyed every great nation on earth and frankly, not sure any of our lawyer-politicians can be trusted.

Worship their “Monkey God”? Now as far as I know the Muslims worship the same God as the Christians and the Jews, so where does this concept that they worship a Monkey God? Is this just out right racist? They oppose Muslims having a Mosque in Lower Manhattan, because they worship a Monkey God? Do they not call Blacks porch monkeys? How far do you go in order to cover up the racism behind these attacks? They should just come out and say that this a country of God fearing Christian White people, and no dark skinned Monkey worshiping Muslims allowed.

This is a direct slap in the face. What is Obama thinking. I accually voted for the guy, but this is too much. I don’t care how much sense he makes on other issues. This is just an outrage. I would say the equivalant to puting a Japanese memorial for the bombings of WWII at Pearl Harbor. That’s what kind of a message they are sending. I will never again vote or side with Obama again. He has this one very wrong, and I hope he will not be reelected in 2012.

This is where the world will see the true colour of americans. Do they actually believe in religious freedom or is the right to religious freedom applicable only if you are christian and white. When under attack, this country will abandon all freedoms, rights and principles. All those apply only to white people. Everyone else is a second class citizen. If you don’t believe it, incidents like this prove that.

Although the opposition to the project is flawed and unwarranted, as a Muslim and a New Yorker, I think it is not a good idea if the majority (supposedly 53%) is against the effort.

Th main point of the project is not to serve Muslims directly but to correct misconceptions about the the religion of Islam amongst the common American. However, the existence of a vigorous opposition seems to indicate that a majority of people aren’t interested in such an effort. In the end, such efforts may only flare more paranoia and hatred. And, I, for one, am tired of it.

You tell me …just one of the familys that died there are going to open their arms and say come on in…Don’t think so …So how is it that the Prez and the Goverment of NYC…sit there and say its ok???…Hell is everyone asleep here???

For America, it’s November or never. Pass it along.

Personally, I’m ecstatic that obama has launched the first stage of American Islam. We can bring back public executions of thieves and criminals, we can start stoning women who dress like whores, we can start maiming women who cheat on their husbands, and of course force people to start praying 5 times a day. Thank you obama!!!

Oh please-
Why there- Why so close to the 9-11 site?
This is a direct affront to all those who
lost loved ones in that terrible incident-
Their leaders say they only want peace and to bring people together? Are they blind- or deaf??? This will only hurt and cause great dissention-
Take your mosque and build somewhere else-
I strongly oppose this mosque being built
by the 911 site- It’s only common sense
people!!! It’s time we the quiet ones start backlashing on this- This is outrageous and Barack Obama should be ashamed of himself-

You guys are idiots, your so narrow minded that you can’t possibly think of the backlash if he didn’t back this. It would be a slap to the face to newly allies we are trying to acquire and it would just prove how intolerable Americans are, its just embarrassing.

Obama is trying to ruin our country. Once a
Muslin always a Muslin. He and his gruesome threesome won’t be happy until the government owns everybody. Pray for the November election so we can keep our free country!

I am proud the Mr. Obama is taking a stand that supports freedom of religion. This position is in line with the actions and intentions of the nation’s founding fathers. To make the blanket assumption that all Muslims are the enemies of our nation is naive, and it is cowardly, craven thinking. Did 9/11 so frighten us as to make us see monsters in every unfamiliar face? Let’s also consider that the proposed site for this Islamic community center and mosque is 2 blocks north of the twin towers site, not on it. Let’s remember than good Muslim people working in the towers died in the tower, victims as much as anyone. Perhaps their families might be comforted by having a nearby place to pray if they visit the area? Part of the national healing after the 9/11 attack will require that we repair the rifts of distrust that some of us have felt for our fellow citizen who happen to worship the creator by following Islam. Mr. Obama is making a leadership gesture with this action, and he has my support and admiration

@vipersonic – Majority is not always right and just. Do you think the Civil Rights Act would have passed if they held a referendum? Fundamentals rights exist for the exact reason that the majority cannot vote and take away rights of minorities. Majority rule does not equal democratic rule, it simply means power in numbers.

Everyone should stop being so damn sensitive. We have the greatest nation on earth, and a little building is enough to turn the majority of you into bigoted racists? The cowardice shown by all of you is ridiculous. 9/11 was almost ten years ago. move on.

Seems to me that the goal of the 9/11 attacks was to make Americans hate Muslims, and stir up a Jihad. Seems to me that many of these posters are letting the terrorists win.

Build the Mosque. Spread peace and understanding. And keep your bigotry to yourself.

Islam uses religion to achieve its political goals – Obama does not understand.
America will end up like decomposing Europe: a muslim ghetto.
The last two strong politicians were Hitler and Stalin, they knew how to handle problems and get things going.
A strong America isn’t there any more, it is all decaying throughout society at all levels, irreversibly and at an amazing speed. Watch an empire disappearing!

why is that so many “Christians” and “Americans” only want certain parts of the Bible to matter and certain parts of the Constitution? Freedom of religion is freedom of religion. The mosque wont be located at ground zero…I know a lot of the anti-mosque sentiment is coming from the Constitution lovin’ tea party types.. so what gives?

When considering whether or not this mosque should be built, ask yourselves these questions:
1) How many Muslims do you think were in those towers? Probably quite a few. The terrorists obviously didn’t care that they would surely kill other Muslims. Innocent Muslims in the towers deserve the same respect as the innocent Christians, Jews, Hindus, etc. that died in those towers.
2) Do you think the policemen and firemen that died in those towers cared who they were trying to save? They didn’t stop and say “Wait. There may be Muslims in this building. I better turn around and leave.” Don’t dishonor their sacrifice by demonizing a group of people they died trying to save.
3) What if the 9/11 attacks had been perpetrated by radical white Christians (remember Oklahoma City)? Would you deny other Christians the right to build a church near Ground Zero? Of course not.

We were attacked on 9/11 by extremists, not by Islam. Not all Irish are members of the IRA. Not all Germans were Nazis. Not all Christians bomb abortion clinics. We must continue to act like America if we want to continue to be America.

Da they don’t need a Near place to Pray…they can pray with the rest…What the hell you want to cover the whole state with seperate spots??….wake up and smell the roses….and its not Obama…He is history sure as i’m drawing a breath

Then you tell me why the Majority of New
Yorkers and Americans oppose this project.
And you think building it is going to make
everyone feel better??? Obama is not taking leadership with this action- he is promoting his own agenda and not listening to the majority of Americans on this one. Time to speak up about this and let our voices be
heard!!! Write your congressman, the mayor of New York, and let’s support the
people who lost loved ones and oppose this site being built near ground zero -

There is a continued perception amongst non-Muslim Americans that the American Muslim community did not and has not forcefully condemned the actions of al-Qa’ida, before, on, or after 9/11. This means that any such buiding activities as those the President voiced support for will be viewed as too close for comfort. I don’t believe it’s a matter of “every unfamiliar face”… I believe it’s a matter of “too familiar a face.”
Unless and until ‘average Americans’ – black, white, red, blue, purple, Christian, atheist, whatever – come to the common perception of a divide between mainstream Muslims and Islamic extremists, this will never be an acceptable or frankly wise thing to pursue.

A little fact-checking on this thread. 1) Barack Obama is a Christian, not a Muslim. 2) The proposed Mosque is a community center much like a YMCA, and it is not on Ground Zero. 3) The building complies with New York law and the US Constitution, which allows for freedom of religion. 4) The leaders of the Mosque are opposed to terrorism and are not practitioners of the the strain of Islam that calls for violence against the United States. 5) Denying free worship to moderate, non-violent Muslims and silencing Muslim leaders who preach tolerance will only strengthen extremist Muslims, and making it likely that young American Muslims will turn to dangerous, violent sects, thereby increasing the likelihood of terrorism. We are opposed to terrorism, are we not?

No doubt the Jewish Controlled Media will delete my comment but I shall post it for whatever it’s worth:

I hate all religions. What I don’t understand is how dumb Americans think building a mosque near ground zero is different to building a synagogue. Both religions are equally fundamentalist.

perhaps it is not all that surprising that it is the crazies who do most of the foaming at the mouth blogging here -many forget jesus was a middle eastern black and a socialist and a pacifist and said “my father’s house has many doors”-obama is a superb president who is coping
with extraordinary circumstances with peace seeking dignity and those nutters like granny bible spice and her imitators are distinctly un-american and disloyal to their elected leader and to their country. all “terrorists” come to the table eventually -keeping the door to it open and displaying the qualities of equality,freedom and tolerance that have, at times, made america a shining light in the world is the mark of a true statesman.it is demonstrated in small but significant displays of state impartiality like this one.

The hysterical cadence of hate-based comments here is unbelievable – it reminds me of Nazi Germany. Bullying Muslims won’t make the United States any safer and will just engender more hared towards our great country – in this country everyone has a right to practice their religion freely or not at all. Wake up America!!

A comment from the LAST Muslim president we have…is anyone surprised at his sup;port, what a disgrace to the 3000 plus that lost their lives in NYC..GET TO THE POLLS IN NOVEMBER! GET HIM THE H— OUT!

Well said….h_eckler….But as i said earlier….we don’t need 4 dozen shrines there we need ONE…..We as a people are one….they …the muslims want to be a part of it….they need to be with us or against us…not divided…Just my thoughts on it

A “spokesman” for the Tea Party said that we worship a “monkey god”? That surprises me—Tea Party persons are usually so well informed.

Does he support the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple on the Dome on the Rock?

This is going to be more like roller derby, than a peace maker.

Hindus worship the monkey god Hanuman , Muslims worship the same monotheistic concept of God as Jews and Christians , so bigots please try to be accurate in your statements at least.
Christians are supposed to ‘turn the other cheek’ , and christ said that the most important commandment is to love thy neighbor as thyself.
Denying religious freedom goes against everything America AND Christianity stands for.
and lets not forget that the war mongering of the right has failed to destroy Al Queda or capture Bin Laden and make the world a safe place.
Hate breeds Hate .

The America I know/knew was this master-piece of good people (in general) whose foundation was grounded on a document called The Constitution. In that document is a “snippet” that enshrines Freedom of Religion.

I hate to say this but seems clear those opposed to the Mosque aren’t thinkers, per se and most likely:

1. Don’t know US history from their tail but are rather mindless echo chambers of hate-filled politicians.

2. Are morally and mentally flexible on when and which parts of the Constitution must be protected at all cost (say the 2nd Amendment) and which Amendments are politically expedient for disposal based on political whim of the day… (say 14th Amendment and the Preamble enshrining freedom of religion & equal rights).

3. Might oppose freedom of female choice and label it as murder but are gung-ho on death penalty galore…

Instead of being echo-chambers for slick politicians looking to stoke your ignorance & fear against something you really know very little about.

For once be what your forefathers were: Industrious and hard working: get off your arse and do a bit of research and personal thinking on the issue instead of being mindless echo drones for hate-filled politicians exploiting your ignorance.

I OPPOSE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MOSQUE NEAR GROUND ZERO ON TWO LEVELS:
1ST. I’M A FIRM BELIEVER IN SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE AND THE TWIN TOWERS FELL AS A RESULT OF POLITICAL BELIEFS INTERLACED WITH RELIGION–AND THAT IS INTOLERABLE.
2ND. THE IDIOTS (AND OTHERS LIKE THEM) WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE TWIN TOWERS, DID SO BECAUSE THEY WANT TO KILL US IN THE NAME OF THEIR RELIGION—-AND I WANT TO LIVE.

Of course Obama’s all for the mosque. He’s a Democrat, he hates America.

This is a surprise? To who?

i cannot believe obama either,2 blocks fron this awful tragedy—
i am really getting afraid of the futre for our grankids, new yorkers –stand up and do something about this,
all i can say is 2012 is around the corner, obama u better go find a job with ur muslim friends,, because pres.of america for u will not happen a second time!!!
obama’s for the immigrants coming into arizona, for the muslims building a mosque 2 blocks from ground zero–what is with this man????
americans wake up our country is going to pot!!!!!

Let me see. America is building a huge embassy in Iraq, has army bases in Japan and Germany – talk about sensitivities for the victims their family. If Americans dislike Muslims, why not withdraw from Afghanistan and Iraq immediately.

Obama forgot the history of America. He forgot the founding fathers of America are Christian, he forgot that the amandment was written based on the truth of the Bible. New York is the “capital city” of the world. That city was built on the influence of Christianity, then it should reflect the love of Jesus, not others. America should give thanks to God by building a church, not a mosque.

1st amendment allows you to worship, but it does NOT say where that worship is to be allowed. As a result, many cities, etc. have specific zoning laws where places of worship can and cannot be built, with NYC being among them. So, even though it appears Obama is legally right in this case, what good can come out of it? Yes, not all Muslims are bad, however, Christians/Atheists/Jews/Gnostics did NOT fly planes into the WTC, Muslims did. This Muslim building @ the place of immense pain, suffering and death serves no purpose other than to prolong the pain and suffering of the survivors, the majority of NYC, and this great nation.

The proponent of this idea has insidious ties, and a lot of people know it. Knowing how hypocritical things are, it’s not a wonder that New Yorkers and others are questioning the reason and plan to build this mosque so close to Ground Zero. Whoever is interested, please read my blog about similar issues. Thanks.
http://www.joyce-iamwhatiyam.blogspot.com

How could this man who hates America be elected President of our country? This is a cheap Chicago street politician trying to insult the greatest nation on earth.

Repent, the end is near! Yes, I can see that Sarah and Newt speak for the “American People”. You go girl. Go get them commies and foreigners and show ‘em us real Americans still care about our Founding Father’s principles. Well maybe we need to change a few of those principles, like letting the world’s wretched refuse in our borders and educating their drug-mule terrorist babies. Oh yeah, and them un-clean non-reborn heathens. You probably afraid of the Hun invasion too, eh?

Opposing a place of worship, no matter what religion, is not the place of the government. The same people screaming to have their religous symbols in our courts and on state property are now wanting to forbid a religous establishment on private property? I am conservative, but you can’t have it both ways.

By the way, If it’s not a mosque… Why do the reporters keep headlining mosque? Trying to incite hate can’t be very high on the good conduct list.

This may seem a little controversial and off to the side. Yet in my opinion, highly relevant.

Someone once told me, that there is no such thing as terrorists… just other peoples governments.

Unfortunately after so conjecture about the real story behind 9/11 it just goes to show you have to be just as concerned about your own government as much as anybody else’s.

Bait and switch my dear, it’s all done with smoke and mirrors. If you’re hating someone or something out there. Then your government is free to do as it pleases.

It’s been like this for thousands of years. What makes you think voting can change it?

Yeah, lets talk about Muslims and 9/11. Now about Salman Hamdani? The 23-year-old New York City police cadet was found 6 months later in the remains of the North Tower, his EMT bag at his side. Or maybe Baraheen Ashrafi, nine months pregnant with her second child. Her husband, Mohammad Chowdhury, was a waiter at Windows of the World restaurant. Don’t forget Rahma Salie, a passenger on American Airlines #11, 7 months pregnant with her first child. These are just a few of the over 50 Muslims who were among the victims that day, many of them Americans. It was not called the World Trade Center for nothing.

I’m not a fan of religion, I find both Christianity and Islam have been fertile fields for violence. So I easily recognize the obvious racism behind those how object to a moderate Islamic group trying to remember their dead by working for tolerance and piece.

Oh, and I laugh in the face of the moron who claimed to support separation of church and state, yet wants to use the powers of the state to prevent members of a different religion from using land they own within compliance of local laws.

@word2010… seems you forgot your American History too.
If the founding fathers were such pure, non-comprimising Christians as you claim then why did they UNANIMOUSLY agree to make part of the very FIRST Amendment about Freedom of Religion?

If they were the kind of people you think the are they could have simply decreed the official religion of the US be Christianity and then some…. BUT…. they didn’t… did they???

see http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am1
and/or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion_in_the_United_States

You might enjoy reading a bit about the founding fathers and learn quite a bit (well… OK learn A LOT) in the process.

Yes, they were all Christians but were good and smart enough people to realize that being a Christian is neither about forcing their own belief down every one else throat nor a mandatory litmus test to qualify ones allegiance/faith to their country. Religious bigotry didn’t cloud their wisdom.

He may be really smart and a great speaker. But what an IDIOT! May his term get over the sooner the better. You know the outfit that he conspired with to get elected got investigated and went out of business: ACORN. Good grief, what a Dunce. Doesn’t have squat to do with religous equality, blah, blah. Build it somewhere else. That’s exactly why they want to build it there. To rub your nose in it. Do you want a Walmart in the middle of the Arlington Cemetery? Me neither. No one with a brain does. If this doesn’t just burn you up, you need to look at it again. Hopefully people with common sense will prevail over dumba**es like this.

I FULLY support President Obama’s endorsement of the building of Cordoba House and more importantly, the reasons behind his endorsement.

Freedom of religion is a cornerstone of what our country stands for, and ironically, the mission of Cordoba House is that of what Christianity is supposed to stand for — forgiveness.

Let’s not forget that many Muslims were killed in the attack on the Twin Towers, two of whom included a high school classmate of mine and my wife’s cousin. Both of whom happened to be Catholic.

Also, what kind of organization has a leader who would say this about Cordoba House and Islam, “terrorists to worship their monkey god.”? Is this the sort of organization “we” really want in this country?? This sort of talk is nothing less than and insult to what our country stands for!

It’s no surprise to me that the Marist Poll suggested 53% of New Yorkers are against the construction of Cordoba House. New York and the tri-state area in general has a very active, well organized pro-Israeli constituency and unfortunately many American Jews — including the vast majority of those whom I consider good friends — there exists a conviction that (Muslim) Arabs are essentially second class citizens of the world.

In my opinion it’s time for the United States to show the world that we do NOT tolerate, let alone foster, religious extremism such as we currently do concerning Christian fundamentalists and Zionist American Jews, while singling out Islam as some sort of evil entity. Objectively speaking, there really is no Judeo-Christian “ethic”. There are either people who hate ethnicities and/or religions other than their own, or those who know the importance of tolerance.

Finally, I am a 12th generation American who can trace direct lineage to a group of pilgrims who settled in New Hampshire in 1620. My ancestors through my grandfathers, father, and brother have fought practically everyone since then: the American Indians, British, French, Mexicans, Germans (x2), Sandanistas, and Iraqis — and with every generation came understanding and tolerance, too. Oh, and although I’m not very religious — I was raised in the Protestant Church, am married to a Catholic woman, and consider myself very “spiritual” and a fundamentally religiously normal person; and a registered Republican, too!

Yes, a group of anti-American, hate-filled, fanatical Muslims trained and succeeded in killing several thousand innocent people and I hate those individuals as much anyone else in this country (other than those who lost direct family members, of course). However, I do not hate or fear Islam, Muslims, and especially not the mission nor location of Cordoba House.

You can’t have a free country when you make exceptions of those freedoms. Let’s have freedom of religion but when I feel my safety at risk go ahead and disband those freedoms. Give me a break! Our fore fathers did not give up the safety of their lives and the lives of their families so that we can make exceptions for those freedoms. I am no way Muslim or religious at all for that matter. But in no way do I support the restriction of any religion. And to jmnz, it would not be like putting a Japanese memorial at Pearl Harbor, it would be like opening a Zen Temple in Pearl Harbor. Islamic Extremists only account for 2% of their religion. They most certainly do not represent it as the leaders of it. That is the equivalent of Child molesters representing Catholicism as a whole. The Catholic Church does not put up with them and the majority of Muslims do not like putting up with the extremists of its religion.

@word2010: You need a history lesson. The Founding Fathers created the Constitution to prevent domination by religious groups, and the First Amendment has nothing to do with Christianity and your assertion that it was “based on the truth of the Bible” is at best mistaken and at worst a lie. The word “bible” doesn’t even appear! Perhaps if you’d take the time to read more than ONE book, you’d find that Christian mythology is no way to try to run a country – which is something the Founding Fathers understood after seeing people fleeing to the US to escape the Christian persecutions in Europe and beyond.

The sickness of racism,hate and selfishness that Americans have is going to be remembered longer then the Sept 11 attacks. They were not carried out by religious muslims… they were carried out by extremists.

That the white folk who are oh so much better seem to lump anyone of colour together is a travesty and the remarks here prove it.

The hate and the ugliness you portray and the war mongering your country insists on perpetrating are your legacy. You have no idea that Americans are considered terrorists in many countries? You have no idea how your hate is reflected back? Your lack of tolerance and understanding, your lack of ethics and morals and your lack of compassion and your bullying are well known.

If Christians had done the attack they would be placed in Guantanamo bay?

Doesn’t he have enough problems already???

I’m not willing to quietly let those fearful and bigoted usurp progress and the US Constitution.

Those whiner tea people and their armed and dangerous militia and fundamentalist/ extremist values don’t make us reject all Christians, why should we reject all the Muslims who do practice as well as say peace be upon them to all!

Let this be built and stand as a place to begin to learn and heal and work for a future of true peace and harmony.

Let all the religious fundamentalists and bigots and general scaredy cats go find nice spots in remote regions where they can stay separate and be big fish who defend themselves from the diverse world of true democracy.

Freedom is not free and democracy is not for the faint of heart!

These people who wave the flag and disrespect all it is about should be ashamed!

They are not patriotic! These against are like scared little old ladies who doth protest too much, methinks.

What about the law where President is not supposed to interfere? Is that also part of the constitution? Christian apologists wants a slap in the face (Jesus told them to accept them) – but RATIONALLY: is there any limit to the slaps?

Buddhists have predicted muslims WILL take over our planet – in terrible wars in a few centuries. Fortunately it’s also predicted that there will be an ‘iron’ man to slay them after they have ruled the country and erased the believers of other faiths underground.

But do you really want to see ALL that happen? Are you really so blind, Obama, that you can’t READ Quran and listen to what the muslim priests are preaching in the mosques? It’s not praying for the benefit of ALL people, but political (conqueror) speeches. Put FBI on it, if you can’t UNDERSTAND yourself.

I was thinking you are more clever than GW Bush, but seems that you are just the other side of the stupidity.

AMERICA WAKE UP!!!! Muslims are encouraged and told to lie if it benefits Islam and/or Allah. Please look at what has happened in other countries who have opened their doors to them…Lebanon, Somalia, Denmark, Spain, France, Phillipines…the list goes on and on and on! They come in, multiply, then start fighting for their rights, create fear by killing people, burning their homes, cutting off an arm on one side and a hand on the other side of a person. We need to get them out of America. Millions of dollars are being given to Harvard, Yale, Cornell, etc. etc. in order for them to be able to influence our American children to be anti-America. Please, please read “Because They Hate” by Brigette Gabriel. It will open your eyes to what is really happening here and all over the world. Their goal is for all to believe in the real Islam (which has nothing to do with peace or love) and kill anyone (even fellow Muslims who they say aren’t true Muslims if they don’t believe in “Jihad”) who doesn’t convert! Be warned and be aware and be active!!!

I am sad for this president and supporters of this plan. Religious intolerance and not wanting to build an islamic mosque on the ground thousands of Americans died upon are two very different things. Many of the comments posted here cite the small handful of extremists, giving a pass to the religion. YouTube the cheering throughout the Muslim world on that date. They were happy. They cheered it. I wish we never invaded anyone. I believe vengeance brings more hate. But to say this was the sentiment of a small group of extremists denies reality. They have no business being anywhere close to this ground. Our president is a servile fool.

What about the law where President is not supposed to interfere? Is that also part of the constitution? Christian apologists wants a slap in the face (Jesus told them to accept them) – but RATIONALLY: is there any limit to the slaps?

Buddhists have predicted muslims WILL take over our planet – in terrible wars in a few centuries. Fortunately it’s also predicted that there will be an ‘iron’ man to slay them after they have ruled the country and erased the believers of other faiths underground.

But do you really want to see ALL that happen? Are you really so blind, Obama, that you can’t READ Quran and listen to what the muslim priests are preaching in the mosques? It’s not praying for the benefit of ALL people, but political (conqueror) speeches. Put FBI on it, if you can’t UNDERSTAND yourself.

Maybe it would have been best not to build anything and just move on. Now its only fair all religions can build a memorial.

It was a dark day a for the Muslim’s and brought them grief and war. The people who pulled off 9/11 were killed, there wasn’t no country to blame yet it happen.

The entire world mourn what happen on 9/11, including many Muslim’s.

Excellent move Obama! Remind our vocal extremists that America does permit religious freedom. We are tolerant of all religions AND recognize the importance of this principle. Islam did not attack the World Trade Center, extremists did, just like the extremists we produced for the Oklahoma City bombing. hilaroo

This man has shown that he has no interest at all in what the American people want. He is a liar, and one lie is that he is not a Muslim. Right now the Imam who wants the mosque built is on a US taxpaer funded tour of the Islamic world. Why? What is he telling these countries?

Dear Mr. Obama,
The Koran is filled with violent teachings. Sharia is not the Law of the United States of America!! Innocent American blood was spilled at Ground Zero by Muslims.
How do you dare to put forward a case for desecration of that hallowed ground! Shame! Shame!

NOBAMA…NO MORE!

OH Reuters.. you’re so bad. So very poor.. “A project opposed by Conservatives and many New Yorkers? ”

Really. no one should be reading Reuters unless , like myself, they understand that it is subliminal propaganda. Though it is hardly a concerted effort. Pretty blatant actually

Obama is a nut. We’re gonna vote the whole crew out of there. We were complacent in 2008 and the media was complicit. They’re starting their hangover now whereas many of use felt ours in November 08. We’ve been very patient. So very patient.

Here;’s a deal for you American Hating muslims. We’ll let you build the mosque. YOU free your people from the crippling binds of a primitive, dark religion.

Deal?

Oh yeah.. And stop calling America White & Christian. That’s not America and if your DON”T know that you aren’t living here. You’re just regurgitating the crap you have been fed.

As a Muslim, i don’t see this whole issue doing any good for Muslims. Ironically, the project seems to be intended for all those misinformed and biased people out there who are opposed to the plan.

I notice that many people still believe that Muslims Americans somehow don’t condemn the atrocities of 9/11. Well, If the general media as well as the general public is driven by paranoia and adventures of war, then where do we go to represent our views? It’s like discussing philosophy at a crowded club.

With freedom comes responsibility. The Muslim community in NYC is irresponsible to the very least for pushing to build their Mosque at this site. The people who flew the planes into the towers and caused the deaths of 2,500 civilians in a single day, chanted the words “Allah Akbar” (God is Great) as they were committing their actions. While it is true that the 9/11 terrorists were religious extremists, it is also true that they grew extreme under the guidance and teaching of their Muslim priests, while attending religious service at their mosques. This has proven to be true time and time again with every new captured terrorist after every new terrorist attack. I ma sorry, but the Islam is not a religion of peace. It is a tool of oppression and is inspired by political aims of world domination. The object of such perverted teaching has no place at the site of 9/11 attacks. It would serve no other purpose but to point out the might of Islam and mock the victims of 9/11.

I don’t agree with Mohomed’s teachings and I don’t agree with a lot of Obama’s agendas, BUT I also believe in the United States Constitution which I’ve sworn to uphold. Don’t TREAD on the U.S.Constitution! This is LAW and basis of our Great Nation. You so called patriots need to read, learn, undertand and UPHOLD this important document! You know, it’s not just the Second Admendment that’s important in the Constitution… there’s more to it!

“You tell me …just one of the familys that died there are going to open their arms and say come on in…”

How about the families of Muslims that died?

AAHHHHH…as its being reported in most rags the headline says they will be building on ground zero..if that was the accurate truth I too would feel unhappy about it, but as its two blocks away whats the problem? should they put an exclusion zone around the whole are out stretching from the centre? oh and at the same time have entry control points checkingb your religous status before you are aloud into the area..if everyone would just grow up before my children do so I don’t have to explain all the hatred and racism. But there is one other point that should be made here, we who live in certain countries enjoy many rights so enjoy them and don’t stop others from enjoying them too. Remember why the settlers invaded america in the first place?

I think that, due to the incredibly sensitivity the American people and especially New Yorkers have regarding the area around ground zero, it’s pretty obvious that building the mosque (even if it’s technically not a mosque but instead a YMCA type place) isn’t exactly a wonderful idea( far far from it), but I also think that if the people proposing this really want to go forward with it the US government is required by the constitution to allow it.
In addition, I’d be willing to bet Obama thinks it’s not a great idea either, but considering what he represents as president of the US he has no choice but to offer his support.

No man who is sworn to defend the constitution of the Unites States (timeworn as it might now now be) could take any other stance and still remain true to his office.

Timothy McVeigh was a Christian. Would it be inappropriate to build a church a block from the site of the Murrah Building?

Both acts were in essence anti-U.S. and had political rather than religious intents.

We need a revolution. Take back America for Americans.

Reuters’ one-sentence paragraph in this story about the “monkey god” comment is an example of surprisingly low quality journalism.

I read Reuters top stories on a daily basis and generally find myself impressed by the quality of coverage, so it’s easy for me to write off an occasional disappointment. In this case, however, I believe that anyone familiar with the story — regardless of their political persuasion — can plainly see the misleading nature of the information as presented here.

The problem is that anyone who isn’t familiar with the “monkey god” comment and its aftermath will read this story and in every case without exception come to possess a fundamentally inaccurate understanding of the Tea Party movement, explicitly referenced by name in this article.

There is nothing subjective about my claim — nor do I consider myself a supporter of the Tea Party ideology. I do consider myself a supporter of honesty, however, which clearly was not the goal of the specific reporter(s) responsible for this story.

Reuters should remove the paragraph in question from this story — and the author should not be allowed to feel work of this nature will be permitted in the future. If this were the norm for Reuters, I would not be a regular visitor here.

Okay people, you can’t have it both ways! You can’t complain that the public healthcare plan is an unconstitutional violation of States’ rights, and at the same time complain that the President isn’t stopping what is clearly a local and State government decision. Not to mention that if he intervened at all it would be violation of the First Amendment. Religious freedom is an absolute in this country, even if, and especially when, the religion is offensive to you.

America has fallen, we are becoming a country that gives in and sells her soul to every small class minority THAT DOESN’T EVEN BELONG HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. Why is it so bad for America to stand tall and proud for who and what she has been in the past, why must she “change” for people from other lands…when this country was first started, the EUROPEAN SETTELERS CHANGED TO BECOME AMERICANS, not the other way around….there wasn’t signs in german, hit 1 for italian, The people EMBRACED THE AMERICAN ESSENCE, AND BECAME AMERICANS….it is sad that America must now CHANGE to become the immigrants… sad… well hope Y’all are loving the NObama “change” if you idiots would have voted for Hillary Clinton things would be a HELL of alot better…but hey…whatever.

America has been in and out of war with Islam since the 1780’s.

In 1784, Congress authorized American diplomats John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson to negotiate with the Muslim terrorists. Slave trading of American seaman that weren’t killed was prevalent.
Ransoming Americans was no less expensive, and therefore a very profitable trade for the Muslim terrorists. As John Adams explained
Adams and Thomas Jefferson candidly asked the Ambassador from Tripoli the motivation behind their unprovoked attacks against Americans. What was the response?
The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the laws of their Prophet [Mohammed] – that it was written in their Koran that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners; that is was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found and to make slaves of all they could take as prisoners; and that every Musselman [Muslim] who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise.

Thomas Jefferson, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Julian P. Boyd, editor (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1954), Vol. 9, p. 358, Report of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to John Jay, March 28, 1786.

First of all, Americans must realize that are fighting an ideology of extremist Islam. In order to fight it effectively, we MUST engage moderate muslims. I think having a mosque close to World Trade Center site will help people heal wounds on both sides. Americans have freedom of religion, so ANY attempt to suppress religion is to suppress America.

if I recall correctly, the very Imam of this proposed mosque said that America provoked 9/11. Didn’t he? he also clearly refuses to say that Hammas is a terrorist group. and this is one of the “good” muslims….

Those who spend even a moment hating on this have no idea at all what this country is about. Our founders were religous refugees to this land. Never forget that this union was formed by radically opposed religous factions who, not being tolerated by others left everything behind to settle elsewhere or die trying. Even those factions found the necessity of working together despite yawning gaps belief and practice.

The Muslim religion is obviously something you know nothing about to see your responses. I didnt know anything about it till recently myself. But i refuse to regurgitate the hatefulness that is being fed to so many of us Christians. Since i believe god created ALL life. Than i accept ALL humans as my brothers and sisters. You should pray to find enough love in your heart to give you strength to fight fear and ignorance.

At least he weighed in. I’m impressed with that. I had thought he would never touch this issue.

GET IT RIGHT – it is not about religious freedom, It is about LOCATION. Build it somewhere else – - –

I don’t see a down side in allowing this Muslim center to be built in lower Manhattan. It is being proposed by proponents of mainstream, as opposed to radical, Islam. And allowing it be built so near Ground Zero proves to all the world that America is strong, forgiving, tolerant and welcoming — still a beacon for all the peoples of the Earth.

BHO is supposed to be representing citizens of USA. I denounce him as my President and he has ruined our country maybe beyond turn around. Please someone eliminate he and his cronies asap by ANY means. I hope to never meet him face to face as I would surely be be sent to prison for what I would do. He is evil.
ALL muslims in our country should be forcrd to leave and there would be know need for mosque. Look what the ignorant Dems God please save us!

From the vitriol and ignorance around these comments I almost thought I was in a Fox News comment board. Your opinions are so misguided they almost make me cry.

I really cannot comprehend what I’m reading here in the comments. Are you all so willing to give up your freedom? This is a simple freedom of religion case and nothing more. I don’t like the stupid Bible either, you’re supposed to stone your family to death if they stop believing in God, or just sell them into slavery if you need some extra dough. I’m sure their stupid religious text isn’t any worse. I am a firm atheist, but I would never limit a person’s freedom based on religion. Thanks for trying to ruin freedom, hypocrites.

yes religous tolerance, I am for it, but what about the role of women in all this? in the basement?

So all of the “small government” talking heads like Palin, Beck, and Limbaugh want the government to step in and tell someone what they can and cannot do with their private property, even if they meet zoning regulations? Why am I not surprised?

To each of you who writhes in discontent over this issue: throwing your hands up in melodrama over the continuation of such deeply ingrained American values will not make America a better place or heal old wounds, but it will make you look like a provincial half-wit too obsessed with making sure you have something to point your finger at other than your own ignorance.
Accusing Islam of 9/11 is like accusing Christianity of the massacres of the Crusades. Both are extreme examples founded on misguided vehemence. Don’t make the same mistake.
And to each of you who paint pictures of a horrifying future for America, congratulations on your personal little act of terrorism – i.e. using fear to promote your agenda.

Funny how you can count on Democrats and the left to oppose anything when it comes to “religious freedom”, until it becomes an opportunity to promote the enemies of the USA and demoralize the country.

The US Congress and the Predency has failed to recognize or downright ignored what the majority of people in the US want. They have ignored immegration problems to the point that states have had to take their own action. They’ve ignored the will of the people in the wars they have gotten us into. They have ignored the cries of unfair practices and credit card practices, insurance practices until FORCED to look at it and then just give a slap on the wrist. When will the American people wake up??

Shame Reuters! This was NOT balanced coverage. Quotes for the mosque 3 or 4. Quotes against – 1. And check out that quote against… there were many other thoughtful, insightful, intelligent, thinking people who made comments against the idea of a mosque 2 blocks from ground zero.

All this commotion against someone exercising the freedoms in America leads me one step closer to believing the US has turned into a totalitarian people without even knowing it. Notice I didn’t say totalitarian state… the mindset in the US about freedom is gravitating towards everyone wanting their cake and not letting anyone else eat theirs. Pathetic.

No mosque in NY, but no segregation in Alabama.

Hurrah for our moral leaders in NYC! One rule for us and another for people we do not like. Did not Moses say that was ok?

Americans!!! We, as a nation of U.S. citizens, should look ahead a few years concerning this proposed mosque near Ground Zero. The current imam, whatever his leanings may be (All moslems are committed by default to jihad until every “non-believer” is annihilated), this imam will not be the imam at this proposed mosque forever. A much more radical imam could and likely would take his place. How do you think that would affect the safety of Manhattan and all of NYC? Al Quaeda and the taliban could conduct espionage activities right in the middle of New York! How wise would it be to allow this to take place? Muslims are trying to pull the wool over our eyes again, including the administration. How patriotic is that? Stand up like men and say, “NO!!!”

Why would the Presidant act as a dictator? Isn’t that this decision should be taken by NYC mayor? What’s the point to alienate his role? I think the President has better things to care about then overriding mayors decisions for things like churches and mosque.

anonym0us- Nice analogies. Too bad the perpetrators of 9/11 were NOT representative of Islam in general, but of a fringe sect. Your analogies would only make sense if Al Qaeda wanted to build the mosque. It’s also too bad for your analogies that the proposed building won’t actually be on the ruins of the WTC, but two blocks away (and NYC has rather large blocks). You are right about one thing though- Remember in November!

To all of you who read with disgust the hate filled vitriol posted here in some of the comments, remember in November! To all of you are ashamed of the ignorance and bigotry being expressed here by some, remember in November! Do NOT think that just because the comments themselves are ridiculous that there are not some very intelligent and powerful people behind them. There is a massive campaign underway to work into a frenzy certain groups of conservatives in order to get them to the polls in number. Do NOT underestimate their ability to do so! Expect very large amounts of people with beliefs like those we’ve seen here to show up and vote for the puppeteers pulling their strings. So, as “anonym0us” said, REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER! Remember that fear, hatred, ignorance, and bigotry will be rearing it’s ugly head and rearing it high this November, so please, all of you who are above this nonsense, REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER and help keep this country out of their hands!!!

Wow…Islam, Christianity, Judaism? You have got to be kidding me if you think any of these are more or less violent than one another. All of you should be ashamed of yourselves for bashing Obama on this. Are all Americans Crips or Bloods; KKK or Black Panthers just because a bunch of them live here in the states?

You religious, racist, uneducated pieces of dung. If a 100,000 Americans belong to the Aryan Brotherhood then all Americans are Aryan racists that want to destroy people of color, right?

Well a 100,000 Al-Qaeda terrorists must mean ALL Muslims are terrorists, right? So all of you need to be treated like evil monsters that blindly follow a monkey god, being as all three of these religions are based on the same damned magical being!

You are all the most pathetic examples of America. You have no value if you cannot accept the fact that 95% of Muslims really are just as good of people as any of you. Who cares if another stupid church/mosque/synagogue gets built? These aren’t terrorist bases full of fake WMDs, unless you consider the fact that religion divides the human family and makes otherwise normal people murder one another. How pathetic that the religious are the most ignorant and hateful of all humanity, acting in complete and violent contradiction to the very spirituality they profess to follow.

Come on deadly global pandemic! And free the compassionate humans from the vast numbers of useless and empty homosapiens.

by the ‘logic’ expressed here, opening up a christian church anywhere around the world is tantamount to launching a new crusade. What hypocrites you americans are. Your constitution says freedom of religion. I don’t see any double standards when it comes to your right to bear arms… Obama is not a muslim. The whole world knows that. and you don’t? and yet you control the most powerful country in the world? god help us.

President Obama and other Americans have good intentions to support building a mosque near the groud zero. But in reality the mosque is a subversive project and will be the cause for another 9/11-like event in the future. What if some moslems decide to commomerate the martyrs of the 9/11 attacks by blowing up the mosque?

I am a democrat, but Obama lost me on this one. I understand that religions have a right to build and worship freely, but what does it say about muslims and their sensitivity on the issue by building so close to an open wound? They should not build anywhere near ground zero if for no other reason than to have their worshipers be safe from red neck christians who might just perpetrate an act of terrorism on their new mosque. Obama means well, but this is serious business and the democrats need to have a better understanding of the people they say they serve. They also don’t need to give the crazy nut job tea party any more ammo than we need to. I love how the tea party call allah the monkey god. the tea party crazies need to be detained at Guantanamo as terrorists and as enemies of democracy and the state.

Obama is a truly evil man.

In Paris london…on friday streets are illegally blocked by
“muslim worshipers”praying
near their mosque
The police never interviene.even when the citizens complain
wait that they block
the streets in front of the “Cordoba Mosque”
americans are naive.

Quote As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country,”
With this being said what a slap in the face it is known that when they build a mosque it is to declair victory so since when are they going to bend their beliefs I don’t buy for a min that is to bring peace how can this even happen. Let us not forget what happened on 9-11 what a joke I am so upset about this.

With the US now being a country of great religious tolerance, I say let them build it. Gen. Pershing once said he feared no man that feared a God. At the same time,it is one more target if it comes to that.

why 911 happened in US not somewhere else???

I Don’t understand why people forget that Islamic extremists such as al-qaeda and the terrorist are similar to the KKK in the christian religion. The only reason that anyone hears them is that they are loud and flashy. I’m sure of the thousands of people that died on the morning of sept. 11 some of them were Muslims, they worked in anyone of the buildings, they respected the laws of this country and they had loves and lives of their own. The 7 extremists that flew the planes have made people forget that not all people of the Islamic faith are militant. I feel that the mosque would honor them as much as a chapel or a synagogue would honor someone of the Jewish or christian faith.

The 911 survivors have just as much right to hat Islam and try to put a stop to it (using both political and legal means), as the Muslims have for loving themselves and trying to put it there.

The Mosque will only serve to stir more anti-Muslim hatred, not lessen it… So they have already failed in their stated purpose. I think that part is hilarious.

Obama SHOULD have reminded everyone that both sides have some rights here, not just one side.

VERY RARELY does only one side have rights – Both sides have equal rights until a court says differently.

The only people who have no rights in the matter is the Obama Administration. So why did he feel the need to issue his meaningless decision, which has no legal weight whatsoever, but will definitely have anti-Obama political consequence??? LOL, what a bucket-of-rocks political strategist.

You can’t fix stu-pid, but you can vote him out.

I applaud Obama for making such a statement when it clearly could damage him politically. To put true and brave convictions before political gain shows that he is one of the rare politicians with any integrity. That said, the loudest opposition to this are those that live outside of New York City. I live in New York City myself and can tell you that the site of the new Islamic center being built is actually quite far away from ground zero. In fact, there is a 15 story building in between the center and ground zero, it will not be visible from the center. 2 blocks doesn’t sound like much to you people who don’t live here, but it’s a size able distance for those of us that live in Manhattan.
Lastly, as we have seen after 9/11 everyone abandons their American principles when under attack. The terrorist won by getting us to abandon our sense of civil liberty in exchange for safety, and now we are showing the world our true colors by being so opposed to a building based on the religion it’s founded on. The reason we have to allow this building is that we are NOT like Saudi Arabia, we are a country of freedom even if it makes us uncomfortable. This is why the KKK is still allowed to publicly rally even when we aren’t comfortable with the message. You people need to learn a little about what America is founded on before spouting your ignorance and racism.

What ever happened to the Ft. Hood shooter?

Did Obozo let him go?

I just love how so many people cannot see the difference between those who believe in the moral and social teachings of a religion and radical fundamentalists. Some of the hate that I hear coming from evangelical Christians on TV is no different than that which comes from bin Laden and co. Mindless, factually unfounded racism. Just as there are Muslims who desire the end of the western world, there are those who are calling for the outright elimination of Islam. This is nothing like building a memorial to Japanese at Pearl Harbor. 9-11 was not an Islamic attack on the west, it was an attack by a certain group who also happen to be Muslims and bastardize the teachings of the Qu’ran to fit their political agenda.
To all of those who complain about giving rights to a religious minority remember America was founded by radical Christian religious sects seen as fundamentalist and dangerous to England and European culture.

Talk about racist. Things get tough and everything is White peoples fault? So, that doesn’t fly anymore people. Look,who is in the White House, and who has made all these mitakes. It sure isn’t the White’s. Look in the mirror people, all of you that voted for this, incompetant, fool, who has done nothing but screw up, and make this country look weak, stupid, and unable to defend itself. He has bad mouthed,and apologized himself across the globe, since his first day in office and he is destroying it, and if he contines, this country will stop existing by the time he leaves office, after his first and last term. As for the comment of “monkey god” muslims call Americans and christians much worst things, so drop the two-sided politics and race relations.

Every since 911, everyone is an expert on Islam. How many of these people in this country have even read the quran, yet they all seem to quote the quran all the time. Have you ever been to a Mosque to see how it operates? Do you even know any muslims other than the sick people that flew into the twin towers? How much do you really know about islam? The more I hear these people spewing against this community center that just happens to be islamic, the more ignorant we seem to have become. These is like Salem witch hunts. Plus the politicians try to gain browney points by shrilling over the subject, just shows how ignorant we are. I guess I can’t blame them for as the Bible says “Forgive them for they know not what theyve done”. Oh thats right, people that disagree with you are “liberal”

what happened, just 2 years ago he seemed so promising. I wonder what he’ll back in the next 2 years?

As a Libertarian, I fully support the Islamic communities right to build a mosque at ground zero. According to the United States constitution, and our national tradition of liberty, it is the right for the Islamic community to do so. However, this provocative action is in bad taste. Liberty at the cost of bad taste, is something we can tolerate in high doses, and I believe our union is strong enough to withstand this encroachment of a religious ideology. Our experiment with democracy has created many opportunities for our citizen’s desires to be addressed by our local government. If the citizens of New York choose, they can make changes in their city zoning ordinances. The right of New Yorkers to simply change their zoning ordinances, is all that is needed to show exactly how liberal and tolerant our society can, and should be. Instead of trying to remove this mosque by limiting the liberty of the Islamic community, I say it is high time for New Yorkers to truly embrace liberty and diversity!
Most cities have zoning ordinances that are designed to maintain certain community standards, which generally prohibit some businesses from moving into an area. Some of these community standards are based on quasi-religious social morays, which are dictated by the citizens in that community. What can be built and operated in Blanding Utah, is certainly different from Las Vegas Nevada. So I propose that New Yorkers should exhibit to the world exactly how tolerant and free thinking New Yorkers can be. I suggest that the citizens petition their city planning board to exempt business activities in this neighborhood from New York City’s puritanical community standards. Burlesque theaters, strip clubs, adult novelty stores, bath houses, bars, and dance clubs should be encouraged to relocate in this area. If the zoning laws are changed to allow these businesses to be built next door to all houses of worship, it will show exactly how libertine this nation can be. To truly embrace liberty further, we should also allow these businesses to display their products in plain sight, much like the red light districts in the Netherlands. Further, how about a legal and regulated brothel?
I restate that the Islamic community can and should be encouraged to build and operate their mosque as they see fit on their private property. They should enjoy the abundance of liberty that this nation affords them. I am sure they won’t mind their new neighbors either. After all, Islam is a religion of peace. I just hope they don’t take offense from the rest of us letting our constitutionally protected freak flags fly.

This is what is taught to muslims (not only terrorists but every muslim), in fact they make their 5-6-7 year olds learn it by memory: “Believers, make war on the infidels who dwell around you. Deal firmly with them.” (Surah 9:121-)
You judge for yourself…..

This is what is taught to muslims (not only terrorists but every muslim), in fact they make their 5-6-7 year olds learn it by memory: “Believers, make war on the infidels who dwell around you. Deal firmly with them.” (Surah 9:121-)
You judge for yourself…

Well, I am but an observer of US affairs and I can say that Obama has restored some credibility in the US leadership. You shouldn’t be so harsh on him because he tries to reestablish some of the values that this country was built on at first. As I from a foreign perspective see it, America is not about Christianity, nor any other religion, and not even capitalism, but about one simple thing – personal freedom. And what the opponents to this initiative are proposing is to limit personal and communal freedom. It is even against the word of your Constitution. It should also be acknowledged that this Mosque complex is not going to be built in honour of the terrorists who allegedly carried out the attacks. Indeed, they are not building a monument to hail all terrorists worldwide but simply a religious temple which is no different from the perspective of personal freedom than any other. You shouldn’t let ignorance let you think that such a massive blow to the very foundations of your country is justified.

I am an American born Muslim and it hurts me to finally know how much hatred their is against my faith. The great monotheistic religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are more similar than they are different. We should not look at each other as enemies but as brothers and sisters striving for righteousness, love, and peace. Please don’t fall into the elites plan to pin religions against each other to encourage more wars and eventual enslavement of mankind. Wake up people, life is nothing but a test. Open your eyes, ears and especially your hearts. I encourage any of you to honestly research the true religion of Islam with an open mind and heart.

Peace be upon all of you whether you except it or not.

The best choice would building on top of the twin tower not beside it, they won’t attack an mosque I think?
Correct me if I’m wrong.

Viewing this from the other side of the world – what an insult to all those who died in the Twin Towers. It is cruel and twisted thinking. It is like building a memorial to Adolf Hitler at one of the death camps. Quite frankly it is sick.

another muslim teaching [sura 3:141] GOD thus toughens those who believe and humiliates the disbelievers.
Mosque at ground zero could have something to do with this?

GOD thus toughens those who humiliate the disbelievers. [sura 3:141]
That’s what they are taught. Can’t blame them for proposing a mosque at ground zero ……

Put it on the ballot let the people decide ….

Always thought New Yorkers were liberals, but I also thought they had some cojones as well. Guess I was only right about them being liberals.They deserve what they get.

Why is this a “terrible affront”? Unless we believe that the religion of Islam itself–and not the radical extremists–is responsible for 9-11, there is no reason to be offended by a muslin cultural center two blocks away. The whole idea is ludicrous. It makes no more sense that if someone opposed the opening a presbyterian church in Guyana, not far from where Jim Jones had his “christian” followers commit mass suicide with poisoned kool aid.

Not only that but it is NOT just this particular Mosque being opposed. All over the country now there are reports of people protesting the building of local mosques–it’s hate and it’s spreading like wildfire, and the flames are being vigorously fanned by the Right wing fundamentalists who want to establish “Christian dominion” over the entire world, starting with the USA.

First they want the USA labeled a “Christian” nation. Next, they want prayer put back in school, religious symbols in and around our government buildings, pastors proclaiming which candidate to vote for from the pulpit (the right wing christian one, of course), and “Biblical law” to replace our current legal system.

Women will be mostly confined to home and hearth, immigration will be limited to “whites only”, and laws against interracial dating will return, followed by segregated schools, poll tests, and other means to put the minorities “in their place”.

Public education will soon be a thing of the past–all children will be homeschooled with the “Christian curriculum” that explains that the world was created out of nothing 6,000 years ago, by God, and that separation of church and state is a “myth”.

And the world will once more be safe…..for Christian Fundamentalist white males.

As someone else commented, no one would protest the building of a Christian church near the Oklahoma city bombing site, despite the fact that it was done by a radical right wing fundamentalist. Why would that be just fine and dandy and this not?

As for Islam being a violent religion in which the believers are taught to wage war with infidels—-have you read the old testament lately? What about the many instances in which God has the Israelites mob and destroy entire populations, and makes sure they understand that he wants them to include the women, children and even babies “until there is no one left”.
This happens repeatedly.

The Bible also suggests penalties for evildoers such as stoning, just like the terrorists.

Some of these comments are just downright ludicrous. The “stoning of women” and drawing parallels with building a Japanese memorial at Pear Harbor hold no logical ground. First off, the Muslim faith is practiced by individuals of all ethnic backgrounds. And people tend to forget that the individuals who committed the 9/11 attacks were extremists, just like there are Christian extremists, whose practices are downright ignorant. Wake up America! If people want to build a mosque near ground zero it is their right to do so, and any effort upon the government’s behalf to stymie the construction would be a direct violation of the First Amendment. People really need to stop letting their subjective interests get in the way of true objectivity. Absolutely ridiculous

An Islamic community center is NOT controversial, no matter where it is built. What is controversial is that so many are so full of hate and prejudice and bigotry and evil that they oppose it and make a big deal out of it.

9/11 was almost 10 years ago. Since then the US has murdered hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of innocent Muslims in a rage of revenge and corporate greed. Isn’t that enough?

Someone commented, “It is like building a memorial to Adolf Hitler at one of the death camps. Quite frankly it is sick.”

To enlighten your ignorance, Hitler and the Nazis murdered Jews and gays, etc. in the name of Jesus and Christianity, so it would be more like building a Christian church near a death camp, which I would bet has been done.

This issue here is not “if” the jihadists can build a mosque; it’s “where”.

As usual Clueless Comrade Barry can’t keep his facts straight or doesn’t have the intellectual integrity to actually discuss an issue openly. Instead he comes with yet another straw man argument.

Again, no one is talking about outlawing Islam – though maybe they should.

Is this really a religion… or is it more like a cult of hate?

Wait a minute. Number one, the Constitution guarntees freedom of religion. Number two, Muslim is a religion, and Allah is another name for God in Arabic. Number three,There were hard working Muslims killed in the Trade Center along with members of just about all other faiths. Not all Muslims are radical just like all Republicans are not radical only a few. Any other way of thinking is outright racist and against the will of God and Humanity.

Voted for Obama? Are you embarrassed yet?

Oh boy, seems that the republican spin doctors are out in force today to twist the truth around once again.

“Islam uses religion to achieve its political goals” – @deltadog

That is so wrong on so many levels.
And the big irony is that it’s actually racist republicans like yourself that are actually using religion to achieve your goals.
Why don’t you own up and start wearing a swastika already!
You’ve learned: nothing.

“decomposing Europe”

You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. Europe is in a better shape than America at this moment.

Mr. Barrack Obama should also pursue the construction of an exact replica of New York’s St. Patrick Cathedral to be built as a place of Christian worship in Jeddah, Makkah or Ryiadh (Saudi Arabia), one in Sana’a (Yemen), one in Al Kuwayt (Kuweit), one in Amman (Jordan), one in Kabul (Afghanistan), and a few more in large cities of several Muslim states where he spend billions of dollars of American earned money. It would be a gracious show of gratefulness to all the Christian who voted for him in this country.

So how about it Mr. Obama? Or maybe you don’t care so much about the freedom your constituents may have to practice their religion in all these great Muslim places thriving on US aid?

I have no problem with religious freedom as long as it is truely a religion. When it is a political movement masked by a religion, I have a big problem. I suppose that if Communism would have been a religion instead of an obvious attempt to overthrow the government, it would have been okay? As far as government not interfering in religions, what about the Branch Dividians in Waco? They were a religious organization and the Clinton administration sent in Federal troups to burn it to the ground. When you have a religion (The radical Muslims) that demands all non-believers must be overthrown and killed by removing their heads, it is no longer a religion, it is a threat to our very existance as a nation. NO MOSQUE!

I have been following this story for quite some time. I live in New York City, grew up in New York, and knew victims of the attacks. I cannot believe that people are so quick to throw out the Constitution. The comments made by people on this website have been downright disgusting. America is a free country… what different people do with their freedoms is their business. It’s not your right to combat that because you don’t like it.

Please understand that by denying Muslims the right to religion, especially the youth, may lead some to less than mainstream teachings… i.e. radicalism.

By the way… how can Mark Williams of the Tea Party (which from my understanding wants to uphold the Constitution) be against religious freedom? This country was not founded on Christian values (if you don’t agree, prove it), but on freedom. The only religion trying to rewrite the Constitution with their beliefs is Christianity.

Who owns the land, the real estate guru Larry Silverstein?

So did they buy or rent, if the latter is correct maybe some of the herd can bark at the landlords.

Thanks to religion we can all come together.

Disallowing this mosque project and blaming all Muslums for the 9/11 attack is the same mentality as in WWII when we locked Japanese Americans out of stupiity and fear. It’s the kind of mentality that just keeps hate and racism going in this country. Question: Does anyone out there truely believe that Obama would be getting the criticism and oposition if he were white?

my family came from Holland in 1628 to escape religious persecution. When I was growing up in a small town, ther ewas only 1 swimming pool. I twas a part of the YMCA – yeah the christian thingy and my buddy Harry swam every other day with me. We missed Thursday because it was the Nun’s day in the pool.
I later found that he was Jewish. His family was persecuted in Russia, and of course under Nazi Germany.

We are all immigrants to this world, and have been over the millenia.

So lets talk about terrorism – it seems to me that more lives have been lost to internal christian terrorists – the uni bomber, Waco, and that crazy guy who blew up the Federal bldgs in Illinois than by those wacos from outside the country.

Religious freedom is just that – we can not pick and choose whose religion and whose rights.

The First Amendment protects our right to worship any religion, or not to worship any, but I would think common would prevail to the Muslim’s and put the mosque somewhere else. Worship Islam all you want, but do it in another location far away from ground zero.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

So … 14th amendment basically requires states and local governments to respect the above from the 1st amendment. Why this is even a discussion is offensive, and disappointing. I imagine most of those yelling loudly to block a building because of Muslim affiliation also love to drape themselves in the disguise of ‘Freedom Lovers’. A bunch of slimy cowards I say.

Good for you President Obama! Now are you going to challenge the right wing fear mongers and be the man we vored for?
My best to you.

Good for you President Obama! Now are you going to challenge the right wing fear mongers and be the man we vored for?
My best to you.

@ cynicalme

First – it should be noted that it was the previous administration that brought the country to the edge of bankruptcy. I do not believe that Mr Obama was president in 2007 when the Great Republican Recession officially started.

I woud just like to ask – on what legal and constitutional grounds should this center be blocked? The thing about the radical right is that they always tout their dedication to the Constitution until they have some personal feeling that they want to push on others.

There are two core questions here
First – Do we want to live in a country that has freedom of religion or not? It is that simple. Yes or no?

Second – why is it that we want to scapegoat a whole group of people for the actions of a few with whom they share one feature?

Tim McVeigh was a christian – should be ban all churches in Oklahoma City? He was of Irish descent. Should we call all Irish terrorists?

It is as simple as that. We stand by the great truths, the great freedoms of this country or we do not.

While a lot has been said about this president’s stimulus incompetence, job creation failure, environmental ineptitude, and bringing the country to edge of bankruptcy with more financial bad news on the way — this latest pontification is downright scary. We can be “politically correct”, or we can exercise due caution. Its the cancer within that has destroyed every great nation on earth and frankly, not sure any of our lawyer-politicians can be trusted.

What just happened to democracy? Obama puts on the dictator hat for the show or what? There is a mayor in NYC and a City Coucil, why alinenate them and trash our democracy? While bluiding places of worship, regardless of religion, is a right in a free country, of course, but acting like this is stupid.

Obama is sending a signal to every Islamic terrorist on earth that they have conquered the USA. A Mosque at Ground Zero is an insult to the memories of the innocent people, police and firefighters who died there. Obama is not an American, feels no connection with America, and in his Muslim heart, hates us for who we are. He has gone too far.

“What is Obama thinking. ”
He is thinking that building a center that teaches Muslims tolerance, co-existance, and non-violence in is the best way to counter terrorism, by building a united Muslim front against extremist ideology.

And quite frankly, you should too.
This is not a mosque, this is a community center, to help young Muslims integrate into Western society and give back to the country that gave them everything.

The Imam has made it very clear that the purpose of this community center to help heal a damaged community.

Does a right make it right?
The Muslims want us to be tolerant and sensitive to them. Where is the sensitivity to us?
This is yet another act which will define this president as both a First Term Lame Duck and a failed social experiment

Mark Williams IS NOT a spokesman for the Tea Party movement. He was forced to resign from Tea Party Express in July for his outrageous bigoted comments. Why in the world would Reuters incorrectly state Mark Williams is a “spokesman” for the Tea Party movement. Even when he was Chairman of the Tea Party Express he was in no way a spokesman for the “movement.”

I strongly oppose the idiocy, hysteria, ignorance of history and outright bigotry of the majority of Americans who continue to think Al Qaeda and Islam are the same entities. That’s like saying the off-the-grid Mormons in southern Utah who believe in polygamy and incest are the same as members of the United Church of Christ. If you look just one inch below the surface and do a little fact finding, you will find that the Imam who proposed this mosque has been working in the area of religious tolerance, world peace and greater collaboration between all religions for his entire life. He’s been on the US State Department’s payroll as a religious ambassador of good will for years. He is anything but radicalized; he’s trying to bring greater understanding about Islam to America. But no, Americans aren’t interested in the facts – they’re all filled with hate for the other, anyone who doesn’t fit their stupid, shallow ideal of a good Christian. Too many-holier-than-thou self-proclaimed good Christians on this site are saying some incredibly hateful and un-Christian things about everyone they disagree with, including the President. Such hypocrisy, bigotry and drive-by hatred disqualifies your comments from being considered by decent, thoughtful people. Sad commentary on America – so filled with hate and ignorance. Oh BTW, you don’t like this country and the freedoms we enjoy? Leave it!

Obama is making a habit of turning his back on Americans. In Arizona he backs Mexico instead of the citizens of AZ. In Louisiana, he bans new drilling in the gulf and puts over 100,000 US citizens out of work. He introduces a healthcare overhaul that the majority of American people do not want. He drives up the national debt as though in an attempt destroy the future US economy. He is increasing the size of the government with stimuli instead or stimulating the private sector that pays for the government. In foreign visits he berates the USA, apologizes for America’s behavior, and sides with enemies. In NY, he sides with insensitive Muslims instead of the families of thousands of 9/11 victims. He creates a huge gap between Israel and the US and at the same time he kisses up to the Muslim enemies of that country. It all appears to be a deliberate attempt to destroy America, its institutions, and values.

This is not just the worst President in history; this is an evil President out to destroy the best country that has ever existed in the history of the world.

Unfortunately, I disagree with the Republicans due to freedom of religion in our bill of rights. However, it seems to me that the PARTICULAR GROUP wanting to build a mosque at the 911 site can be compared to the Nazis in Skokie. What they are doing is legal but they are only interested in being in your face and causing trouble.

I live across the street from the site (in the only residential building in the area) and, despite having voted for Obama, this strikes me as absolutely absurd. Yes, we are all about freedom of religion. But there is no reason to not have this mosque placed somewhere ELSE. I understand that it makes logical sense– they should be able to do whatever they want– but it is insensitive and the initial plan was CALCULATED to bring about discord by virtue of its proximity to the site. Obama & co are playing right into it, and it is very upsetting.

The catholic church and other “chrisitians” have murdered more worldwide, including millions in the americas, than any other religion. Given your logic, what gives “christians” the right to build a church anywhere?

And you violent, bigoted, racist, homophobic, intolerant murderers just can’t understand why the rest of the world hates you.

Grow up, losers. Earth…love it or leave it.

Lets look at the facts:
Muslim extremists attacked on 9/11 and not all of Islam
We are a nation of freedoms and republicans of all people come at the defense of the constitution so strongly when it comes to the right to bear arms or any other part. Why not give freedom of religion that same right?
I feel that the terrorists destroyed and accomplished what they were seeking to do on 9/11 when I read some of these comments. We are a civil country that prides itself on our history, freedoms, and liberties. Lets stay the course and fight the fight against the terrorists but lets not mistake who are enemies are.
Our founding fathers laid out certain principles for our country to operate on why should we change them? And what is the end result…
If we as a people feel that it is insensitive to have the mosque near the world trade center we need to do some serious soul searching. Why do you feel it is insensitive? You are discriminating, prejudice, putting an entire population at fault for the faults of a few people of that group.
should we remove all mosques from nyc?
how far should we build mosques?
would we have this discussion if it was a church or temple being built?
Does anyone not remember what happened with the Japanese internment camps in WWII?
Lets live up to the ideals that this country is based on.

Why do we zero in on race or religious beliefs when something terrible happens? What would be our stance if the terrorists had been Caucasian Americans? Would we profile them based on hair style, accents, or neighborhoods? Would we investigate everyone who attended the same church? Of course we wouldn’t! What has happened to us as human beings? Terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. Extremists who did not honor the differences between us or the fundamental message of their own religion. At what point did it become acceptable for us to think the same way?

President Obama has inherited a long list of problems caused by previous administrations and terrorist groups. None of these problems can be changed over night. It takes hard work, determination and patience. It takes a willingness to be unpopular when making important decisions. He doesn’t go along with “the group” because it’s the popular thing to do. Instead, he makes decisions that are based on the right thing to do.

We need to love one another. Period. We do not need to condemn an entire race or religion because of the actions of a few. If that were the case, none of us would be here, would we? We are America. A country founded on the basis of religious freedom. Where all men are created equal. Building a mosque near the site of tragic event does not promote terrorism. It promotes love and acceptance. It promotes freedom.

For those that have a problem with this, I would suggest that you take a good hard look at your heart. What is the real motivating factor behind your angry and hurtful comments? While you’re at it, take some time to review the Declaration of Independence. And why not take some time to learn about the Muslim faith. What you learn may surprise you.

Think about it…why would building a mosque close to the site of 9-11 make any difference? It’s silly! If the terrorists were vegetarians, would we ban them from the area too?

If we follow the same line of thinking as terrorists, what makes us any better?

Must stop building a mosgue near “Ground Zero”

Lower Manhattan has got to be some of the most expensive real estate in the world. It seems an inappropriate place for a mosque just because it will cause conflict for the foreseeable future. When I visit NY will I be welcome at the Cordoba House Community Center as a freethinker? Can I spend the night there if there’s no room at the Y? If the Cordoba House Community Center is open to all citizens of New York, I should think they would rejoice! Otherwise, not so much.

Lower Manhattan has got to be some of the most expensive real estate in the world. It seems an inappropriate place for a mosque just because it will cause conflict for the foreseeable future. When I visit NY will I be welcome at the Cordoba House Community Center as a freethinker? Can I spend the night there if there’s no room at the Y? If the Cordoba House Community Center is open to all citizens of New York, I should think they would rejoice! Otherwise, not so much.

Lower Manhattan has got to be some of the most expensive real estate in the world. It seems an inappropriate place for a mosque just because it will cause conflict for the foreseeable future. When I visit NY will I be welcome at the Cordoba House Community Center as a freethinker? Can I spend the night there if there’s no room at the Y? If the Cordoba House Community Center is open to all citizens of New York, I should think they would rejoice! Otherwise, not so much.

What an indication of the ignorance of the American public to swallow wholesale that Muslims orchestrated the 9/11 attack. If looked at objectively, it is clear that 9/11 was an inside job. But no one wants to believe this truth. Just as no one wants to disabuse our children about Santa Claus, the Easter bunny and the Tooth Fairy.

Wake up America! And how hypocritical of this country after the invasion of Iraq – a country that has done nothing to the U.S. How many centers of worship did “shock and awe” destroy? But who’s counting what we have done to others, right? Duh!

Obama is incompetent-I have been biting at the bit to comment on this. our Government is incompetent..I accidentally married a converted muslim–he kidnapped my child and killed my child…The U. S. government knew of my problem–but did nothing to save my son from the Country of Syria-my son died. When these terriorists were in the plane–they did this act of terriorism in the name of “ALLAH”, knowing the U.S. government is supporting a MOSQUE to be built near this 9/11 site (where alot of people got killed)–not only is it insensitive to the victims and their families–I find it incompetent! I feel the wars in IRAQ and AFHGHANISTAN are wrong also. This upsets me so much-I can’t put it into words how much the muslim world/religion upsets me.

this is a complete outrage to erect a mosque near ground zero!!!!

Obama has made a huge mistake in allowing this betrayal to happen on sacred ground!

this is just another ploy from those damn Muslim radicals to extend their efforts in funding terrorists activities again we better wake up and smell the coffee people !

I think the time has come for obama to step down. a recall is about to happen if things keep at the rate the white house oficials are doing their business. This is huge slap in the face of those parents, loved ones whose died on September 11. We need a recall ASAP. It is unconstitutional to allow a foreigh mosque to be built right next to the twin towers location. Inpeach

Here’s another clear example of irrational ethnocentric thinking. And this is why: Timothy McVeigh U.S. Veteran soldier(Christian – help murder 168 Americans. Terry Nichols (Christian and co-conspirator and with McVeigh). Neshoba County deputy Cecil Price along with other Christian Americans murdered: Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner. There have been and will continue to be people and or groups of Americans or non Americans who have been or will be murdered by self proclaimed Christians or people who are identified as Christians. Do the acts of some “so-called” Christians condemn Christianity? If people are to hold Islam, Muslims and Mosques in contempt for the actions of a few (total world-wide Muslim population – about 1.67 bilionl) then why doesn’t the same rational or irrationality hold true for Christianity?

Barack Obama was convey a fact of the America constitution and law. The American constitution supposedly guides Americans to suspend prejudicial and discriminatory treatment of others based on conclusions derived as a result of irrational thinking. Why be so verbally abusive to the President Obama when he’s highlighting a fact of American values that actually accentuates a higher sense of human decency?

It’s known here in AZ Obama does not enforce federal laws designed to protect all Americans. The sounds of the adhan will be heard 5 times per day will be heard at the site of 9/11. What an ugly, horrible slap in the face. Some things ‘just ain’t right’.- And this is definitely one of them.

@aahari and @thewordguy: Perhaps, all of us need to re-learn the amandment and the Bible. Yes, the word “Bible” doesn’t even appear in the Amendment, but.. maybe we forgot that any meanings or words of “freedom” in amandment refers to democracy. Democracy is part of American life and it is on Biblical principles. And when we talk about Christianity, it has nothing to do with fanaticism. Can you deny the influence of Christianity in history of America? In Harvard University history, Yale history, Stanford history, the writing of amandment, founding fathers, architecture in cities of America, culture, the way of life, etc. Bigotry? No, because that’s a fact.

@bk553 “…We have the greatest nation on earth, and a little building is enough to turn the majority of you into bigoted racists?”

___________

They were always bigoted racists. It’s just another forum for them to voice their prejudices.

Having read and heard the words of so many Moslem radical clerics,I am completely mistrustful of the stated reasons for building this mosque near Ground Zero. I am certain that,FAR from “educating people about Islam, and clearing up misconceptions”,the radicals will say something like,”Look, we burned the children of Satan there,in New York,and the cowardly,decadent infidels allowed us to build a MOSQUE within sight of our SUCCESSFUL SLAUGHTER of them! They are cowards,weaklings,and we will make Moslems of them,or KILL them!”
I am very angry at the suggestion that we Americans “do not understand Islam”. The 9/11 criminals were ALL Moslems. The kooky doc who slaughtered UNARMED TRAINEES in Texas was a Moslem. The Khobar Towers attack was carried out by Moslems,as was the first attack on the WTC. We all understand
that much,and for many of us,it all adds up to a very violent,very anti-American,bloodthirsty ideology. Seems to me that militant Islam is less a religion and more of an ultraviolent,totalitarian social movement that HATES democracy,Jews,homosexuals,and ANY rights for women,draped in the TRAPPINGS of a “religion” to fool the unwary,the ignorant,and the blindly,insanely politically correct.Sayyid Qutb,modern Moslem philosopher and hero to the jihadists,said that Islam is a religion of peace,because once it TAKES OVER THE WORLD,the world will be at peace. Sure. Practically every war in the world nowadays has some Moslem army or Islamist group of thugs fighting either non-Moslems or a grpup of Moslems from the “wrong sect” of Islam.
Obama is either a Moslem himself,or appallingly blind to the threat posed by militant Islam,and I look eagerly forward to his landslide defeat in ‘12,if he manages to dodge impeachment that long.

I have no problem with the Islamic community center site. It is not an insult to the 9/11 victims in any way. It seems to be an insult only to people who equate the Al Qaeda terrorists with Islam in general. Horrible things have been done in the name of Christ. Let’s show the Islamic world that America is not their enemy.
That being said, we’d better not ever hear that the center was used as a forum to say that the attack was justified in any way. That event would indeed be an insult.

Over 10 years ago two planes crashed into NYC’s Twin Towers, bringing them to the ground. This location was called Ground Zero. The day of itself was September 11th and to this day is still known as 9/11. America, let alone New York still has not bounced back from this event. It is still underconstruction. Al’ Quida was blamed for the attacks on America (although we all know there is alot more going on). Now the Muslims want to build a mosque not too far from ground zero.

The United States President, Obama, in a press conference gave his partial blessing on the mosque project. I am sure he fully knows how sensitive this project is. There are so many people across the country that can’t stand the fact that this is being allowed. I’ve read quite a few blogs and commentaries on the subject and have come to realize that the president is correct in his stance.

How could we change our way of living and our beliefs because of a building? Yes, I do understand, this is more than a building to some. To some it’s a smack in the face. But this is America, where all people have melted together by culture, by race and religion. Some of the first settlers in America came due to religious persecution. Freedom is the greatest quality America has to offer. It’s what makes us so different from the rest of the world.

Before 911, we would jump on a plane with no security checks. We lived freely with people from all over the world. Living next door, down the street, around the corner and we all got along. Now we get on a plane and look at the same races that we’ve lived with since we were kids as if they were terrorists. Not everyone is a terrorist, like everyone isn’t a member of the KKK. We are so suspicious now of so much, we are ridiculing the innocent at every corner. At first thought, I myself thought the mosque was just a little to close. Now, it doesn’t matter where it is. It just matter what we make of it. I think nothing of it. It’s a building.

So why should we rewrite our constitution and live the way other people want us to? If we live in fear, with hate and scorn, truly the opposite of what america is supposed to be about, then, in that instance, we are living like them and we lose our right to say the Home of the Free and the Brave.

This is not about making people feel better and satiating the feelings of those hurt by this. My father died in 9/11 (104th floor, N. Tower)and i know emotions run high in this controversy. This is about upholding religious freedom, we cannot start discriminating against people simply because of their religion. Calling all muslims terrorists is like calling all christians klan members. America holds itself to higher standards than the rest of the world, that is what makes this country a beacon and that is why we cannot forsake every citizens’ basic rights for emotion

This is just…its just unbelievable. You know, this could actually be what they say it is, a chance for renewal, healing, good will, and thats fine if it is, I look forward to reconciliation and living in a peaceful world. But how about we start with no more IED’s and mortar attacks on our troops and THEN we work our way up to Mosques, ya know? Lets start there.

AMERICAN RELIGIOUS PROOF DOESN’T NEED ANY PROOF! In contrast, by allowing to build this mosque near Ground zero, taints the United States as a nation unneccessarily biased to Muslims. The world that we live in has been working on the patterns of Construction & Destruction, which are by default falsely percieved (because of lack of originality & future vision) by many rulers with ample resources. The religious infrastructures like a Mosque have always been misused by the collective misguided rulers on the basis of above civilization pattern. Islam’s stem is ‘SUFISM’ and it doesn’t require a socio-politically vulnerable monument like a mosque. There are so many fundamental human rights issues that can strangulate the so called modern day Islam designed, regulated and preached by insane & misguided Islamic clerics. Why only a Mosque, why not a Chapel? There will be many such religions asking such questions. The real problem of religious disputes and quarrels still persists. Is this what we wanna see in manhattan when the WTC will be rebuilt in coming 10 years and ahead? What we wanna live in, is a religion-free environment that enthralls the national and world economy. The one that builds you to unlearn any religion and focus on individual human and collective planetary evolution. Let there be an incubation center near Ground zero that open’s your eyes people to be completely non-religious and focussed on human future.

AMERICAN RELIGIOUS PROOF DOESN’T NEED ANY PROOF! In contrast, by allowing to build this mosque near Ground zero, taints the United States as a nation unneccessarily biased to Muslims. The world that we live in has been working on the patterns of Construction & Destruction, which are by default falsely percieved (because of lack of originality & future vision) by many rulers with ample resources. The religious infrastructures like a Mosque have always been misused by the collective misguided rulers on the basis of above civilization pattern. Islam’s stem is ‘SUFISM’ and it doesn’t require a socio-politically vulnerable monument like a mosque. There are so many fundamental human rights issues that can strangulate the so called modern day Islam designed, regulated and preached by insane & misguided Islamic clerics. Why only a Mosque, why not a Chapel? There will be many such religions asking such questions. The real problem of religious disputes and quarrels still persists. Is this what we wanna see in manhattan when the WTC will be rebuilt in coming 10 years and ahead? What we wanna live in, is a religion-free environment that enthralls the national and world economy. The one that builds you to unlearn any religion and focus on individual human and collective planetary evolution. Let there be an incubation center near Ground zero that open’s your eyes people to be completely non-religious and focussed on human future.

AMERICAN RELIGIOUS PROOF DOESN’T NEED ANY PROOF! In contrast, by allowing to build this mosque near Ground zero, taints the United States as a nation unneccessarily biased to Muslims. The world that we live in has been working on the patterns of Construction & Destruction, which are by default falsely percieved (because of lack of originality & future vision) by many rulers with ample resources. The religious infrastructures like a Mosque have always been misused by the collective misguided rulers on the basis of above civilization pattern. Islam’s stem is ‘SUFISM’ and it doesn’t require a socio-politically vulnerable monument like a mosque. There are so many fundamental human rights issues that can strangulate the so called modern day Islam designed, regulated and preached by insane & misguided Islamic clerics. Why only a Mosque, why not a Chapel? There will be many such religions asking such questions. The real problem of religious disputes and quarrels still persists. Is this what we wanna see in manhattan when the WTC will be rebuilt in coming 10 years and ahead? What we wanna live in, is a religion-free environment that enthralls the national and world economy. The one that builds you to unlearn any religion and focus on individual human and collective planetary evolution. Let there be an incubation center near Ground zero that open’s your eyes people to be completely non-religious and focussed on human future.

AMERICAN RELIGIOUS PROOF DOESN’T NEED ANY PROOF! In contrast, by allowing to build this mosque near Ground zero, taints the United States as a nation unneccessarily biased to Muslims. The world that we live in has been working on the patterns of Construction & Destruction, which are by default falsely percieved (because of lack of originality & future vision) by many rulers with ample resources. The religious infrastructures like a Mosque have always been misused by the collective misguided rulers on the basis of above civilization pattern. Islam’s stem is ‘SUFISM’ and it doesn’t require a socio-politically vulnerable monument like a mosque. There are so many fundamental human rights issues that can strangulate the so called modern day Islam designed, regulated and preached by insane & misguided Islamic clerics. Why only a Mosque, why not a Chapel? There will be many such religions asking such questions. The real problem of religious disputes and quarrels still persists. Is this what we wanna see in manhattan when the WTC will be rebuilt in coming 10 years and ahead? What we wanna live in, is a religion-free environment that enthralls the national and world economy. The one that builds you to unlearn any religion and focus on individual human and collective planetary evolution. Let there be an incubation center near Ground zero that open’s your eyes people to be completely non-religious and focussed on human future.

AMERICAN RELIGIOUS PROOF DOESN’T NEED ANY PROOF! In contrast, by allowing to build this mosque near Ground zero, taints the United States as a nation unneccessarily biased to Muslims. The world that we live in has been working on the patterns of Construction & Destruction, which are by default falsely percieved (because of lack of originality & future vision) by many rulers with ample resources. The religious infrastructures like a Mosque have always been misused by the collective misguided rulers on the basis of above civilization pattern. Islam’s stem is ‘SUFISM’ and it doesn’t require a socio-politically vulnerable monument like a mosque. There are so many fundamental human rights issues that can strangulate the so called modern day Islam designed, regulated and preached by insane & misguided Islamic clerics. Why only a Mosque, why not a Chapel? There will be many such religions asking such questions. The real problem of religious disputes and quarrels still persists. Is this what we wanna see in manhattan when the WTC will be rebuilt in coming 10 years and ahead? What we wanna live in, is a religion-free environment that enthralls the national and world economy. The one that builds you to unlearn any religion and focus on individual human and collective planetary evolution. Let there be an incubation center near Ground zero that open’s your eyes people to be completely non-religious and focussed on human future.

@spacobs

how does that make us biased towards muslims? if a hindu or sikh temple were to be built instead of a mosque i dont think anyone would have a problem with it do you?

Do you all forget that America dropped the A bomb on Japan and that the Japanese tolerate your nation. You should pratice what you preach and not think that your country is the center of the universe. I used to admire the American culture and way of life , but to be honest I pity you all. You have become intolerant of any foreign culture in your country, yet you are all foreigners originaly. Your president is admired around the world as a visionary and yet you all do not see it. Many nations have suffered greater losses and tragedies and have reconciled with each other. Carry on living with your heads in the sand and you will be left behind to wallow in you self pity.

I FOUND IT A GREAT IDEA THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE FINALLY PUTTING THE MUSLIM TRADITION TO ITS REAL ROOTS THOSE OF A CIVILIZATION BASED ON TOLERANCE, KNOWLEDGE AND ABOVE ALL A GREAT SENSE OF HUMANITY, IF I WELL UNDERSTOOD ‘CORDOBA HOUSE, WHICH WILL INCLUDE A 500-SEAT AUDITORIUM, ART EXHIBITION SPACES AND A SWIMMING POOL AS PART OF A 13-STORY COMPLEX’ THIS PROJECT HAS DEFINITIVELY ALL ITS PLACE IN THE COUNTRY OF FREEDOM AND CIVIL LIBERTY WHERE ALL FAITHS ARE COEXISTING IN HARMONY AND WHERE THE MOTTO OF THE NATION IS NOTHING BUT IN GOD WE TRUST. I SEE A LOT OF VERY GOOD WILL IN THIS PROJECT SO LET’S PEOPLE OPEN A NEW PAGE.

I just read 10 comments, and they are all ill-informed and truthfully borderline moronic. The true problem here is the idiots who tend to believe what they hear on Fox News … not that most “news” outlets are anything but opinion-ridden lunacy, but still …

A few crazy religious extremists attacked America (Twin Towers). This WAS not perpetrated by a religion, this act was carried out by some hateful, unbalance people. Decisions regarding the Mosque should not be made from a place of emotion and irrationality. This country is SO Amazing because of some of the most basic tenants of our constitution. Freedom of Religion was/is one of the pillars upon which the very foundation of this country was built. We can not as thinking people ‘pick and choose’ what religions are approved or not approved based on acts of a few dangerous people. 9/11 is not about Muslims. Finally, if anything a community center near ground zero could/would/should do is bridge gaps, educate those who fear due to a lack of exposure, and send a message of unity and hope to all willing to open their hearts and their minds.

Can you imagine what would happen if the courts actually blocked this building from being built? It would start the beginning of the end of all religion in society. People who are strongly against this building would unwittingly start the end of freedom as we know it. Do you really think that Christians would excape unharmed if this building was Islamic Center were blocked?
“Professing to be wise, they became fools”

It is funny how hypocritical some of these people are. We have groups and people who march around, “some with guns I might add” touting how they are “protecting the constitution” how they stand for true “American Values”. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue, this is an American issue, you either love this country and its values, even when it is not convenient, or you don’t love this country at all, and should leave it, NOW! You will not be missed.

Muslim Americans have the same rights that any American does. If Muslims are not allowed to build Mosques near Ground Zero, maybe we should examine the Catholic Churches and their proximity to Schools with children. These are the same people who are so quick to march us and our kids I might add, to wars in foreign lands, to die under the banner of Freedom for others, but cannot even stand up for the freedom of “ALL PEOPLE” here.

The same people who call all Muslims “Islamic extremists”, under the same vein think of all Black people as “gangsters’, and all Italians as “mobsters”, the list of outrageous broad brush stereotypes can go on.

This is a dangerous path, a path that some who say they love this country are more than willing to walk…. Love this country and its values and its constitution EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT convenient for “YOU” ….or leave this country

If the constitution allows to do so then what is wrong with it. I realize the heat and burnings in the hearts of all who lost their loved ones. USA is capable to monitor what goes on in the Mosque after it is constructed. If it can bring some understanding about what is Islam and its teachings then this is the time to know them properly. I personally know that Muslims are not bad but the problem is the interpretation of their certain verses for which they themselves are not on the same page with their own brothers and sisters. I hope all will go well and the people will try to understand each other in a better way.

Does it really matter? does it matter that amongst the victims of 9/11 there were people of every religion? does it matter that this cultural center and mosque will go one step further towards making american muslims feel as if they belong to this country? why ever should it matter that after 9/11 people’s hearts have stopped differentiating between religion and terrorism? Is it even worth hoping that the people of this country will ever step up beyond their pain to see the suffering of others? A nation that claims to be the epitome of freedome has failed to set a good example thus far, will it ever be time to undo our own wrongs?— Those of you who are so quick to shun the President on his stand, have you ever considered that the situation he has stepped into was so horriable that it will take more than 3 terms of presidency to undo the damage? We as a nation need to take full responsibility of our actions…Freedom is a priviledge in many parts of the word…a priviledge that many dont have…we are lucky to have this liberty…and thus it becomes our responsibility to share it. If you have ever felt proud to be an American, a free citizen, then the burden to share that freedom falls upon you. Rise above yourself and think of those you share this country with…think of those who add to the essential make up of this country….and I dont mean just the muslims…every minority out there, religious or otherwise has been working hard over the past few years to sustain this country…or does it matter to you not?

They are attempting to institute a church for Muslims… not a sanctum or breeding-ground for future-terrorism. While the acts of 9-11 were indescribably heinous and committed against America(ns) (of all creeds, colors, types and nationalities) this CANNOT lend any levity to deny(???) (come on people) the erection of a religious institution in ANY vicinity. This is not a slap in the face to the victims (of all nationalities, creed, color and types) that perished that day. We did not all lose family/friends that day, but we ALL hurt and were deeply pained (even Muslims in other countries). This great nation of ours, with ALL of is flaws and short-comings (I’m not even going to go into the indignant behavior of some agents of the governing body during the Jim Crow era) has evolved to the point that it has today (and it has evolved) because the nation has struggled to hold true to its founding principles. Obama/Bloomberg, in this case, are aligning with these principles. Opponents, please arrest your prejudices in your personal, private spaces and leave them out of the public sphere.

I cant be bothered to read all 190 comments but nor can I pass up a chance to comment on this one….
sandhuatretuers (4th comment) has it dead on. ‘This is where the world will see the true colour of americans’. Too bloody true. There are a few different sets of rules – those for Americans, those for the rest of the world as America sees it and then white christians in American.
Can anyone tell me how many Muslims died in those towers?
And it is nice to see Americans turning against Americans – once again. Islam is a religion, not a country and there are born and bred Americans who are MUSLIM.

Only because 9/11 terrorists claimed to be Muslims it does NOT make them Muslim!

Need to clarify this first, are you against Muslims regardless of reason, OR are you against terrorism?

If its the first one that Americans are going through; than its an open racism. And such county cannot continue to be the leading nation of our global world.

I just received an email with a brilliant suggestion for all the extreme Lefties who preach “tolerance” at the rest of us as if they are more “tolerant” than the rest of us… why not build a transvestite strip bar on the same block as the new NYC mosque? It can cater to men of all faiths, even Muslim.
So are you an intolerant bigot, or are you not?

Agaist the idea of having mosque so close to ground zero. It is the major time bomb for the conflict in the future. Bad more than good for long run. You should learn from other countries’ experience. One of your 60 Minutes documentary can also explain well.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/23/60minutes/main6425491.shtml

The fine line between pushing religious freedoms and deliberate disrespect is obviously indistinguishable. Go ahead. Build the mosque, but the premise on which this decision is built is entirely irrational. They have every right to build, but why not directly on top of Ground Zero. See just how disrespectful you can be.

The mosque would have been just as convenient farther down the road. This is about more than religious freedom.

We aren’t fooled.