Obama Endorses Ground Zero Mosque
During a White House Ramadan dinner Friday night, President Obama followed New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s lead and came out in support of Park51, the planned Muslim community center and mosque two blocks away from the World Trade Center site. “Let me be clear: As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country,” Obama said. “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.” Such remarks are sure to fuel debate over the mosque, with Republicans like Sarah Palin and Rudy Giuliani speaking out in sharp opposition to the plans. Tim Brown, a 9/11 first-responder, isn't happy, either. He called Obama’s remarks “upside down” and “anti-American.”
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ReplyDeleteThe attack on 9/11 created a painful wound in our society. The cry for revenge was heard by all Americans. However, the issue of constructing an Islamic Center near ground zero is another matter. Many people see it as a slap in our face; something unthinkable. I admit that I had misgivings when I first heard about the proposal. I am a patriotic citizen, a veteran and the idea stung my pride. When I calmed down, I thought about The Constitution and the principles that made our nation a strong one. Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion are some of the basic rights supporting our entire social structure. Those rights must be protected at all costs even if it means building a Mosque in that sensitive place. I may not like it, but I would defend, with my life, their right to build it there.
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