Obama's Islamic-Center Stance: Why the GOP Shouldn't Run Against It Read more:
@whiteheather39 (24403)
United States
August 16, 2010 9:56am CST
At a White House dinner on Friday celebrating the start of Ramadan, the President took a position. "Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country," he 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." This remark opened the door so wide that walking through it will be effortless. Even your usually tone-deaf national chairman, Michael Steele, could not mess this one up. If you go full force on the offensive, every Democratic candidate in every competitive race in the country will have three choices, none of them good, when asked about the Islamic center: side with Obama and against public opinion; oppose Obama and deal with the consequences of intraparty disunity; or refuse to take a position, waffling impotently and unattractively at a crucial time. (Read about the imam behind the mosque.)
Say what you will about the wisdom of Obama's policies overall, but his belated commentary on religious freedoms clearly was not done for political gain. Quite the contrary. the President knew that he and his party would almost certainly pay a political price for taking a stand, especially this close to the election, and with few prominent leaders, other than New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, on the White House's side. The reaction since the President spoke has been vitriolic and unvarying from leading voices on the right, painting Obama as weak, naive, out of touch and obtuse (not to mention flip-flopping, after his confusing follow-up comments Saturday suggested to some that he might be hedging his position).
Yes, Republicans, you can take advantage of this heated circumstance, backed by the families of the 9/11 victims, in their most emotional return to the public stage since 2001.
But please don't do it. There are a handful of good reasons to oppose allowing the Islamic center to be built so close to Ground Zero, particularly the family opposition and the availability of other, less raw locations. But what is happening now — the misinformation about the center and its supporters; the open declarations of war on Islam on talk radio, the Internet and other forums; the painful divisions propelled by all the overheated rhetoric — is not worth whatever political gain your party might achieve. (Comment on this story.)
It isn't clear how the battle over the proposed center should or will end. But two things are profoundly clear: Republicans have a strong chance to win the midterm elections without picking a fight over President Obama's measured words. And a national political fight conducted on the terms we have seen in the past few days will lead to a chain reaction at home and abroad that will have one winner — the very extreme and violent jihadists we all can claim as our true enemy.
As I said, Republicans, this is your moment. As a famous New Yorker once urged in a very different context: Do the right thing.
What is your take on this?? Do you agree?
Read more:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0%2C8599%2C2010923%2C00.html
5 people like this
11 responses
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
16 Aug 10
lol, religion. This whole thing should be a non-issue. I can never understand the absurdity of what causes Americans to take notice and get angry (they're usually all related to religion). A mosque being built within a few blocks of the WTC site - even though they already exist in the area - causes people to break out their pitch forks. But the real issues - like the fact that your country is basically run by corporations - nah, that's acceptable.
3 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Aug 10
quote..."lol, religion." IMO religion is not a laughing matter. I can never understand the absurdity of people who post opinions by which they try to appear as if they have educated themselves to the issue. Obviously you are one of these people who have not engaged their brain before posting!. I have attempted to help with your education in my comments to your comments.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Aug 10
No further comments. I have wasted too much time with you already.
1 person likes this
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
16 Aug 10
You know, I sort of agree, because religion shouldn't be a laughing matter. Religion is a terrible plague upon this world that has caused far more harm than good. I do not doubt for a second that this world would be a far better place if religion never existed. In fact, I wish absolutely no houses of worship - mosques, churches, or otherwise - would ever be built again. And I wish that the already existing ones would be turned into homeless shelters and community centers so that they could be worthwhile for once. Yet I am still not close-minded enough to think that all muslims are terrorists and that building a mosque or Islamic community center a few blocks away from ground zero acts as a monument to terrorism. And I still have a sense of humor, and sometimes things - such as a religious mindset - are so terrible that you can't help but laugh at them. And this whole mosque-near-ground-zero debate is a barrel of religious monkeys.
I don't understand why you think I'm trying to appear educated on the issue. The second thing I wrote was that it should be a non-issue. It's a damn stupid thing for people to be getting upset over, so no, I don't spend my days searching for news articles that may or may not support my opinion on the matter. There are far more important issues that I concern myself with. But I have already read and seen a lot about it, considering the media always places far too much importance on stuff like this.
Finally, as for you thinking that your comments are at all educational - now THAT is something worth laughing at.
2 people like this
@sierras236 (2739)
• United States
16 Aug 10
Once again, President Obama has seriously bad timing on his statements. That is part the I strongly object to. It would have eventually been settled one way or another. Now he started a political backlash (that was completely unnecessary for democrats) as if he didn't already have enough problems with the economy, current job outlook, immigration, the health care fight, and the list goes on. In fact, the mosque probably should be on this list down around about a million in terms of Presidential priority. All he had to was wait for a few months at least until the Thanksgiving and Christmas season when the mood of the country was far less volatile than it is now with the upcoming elections and Americans are in a more giving frame of mind. The mosque still won't have been built by then nor the lawsuit settled either so the situation would be basically be the same then as it is now. A few months wouldn't change anything.
Sometimes, it appears as almost as if he wants the democrats to fail in the elections so he can shift the blame game from blame Bush which no one is buying anymore to blame Republicans in Congress (which is hampered by the fact that Democrats still have control).
2 people like this
KUDOS excellent response! 
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Aug 10
Makro74 I agree with your statement "Come on America, lets not be so gullible."
Even the name "Cordoba House" Suggests Muslim Triumphalism in Construction of Mosque At Ground Zero.
On the question of the mosque [proposed to be constructed at Ground Zero] itself, however, I don’t think any treatment of the topic can be complete without reference to the meaning behind the name of the “initiative” that intends to establish it – the Cordoba Initiative – or to the plan to name the mosque Cordoba House. My first question on hearing this a couple of weeks ago was whether Americans are completely ignorant of history.
Cordoba was, of course, the seat of the caliphate established in what is now modern Spain after the Islamic invasion from North Africa in the 8th century A.D. The medieval occupation of Spain – “al-Andalus” – is considered by Islamic theorists to have been an inevitable step in the manifest destiny of Islam, and its eventual reversal through the lengthy European “Reconquista” a tragic but temporary triumph of the infidels. The great mosque at Cordoba was built on the foundation of a Christian cathedral, and when Europeans retook Cordoba in the 13th century they turned the magnificent mosque back into a cathedral.
http://www.urbanelephants.com/index.php/component/content/article/64/2700.html
1 person likes this
@Makro74 (591)
•
16 Aug 10
Yes agreed in a political sense somewhat - except Ramadhan began last week! Americans are so obsessed by politicizing every single issue. To me, Obama did a noble thing by reminding Americans of tolerance for all in the Land of the Free. It is as simple as that. He did a similar speech to the Jewish community before and after his election, vowing to support the Jewish right for a homeland, and religous tolerance in America.
Mosque's, temples, churches get built all the time, and New York is no exception. I personally think that the mosque issue was a 'non-issue' since all the planning and development stages have gone unnoticed - and suddenly some troublemakers have come to know and winding all Americans up of how close is to ground zero and a victory for terrorists! Come on America, let not be so gullible.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
16 Aug 10
You are correct, we do not need to jump into this battle to be winners, and we can just let Obama's other misdirections hang him. The American people, as we saw in our recent primaries, are tired of mud slinging and negativity. They want real, positive solutions to issues.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Aug 10
It seems that every day I see another example of Obama cutting his own political throat!
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
16 Aug 10
as no one really wants a mousque to be built this close to ground zero why in the world would he state this ok let them build one but not that close.
Do it where there are more of them that will go to it I tried the link to see the muslim comunity but nothing came up hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
1 person likes this
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
16 Aug 10
There are already mosques built in the same proximity of ground zero, they have been there for years. There is also a muslim population in that area. Besides - who cares? Would you be upset if a Christian church was built there instead?
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Aug 10
jupitercrashing Living in Canada why should you care! I know I could care less where any Islamic Monuments are built celebrating Terrorist Victory are built in Canada.
1 person likes this
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
16 Aug 10
whiteheather, are you saying that the proposed Islamic buildings are monuments to terrorist victory? If so, this conversation can end after this because you are clearly so misguided that anything I say is an exercise in futility.
And yes, I am Canadian, however my fiance is American and I spend a lot of time across the border. Unfortunately, I may also end up living there, which is why I pay a lot of attention to the terrible things going on in the US.
1 person likes this
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
16 Aug 10
I think our politicans on both side need to stay out of this. It is NOT a political matter nor should it be made one. It is a loosing battle no matter what side you are on. IF they come out against it....they are going to be accused of discrimination and hate...if they are for it..they are going to take flack for taking up for "terrorists".
Personally I don't see the big deal. It is TWO blocks away. Not on the twin towers site. I think people are being overly sensetive over it and personally alittle hateful. People are running on emotion instead of logic and law. You can't blame or punish a whole group of people because of the actions of a few extremists.
2 people like this
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
16 Aug 10
So it is ok to enfringe on the rights of Americans because people in "other" countries might see it as a victory? Nice to know I and everyone in this country only has rights as long as "other countries" don't think it is a good thing.
So what is more important...our laws, constitution, and rights...or what the terrorists will think? Are you going to let their opinions hold more weight than our laws and constitution?
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Aug 10
jupitercrashing I've already said it but once more: Living in Canada why should you care! I know I could care less where any Islamic Monuments are built celebrating Terrorist Victory are built in Canada.
2 people like this
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
16 Aug 10
I've already said it, but once more, there are already mosques built in the same area. None of them have had issues.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
17 Aug 10
President Obama said this one Friday evening:
"Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone 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."
Exactly WHAT do you take issue with in those words? Do Muslim-Americans not have the same religious freedom as all Americans of other religions do? I'd assume since it was a dinner celebrating Ramadan he didn't add his own thoughts as to the wisdom of the choice to build a community center and mosque a few blocks from Ground Zero at that time. When he later added that part I sure didn't see it as flip-flopping or hedging on his position. The fact is, no matter what he or anyone else thinks of the "wisdom" the right for the Muslims to put a mosque near Ground Zero exists. This is not, or at least it SHOULD NOT be a political issue at all.
I agree that the GOP "shouldn't" run on this issue but I sure don't think any of the current crop of Republicans have the intelligence to know that. Of course they'll politicize it to the hilt, they already are with their Nazi comparisons which are outrageous.
We all have the right to state our opinions on this issue but I think it's something politicians and elected officials should avoid. I don't think there was anything wrong with our President bringing up the freedom of religion that is part of what makes our nation what it is. Of course, I know you'll disagree with me and probably accuse me of blindly agreeing with everything Obama says or does but I can assure you I'd feel the same way no matter who was in the White House. One of the best thing former President Bush ever said, in my opinion, was when he stated shortly after 9/11 that we're not at war with the Muslim people but with al Qaeda. I have a feeling he'd say close to the same thing his successor has said on this issue.
Annie
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Aug 10
quote "I know you'll disagree with me and probably accuse me of blindly agreeing with everything Obama says or does"
Jeez Annie even Obama disagrees with you!!! 
You quote what he said on Friday...BUT.. then on Saturday we have.....ta da!:
[b]Obama Backtracks Over Ground Zero Mosque After Furious 9/11 Families Label Him 'Insensitive and Uncaring'
Mr Obama expressed his support for the mosque, which will replace a building damaged by the attacks, at a White House meal celebrating Ramadan.
# Friday: 'Let me be clear: As a citizen and as President I believe that Muslims have the same right ... to build a place of worship and a community centre on private property in Lower Manhattan'
# Saturday: 'I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making a decision to put a mosque there'[/b]
http://conservativeactionalerts.com/blog_post/show/857
You quote what he said on Friday...BUT.. then on Saturday we have.....ta da!:
[b]Obama Backtracks Over Ground Zero Mosque After Furious 9/11 Families Label Him 'Insensitive and Uncaring'
Mr Obama expressed his support for the mosque, which will replace a building damaged by the attacks, at a White House meal celebrating Ramadan.
# Friday: 'Let me be clear: As a citizen and as President I believe that Muslims have the same right ... to build a place of worship and a community centre on private property in Lower Manhattan'
# Saturday: 'I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making a decision to put a mosque there'[/b]
http://conservativeactionalerts.com/blog_post/show/857@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Aug 10
Actually I do not take issue with anyone promoting religious freedom. I do (along with 70% of the American people) take issue with the location of this monument to an act of terrorism.
Again I post an except from a letter written by a Muslim whose Mother was killed at this location.
Not all of the Islamic faith agree with this monument as show in an except from a Muslim whose Mother was killed at Ground Zero:
"I was born in pre-revolutionary Iran. My family led a largely secular existence -- I did not attend a religious school, I never wore a headscarf -- but for us, as for anyone there, Islam was part of our heritage, our culture, our entire lives. Though I have nothing but contempt for the fanaticism that propelled the terrorists to carry out their murderous attacks on Sept. 11, I still have great respect for the faith. Yet, I worry that the construction of the Cordoba House Islamic cultural center near the World Trade Center site would not promote tolerance or understanding; I fear it would become a symbol of victory for militant Muslims around the world."
http://www.washingtonpost...
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
17 Aug 10
I disagree with YOU that the President disagrees with ME or I with HIM...lol! Gee, did you find that as confusing as it was for me to write it? Seriously, he did NOT "endorse" the building of this community center at this particular location on Friday, he simply stated their right to build it there. When ASKED a follow-up question the next day he said he was no and would no comment on the wisdom of building it there.
Where's the disagreement with what I originally wrote?
The quote by the Muslim woman you've posted several times is one woman's opinion, which she has every right to, but I'm sure if you tried you could find other muslims who would disagree with her.
Whatever, it really doesn't matter if 70% of the population is against this being built. It's not for me, the President or any of the Democrats or the Republicans to say whether it's a wise decision. I can tell you this much - the GOP isn't going to follow the advice from the article you posted. Just since I started typing this I heard that Senate candidate had "demanded" that Senator Harry Reid state his position on the issue and I heard both Sarah Palin and Rick "Man on Dog" Santorum, two likely GOP Presidential candidates for 2012, rail against it.
Annie
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
17 Aug 10
Actually Obama was right in not giving his personal opinion on this matter. He stated the facts and that was all that was needed. I understand that some people are very against this mosque being built where it is being built but the fact is that they have the right to build it. It is their property. We have freedom of religion in this country and regardless of anyone's opinions on this, they simply have the right to build there. Also, it is 3 blocks away so it isn't like it is right next door to Ground Zero. I think that everyone getting all hyped up and angry over this mosque is going to create more problems than the mosque. It does not matter what your opinion is...there is nothing that can be legally done to stop it so all anyone is accomplishing by getting all angry over it is stirring things up and spreading the hate. Geez, calm down. What in the world is them building a Mosque 3 blocks away going to do that couldn't be done without out a Mosque 3 blocks away??
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Aug 10
Wow!! If we keep this discussion going it will soon be getting built in another state as it has already moved from two blocks to three blocks away. As for the chosen location legally being unstoppable if built it will still remain a tasteless, cruel reminder of the Islamic terrorist attack murdering so many people. I certainly hope that if you lose someone you cared for to murdering terrorists of for any other reason that no-one will consider your show of mourning as just hype!!!!
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
18 Aug 10
Does this help:
http://www.exposeobama.co...
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
17 Aug 10
Sorry....2 blocks. Regardless, it is not right on the site. I am not judging someones grief. I did not say that it was not in poor taste to build there considering how so many feel about it. The fact is that it is their property and their right to build there. There is nothing that will change that regardless of how anyone feels so yes..getting angry and wound up is just going to make things worse. Rather than to encourage the anger and upset that those grieving might be feeling wouldn't it make more sense to offer them moral support etc. By hype, I meant the anger that people who did not lose loved ones encourage.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
16 Aug 10
Amazingly I do agree. I think that it is entirely reasonable that the Land of the Free promotes religious tolerance and understanding but in this case the placing of any holy building close to Ground Zero is a mistake. It matters not which religion. US society is entirely emotional about these things and I fear that far from promoting peace, the mosque and Islamic Centre will simply attract those people bent on strife and discord. The potential for violence is too great, the war drums have started already and as bricks are laid they will only become louder.
1 person likes this
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
16 Aug 10
Personally I think the man will end up hanging himself regardless of religion..
I really try not to get into these discussions often but as I said he's going to jerk his own rope when the proper time comes regardless of this issue.
Strange how his presence for this long is going to change the face of our world, our rights and our freedoms.
This is just one more nail in his coffin.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Aug 10
Quita I just hope that the changes he make to the face of our world. rights and freedom will not be so irrevocably damaged they cannot be made right again.
1 person likes this
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
17 Aug 10
Whiteheather, we both know that the changes he has made will be of some sort of damage. I , like you hope that the damage is not too severe.
I do think that most of the US has woke up to the fact he was not about a GOOD change at all.
He has brought change alright, but one of discontent and anger amongst us all.
I have gotten where I won't voice my opinion too much due to an angry discussion with another member who thought I should agree with her totally on this obama issue. NOT.
I suppose all we can do now is sit and wait and listen and hope and may God take pity on the US of A.
hugs, quita
@priyayogi (222)
• India
16 Aug 10
What i know means of this sentence two things are profoundly clear republicans have a strong chance to win the midterm elections without picking a fight over president Obama's measured words. and a national political fight.
1 person likes this
