For months now, there has been an ongoing debate about the proposed construction of a Muslim mosque near the area in lower Manhattan now known as Ground Zero. I seriously doubt anyone needs a reminder that this is the area where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Those events are indelibly embedded in the minds of all Americans. This debate is going on, not just in New York, but across the nation, with politicians from both parties coming down on one side or the other. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is a strong supporter of the mosque and it seems that at every turn, those who oppose the mosque are turned away. Efforts to get one building declared a national landmark failed and the plans for the mosque moved forward. On Friday, those supporters got a show of support from none other than President Barack Obama. Here is some of what he had to say, from CNN.
President Obama threw his support behind a controversial proposal to build an Islamic center and mosque near New York’s ground zero, saying Friday that “Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”
“That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances,” Obama said at a White House Iftar dinner celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Obama, who said he was speaking both as a citizen and as president, invoked the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which critics of the Islamic center cite as the main reason for preventing its construction.
“We must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of lower Manhattan,” Obama said, according to his prepared remarks. “The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country.”
“The pain and suffering experienced by those who lost loved ones is unimaginable,” he continued. “So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground zero is, indeed, hallowed ground.”
But Obama said one “reason that we will win this fight” against terrorism is “our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect to those who are different from us — a way of life that stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of those who attacked us on that September morning, and who continue to plot against us today.”
“This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable,” Obama said. “The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are. The writ of our Founders must endure.”
Let me say, as clearly as I know how, I strongly believe in the freedom of religion in America. It is a very strong part of the foundation our country was built on. Let me also say, as clearly as I know how, that no matter how President Obama invokes that freedom in his support of the mosque, that is not the real issue here. It is being used to deflect our attention away from what is at stake here. Admittedly, I have never been a supporter of the President, but in throwing his support behind the building of the mosque, he has certainly not endeared himself to my heart. I feel like we are being betrayed and I do not say that lightly.
I pose this question to you, my readers. It is a question that has already been asked by former Republican Senator Rick Santorum. How
would you react if you learned that a minister who wants to build a church near the place where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed and it was known that this minister preached racial separation and that King’s death was his own fault? I know that is a hypothetical question, but would it not be the ultimate insult to a man who probably did more to combat racism in America than any other individual? I think we could all agree that would be the case and the minister should find some other piece of land to build his church.
In my opinion, there is little to no difference in that hypothetical situation and the plans now underway to build the mosque near ground zero. If you disagree with that, let me remind you that the one and only reason Islamic terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in the field in Pennsylvania is because they hated America and her policies. They felt their religion demanded such action and they followed through with a sequence of events that resulted in the deaths of around 3,000 people. In light of that, I fail to understand how anyone could invoke the freedom of religion clause of our Constitution and say Muslims should be allowed to build this mosque.
We hear a lot these days about how Islam is a religion of peace, but for the most part, it has shown itself to be anything but. I realize the Muslims who are pushing for the right to build this mosque probably had nothing to do with the attacks on 9/11, but if they really believe in America and in the freedom of religion we all hold so dear, they would take the honorable course of action and find another location on which to build. Doing anything less is a slap in the face to the victims of the attacks and to the freedoms we have in America. Let them build their mosque, but let them build it far away from the place that claimed so many innocent lives. A line has to be drawn somewhere and ground zero is a good place to start.
For more on this debate, please visit the following blogs.
First, let me thank you for the link. I appreciate it.
Next week, I’ll be posting an essay about the history behind Ramadan. Why in the world are we even honoring it? In fact, Ramadan commemorates the beginning of militant, political Islam!
Obama said one “reason that we will win this fight” against terrorism is “our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect to those who are different from us…”
So, are we supposed to tolerate to the point of our own self-destruction? Is that what BHO is advocating?
I do like your analogy about a racial-separation church near the site of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination? The principle behind allowing the Ground Zero Mosque is the same!
You are quite welcome, AOW. I will be looking forward to your essay.
That is exactly what I have been wondering. How far are we supposed to go with tolerance before we draw the line and say enough is enough. As I said in my post, if the Muslims that are wanting to build the mosque really believe in America and the freedom it provides, they would gladly choose another location. It’s a simple choice, but one they appear to be unwilling to make. I am afraid it shows us exactly where their hearts are.
Larry:
I think you miss the boat when you say that Obama supports the mosque. I didn’t read anything in his statements that would suggest that we embrace the Islamic faith. What I did hear was a President of the United States of America who through his support behind the Constitution. I don’t understand why anybody would want our top elected official to say or do anything else.
You say
“We hear a lot these days about how Islam is a religion of peace, but for the most part, it has shown itself to be anything but”
Highly charged and highly inaccurate. There are over 1 billion Muslims in the world and only a handful of terrorists. Many people, even in recent history, have done terrible things in the name of Christianity, and yet you would be offended if somebody suggested that the whole of Christianity was bad because of these acts. Why, then, do you insist on the reverse?
As for Rick Santorum and his rhetoric…The hypothetical is as irresponsibly inflammatory as it is Constitutionally challenged. Our Constitution grants freedom of religious expression regardless of how anybody else “feels” about your expression. And I thank God for that.
I don’t think I missed the boat at all, Laurie. How else do you interpret this statement?
He plainly said he supported the building of the mosque in it’s proposed location.
As for the charge that Islam is not a religion of peace, I stand by that statement. All of the conflicts in the Middle East are the result of Muslims fighting each other or some other group of people. They are not the innocent, peace-loving people they would like us to believe. I know full well that all Muslims are not of that group, but in those that are not, a lot of them refuse to condemn the violence the others spawn.
I fail to see how the hypothetical situation I mentioned is either irresponsible, inflammatory, or Constitutionally challenged. I am not suggesting the freedom of religious expression does not exist. All I am saying is that I would find it extremely insulting to the memory of Dr. King if such a situation were to occur.
The same goes for the Muslims who are wanting to build this mosque. I begrudge them not their right to do so, but let them choose another location. If they really cared about the freedom we have in America and really want to distance themselves from what happened on 9/11, they should have no problem doing that.
That is a direct quote from Barack Obama and he specifically mentions lower Manhattan, for him to now back away and claim that he wasn’t talking about this particular mosque is disengenous to say the least. How anyone can claim he wasn’t talking about this specific mosque is beyond me.
Of course you have the right to feel one way or the other about this, Larry. But our government was not elected to “feel” but to protect and defend our rights. I will admit to being a bit puzzled by Obama’s speaking out on a decision that was made on the local level (as it should be) based on local ordinances. But his statement was clearly about rights, not feelings. I think you mischaracterized what the President said. I read nothing in his statements that would suggest “support” for anything but rights. I think this, rightly, includes property rights, as this building is privately owned. Do we really want a President (or any government official) to speak out against that?
You say:
“Let them build their mosque, but let them build it far away from the place that claimed so many innocent lives. A line has to be drawn somewhere and ground zero is a good place to start.”
First, it is a misnomer to say this is located at Ground Zero as it it not. And I understand that you think that no mosque should be built in the “shadow” of Ground Zero, but I would ask, since you stated it: Where do you propose to draw the line? Is that the whole of Manhattan? New York City? It is worth noting that this location has been and is currently already being used as a site for Islamic studies and a prayer center. The “use” is not new.
You may not care for Islam as a religion. Some have definitely used the religion in notorious and horrendous ways-as have some misused and abused Christianity. But it is also worth noting that Muslims have been vigilant also about conducting prayer vigils directly on the rim of Ground Zero to pray for the victims.
I know the location isn’t at Ground Zero and that is why I posted the map. I wanted to be honest about where it actually was. As for where to draw the line, I can’t answer that, but I would think two blocks is a bit close. It feels too much like a slap in the face for my taste.
For once, I actually had to (begrudgingly) agree with what the President said. I’ll quote it here:
Ironic, isn’t it, that he’s talking about the Founders? But that’s a completely different issue…
Do I agree with Islam? No. Do I like that they’re wanting to put a mosque so close to Ground Zero? No. Do I approve of this? No. Do I think it’s insensitive, and downright provocative? Absolutely.
However… do I think that there are Constitutional grounds to block the building of this mosque, given the fact that they have met municipal codes and ordinances? No.
The problem I see is this – if this is blocked simply because it is an Islamic center of worship, what’s to stop Christian churches from meeting the same fate? Do we want to open that door?
I don’t like this situation one bit, but I just don’t see how we can oppose it and be consistent with the Constitution.
I agree with what you said, Jamison. I hope I have made it clear that my opposition to the mosque is not on Constitutional grounds. However, just because it is Constitutional does not make it the right thing to do.
I agreed with Barack Obama’s comment that they have a right to build this mosque, but this is not a question of freedom of religion, it is a question of decency and respect for those that died on this day. They have the constitutional right to do this, but a caring and decent people would have sencond thoughts.
Exactly my thoughts, Steve and what I tried to make clear in the post. I know full well the Constitutional right exists for the mosque to be built. I just believe they should choose another location out of respect for those who died on that day.
I think you made it perfectly clear Larry, but there are some out there that do not want to acknowledge what you are trying to say. Those that support this idea continue to argue that these people have the right to do this, and that is the same position that you have. What these people continue to fail to ask is, should this be done?
Should this be done? Might be a good time to refer to what the Founders had to say on the subject. A good start:
“The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent national gifts.
For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”
—-George Washington
Barack Obama said:
“our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect to those who are different from us”
I would say that statement applies more to the people that are trying to build this mosque than anyone else. It was extremist Muslims who did not tolerate or respect those that were different on September 11th, and it is the Muslims who want to build this mosque that are not showing respect now!
Note to those that would misinterpret: Notice I used the “extermist” when talking about the Muslims that attacked us on September 11th, and I did not use that word to describe those that are trying to build this mosque. I am mot equating the two.
Larry,
First off thank you for linking to my site. In my opinion the real issue is poor judgment. I don’t think anyone here is saying that people who follow Islam do not have a right to build a mosque in America. But this issue demands from each of us questions so that we may gain a better understanding as to why near Ground Zero.
Who is building this mosque; I mean who is going to actually finance the building of this mosque? Well the imam behind a proposed mosque and Islamic community center is now on a taxpayer funded trip to obtain funding from Arab and Muslim nations around the world to help finance the estimated $100 million project. This should be a point of concern for many. Many Muslims nations hate America and we what we stand for.
What is the purpose behind building this mosque? According to Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf it’s to build bridges and promote peace and better understanding between Muslims and infidels or non-Muslims. This matter has become a hot button issue that stirs deep emotions in most of us. It has created a division and polarized this country. Not because whether we believe they have a right to build a mosque, but because of the poor judgment exercised in deciding on the location. Not only by the imam but the elected officials that support the location.
The truth is there are places in America that are a part of our history and who we are we consider hallow ground; Gettysburg, Pearl Harbor, Independence Hall and so on. Can someone buy some land across the street and erect a statue of Joseph Stalin or King George near Independence Hall, sure they can. Would it be right? Absolutely not. Why? Because it takes away and diminishes the importance of the event that took place there. This is why Americans object to the mosque being built near Ground Zero…it takes away and diminishes the tragic event that occurred at that site just 9 years ago this Sept. And for those elected officials that support this, they’re using just as poor judgment as those who wish to build it there. And if we as a people can’t count on our elected leaders to exercise good judgment on this issue, what other issues can we not count in them to make the right decision. Just something to think about.
LARRY: SPOILER ALERT:
I’m about to provide a link to a blog article written by David Frum, former Bush speechwriter. David is a good researcher, and it has some answers to John’s questions about ownership. It also asks a provocative question: Is this all a publicity stunt to obtain the financing they don’t have?
http://www.frumforum.com/is-the-911-mosque-a-publicity-stunt
Bingo! This has nothing to do with whether or not the mosque is legal or preventing it violates the Constitution. Those issues have nothing to do with is! This is about whether or not it is the right thing to do. If these people would find a site somewhere else on Manhattan, there’d be zero issue from anybody.
So Obama either a) is completely misreading the American people on this or b) is trying to make this a legal question because he doesn’t want anyone to know that he supports the mosque and doesn’t care that it is the wrong thing to do.
Either way it is yet another example of Obama being 180 out of phase with most Americans.
Thanks for the comment, Harry. It also makes me wonder just how much in touch with the average American our President really is.
indeed ..this is about conquest and its that simple truly!
I’m all over the place on this. I think the first point to make is that this is a local issue, so I don’t know that it is even Obama’s place to comment on it. It’s not a federal issue, pure and simple.
There are so many questions about this mosque. The source of the funding is unclear. The imam in charge has made some questionable statements, and has openly refused to denounce terror groups.
Then, there are the aspects of islam that qualify it as a political system as well as a religion. It’s their stated intent to control the world, their threat to kill those that refuse to convert. And, it’s their practice of building a mosque at the site of a victory.
I think if they built a community center where Jews, Christians, and muslims can meet and interact, we’d all applaud it. However, as a mosque, there are restrictions on who can go in. Women, for example, not allowed. Infidels? I don’t think so. That doesn’t build bridges, it erects them.
There is one caution. Remember that the left attacks Christianity, and is now openly displaying antisemitism. They do have an affinity for islam, for some reason. However, if someone passes a law or regulation of some sort (or even just a zoning ruling), that controls this situation, that law WILL be used one day to restrict Christians or Jews. I guess what I am saying is that as we deal with this situation, we shouldn’t give the left a precedent, or another power that they will later use against us. And they will.
You make some very good points, Matt. There a lot of questions surrounding this issue, some that I didn’t think about when I wrote this post. One that I was not aware of is the inman’s refusal to denounce terror groups. Why that isn’t a red flag to everyone is beyond me.
The most important thing you point out is how the outcome of this may be used against Christians or Jews. I did think about it, but didn’t include it when I was writing. The thought of that troubles me.
What Obama said in support of the mosque was fine by me… his modification of that statement saying he didn’t comment on whether it should be 2 blocks from Ground Zero is where he lost me. Take a stand don’t clarify.
Imam Feisal is a Sufi Muslim. That means that he emphasizes the aspects of Islam that preach love and tolerance. Sufis in general believe that all religions have truth and should be respected. Islam is not a unified religion. In fact, it is much less unified than say, the Catholic Church. Just as we wouldn’t blame the Catholic church for the bombings in the UK by the IRA, so we shouldn’t blame all Muslims for the things that extremists did.
Any criticism that he has made about US foreign policy is actually not at all extreme. Yes, our policies are instigating anger around the world. No, we did not “deserve” 9-11. Glenn Beck made very similar comments just a few months ago.