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President Obama Strongly Supports NYC Mosque

President Obama said today he strongly supports the planned Islamic cultural center near the site of the 2001 World Trade Center attack:
"As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country," Obama said, weighing in for the first time on a controversy that has riven New York City and the nation.

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

Good for him for taking a stand, and the right one.

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    Very Curious........ (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by samsguy18 on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 06:20:19 AM EST
    The lack of comments here regarding this subject !

    Comment enough for you (none / 0) (#4)
    by scribe on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 08:18:17 AM EST
    Really? (none / 0) (#9)
    by Democratic Cat on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 09:54:34 AM EST
    Commenting is almost always light on a weekend.

    Parent
    This resembles less doing the right thing (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by scribe on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 08:17:11 AM EST
    and more jabbing a pointed stick in the wingnuts' eye then stirring, so as to amp up the crazy even more.

    This is bound to set off all sorts of insanity on the right, and play further into the President's decision to force the midterms into the mould of "Vote Democratic - the lesser of two evils" but further highlighting the crazy on the Right and scaring the Dem base inot voting Dem.

    I suspect in a couple days, once the wingnut fires get stoked, we'll see propaganda arriving directed at Dems, pointing out just how scary-crazy the wingnuts are.

    Otherwsie, how to explain his decision to jump into what was correctly characterized as a local soning and planning issue for Manhattanites, which they solved quite well themselves, thank you, where the wingnuts were the outside agitators trying to make trouble and coin out of it?  This President has shown a remarkable ability to repeatedly and in every context avoid doing the right thing and a similarly remarkably high level of calculated cynicism, so until proven otherwise, his actions here fall into the same category.

    It doesn't seem that the wingnuts (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Democratic Cat on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 09:53:16 AM EST
    need much inciting, frankly. I like the way he framed it, as the right to build a house of worship on private land in compliance with zoning laws. Framed in that way, you can't be against this thing and be a well-reasoned conservative.

    I think there was an article a couple days ago in the NYT or WAPO about how these fights against mosques are popping up all over the country.  So although this one event is a local issue in NY, there is a bigger issue to which he is speaking.

    I think it was the right thing to do, the right venue to say it, and I'm glad he weighed in. If it helps in the mid-terms, that's a bonus.

    Parent

    What passes as.... (none / 0) (#12)
    by kdog on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 11:02:43 AM EST
    a "well-reasoned conservative" these days are calling this private development a "special case" to get out of their ideological knot.

    That's what cats like Krauthammer or whatever his name is are saying..."normally no problem but but but".

    Parent

    Couldn't agree more (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 10:43:29 AM EST
    Why this?  Why now?  It will only create more chaos over something that is largely finished and is New Yorks business.

    Perhaps he was attempting to create a proliberal soundbyte as he stares down the latest and worst economic news yet.  Governing by the soundbyte usually becomes explosive, nothing can replace simply governing well and remembering that people come first.

    Parent

    for what its worth (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by CST on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 12:04:21 PM EST
    This mattered a lot to some people on the mosque side of things as well.  It's nice to have the pres stand up for you when the whole world is going crazy with hate.  Makes a big difference and impression.

    Hearts and minds is an important battle.  One reason a lot of muslims like it here is the ability to worship in the manner they choose.  Something that's not available in a lot of the world - whether you're in a France, Turkey, or Saudi Arabia.

    Parent

    I agree with you !! (none / 0) (#6)
    by samsguy18 on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 09:02:00 AM EST
    A little off the rails (none / 0) (#23)
    by christinep on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:37:05 PM EST
    C'mon scribe, you can do better. While I do not pretend to know your political background, an individual reading your comment might well conclude that your antipathy toward the President is so strong as to cause an almost dismay when he does something with which you might agree. Sometimes when we get into that kind of groove-thinking, it really does mess with straightforward reactions/thinking/reasoning. It looks very much like a stretch.

    Parent
    So much for 'strongly supports'... (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Romberry on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 03:56:34 PM EST
    As Digby says in "One From Column A, One from Column B", who is this supposed to impress?:

    Speaking to reporters today, President Obama drew a sharp line under his comments last night, insisting that his defense of the right to build a mosque does not mean he supports the project.

    "I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque there. I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding," he said.

    Obama's new stance is logically consistent with his words last night, if a bit less "clarion," as Mike Bloomberg called the first remarks. And there are certainly two possible stances here: Bloomberg's, that the Cordoba project itself represents the best of America; and Obama's, that the freedom of religion is an important American value.

    Obama's new remarks, literally speaking, re-open the question of which side he's on. Most of the mosque's foes recognize the legal right to build, and have asked the builders to reconsider.



    Yes (none / 0) (#21)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:08:08 PM EST
    Ben Smith is on our side...  No one seems to have found out what the question was, did they?

    Pretty sleazy stuff, imo, and quite the distortion.

    Parent

    If you don't know what the question was... (none / 0) (#22)
    by Romberry on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:22:57 PM EST
    ...then how do you know it was a distortion? What part of the direct quote "I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque there. I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding" is being distorted?

    As I said at Salon's Table Talk:

    Obama should have left it at what he had to say last night. This "Yes sir, you have that right. You certainly do. Might be wise to exercise it, but ya know, then it again it might not be so wise, even if it is your right'n all" play just muddies the waters. It won't make those who think Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya and maybe the first "terrorist baby" (or other such nonsense as that) hate him any less, and it undermines his supporters as well.

    If you're gonna stand for something, then stand for it.



    Parent
    Obviously (none / 0) (#24)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:39:09 PM EST
    The question was:

    Do you think it is a good idea to put a mosque two blocks from the WTC disaster.

    There is nothing inconsistent with his statement. Getting drawn into the GOP debate about whether it is offensive or not is ludicrous.

    He flatly stated:

    "I believe 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."

    Ben Smith et al. have twisted his remarks today to imply that he is backtracking and believes that Muslims do not have the right to build a place of worship on private property in lower Manhattan....

    Oddly enough WaPo (AP) gives the most dispassionate reading of Obama's remarks today.

    WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama says Muslims have the right to build a mosque near ground zero in New York, but he's not saying whether he thinks it's a good idea to do so.

    Obama's comment Saturday during a trip to Florida expanded on a statement he made at a White House dinner on Friday. At that event, he said Muslims have the same right to freedom of religion as everyone else in America.

    Obama said Saturday that he didn't comment on "the wisdom" of putting a mosque near the site of the Sept. 11 attacks - but rather was commenting on "the right" to build a mosque there.

    IOW: Is is a good idea to build a Mosque right near ground zero?

    The answer is quite clear.

    Parent

    Ben Smith did what? (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Romberry on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:43:58 PM EST
    You wrote:

    Ben Smith et al. have twisted his remarks today to imply that he is backtracking and believes that Muslims do not have the right to build a place of worship on private property in lower Manhattan....

    I didn't see any twisting. Smith nowhere says that Obama is backtracking on the rights of Muslims, he's just reporting that Obama refuses to come down on whether or not exercising that right is 'wise'.

    Obama wants to appease supporters without offending opponents. Good luck with that "have your cake and eat it too" strategy. Never works.

    As I said in my previous post, Obama should have left it at what he had to say last night. If you're gonna stand for something, then stand for it.

    Parent

    OK (none / 0) (#32)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 05:05:18 PM EST
    Obama's new remarks, literally speaking, re-open the question of which side he's on.

    Utter bs and editoralizing

     

    and he won't be able to walk them back now with this sprinkling of doubt. All he'll do is frustrate some of the people who so eagerly welcomed his words yesterday as a return to form.

    Walk back what? Obama did not walk back any remarks.

    Parent

    Well squeaky, it was not Ben Smith making up (none / 0) (#25)
    by BTAL on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:39:27 PM EST
    quotes from Obama.  Try your own NY Times.

    Obama Says Mosque Remarks Were Not Endorsement

    Sometimes it really appears that you are to Obama what Squealer was to Napoleon.

    Parent

    Yes, Saw That (none / 0) (#26)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:42:03 PM EST
    It is True, the NYT can distort and editorialize as well as you and Ben Smith can. Big surprise!

    Parent
    Point out the distortions. (none / 0) (#28)
    by Romberry on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:44:51 PM EST
    Please be precise.

    Parent
    Yes, we're all ears on the distortion (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by BTAL on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 05:01:40 PM EST
    Especially since every article I've found uses quotes around Obama's actual words.

    squeaky, what will be the spin when the YouTube is posted and you hear it from his own mouth?

    Parent

    Reading Problems? (none / 0) (#30)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 05:01:02 PM EST
    The NYT title Obama Says Mosque Remarks Were Not Endorsement suggests that Obama does not in fact endorse the right of Muslims to build a Mosque on private property.... as those were his remarks.

    He never remarked on whether or not this was a good place, or that the people who are outraged are justified in their outrage, or that those who think that having a Muslim Community Center close to ground zero is a healing gesture, or a gift by the muslim community which will ameliorate the stigma Muslims now have in America.

    He said that he supports the freedom of religion and the right to built a place of worship. That is support of the US constitution.

    Parent

    Phooey (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 08:10:56 PM EST
    He's saying that Muslims have a right to build a Mosque.
    Duh.

    Then he says he is not saying that it is the right thing to do.

    Build at your own risk, Muslims.

    Thanks for your support, O.

    Parent

    The right to do/act in one way (none / 0) (#29)
    by christinep on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 04:45:38 PM EST
    is clearly different than taking a decision to do so at a given time, place. We are all placed in positions like that many times in our lives.

    Many times it is possible to walk and chew gum at the same time.

    Parent

    Obama takes a stand... (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 08:06:11 PM EST
    and then hums and haws.

    He said that Muslims have a right to build a mosque.
    Great.
    That takes guts.

    Then he said he wasn't commenting on whether or not it was wise for them to do so.

    It boils down to saying that they have a right to do so, but it may not be so smart ...

    I don't see him commenting on the "wisdom" of other religions building houses of worship.

    As usual, he's on both sides signifying nothing.

    It would be interesting if people in Iraq and Afghanistan protested the building of any Christian churches around areas in which civilians have been killed by our military misadventures.
    After all, these attacks have been okayed by a President who proclaims his Christian beliefs.

    No (1.00 / 5) (#37)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 08:54:24 PM EST
    It either boils down to a massive disconnect in your brain function, or politics as usual on your part... some fights never seem to end.

    Parent
    As usual, (5.00 / 4) (#41)
    by lentinel on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 07:25:24 AM EST
    you are abusive.

    Parent
    Guess we are back to the precedent of (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by BTAL on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 08:19:45 PM EST
    What the definition of 'is' "is".

    America (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by lentinel on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 07:28:15 AM EST
    We have freedom of speech.

    But let's not take sides as to whether it is wise to speak freely.

    Mr. Compromise strikes again (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by Slado on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 08:26:07 AM EST
    As usual Obama does the "right" thing then when the poll numbers come out he back tracks.

    While I don't agree with him I understand his original position but whats most frustrating about him is once there is any push back he tries to back off without backing off and always tries to pretend he's above it all.

    Mr. President you made a special speech to tell us what you thought.  Just say you support the Mosque.  I'd have more respect for you if you took a position.

    As for the Mosque I say it should be built if the funding isn't coming from a radical group.  The problem is no one will say where the money is coming from and what we often find out much later is so called "mainstream" Muslims are nothing of the sort.

    Not always so we shouldn't prejudge but asking who is funding the Mosque is not out of bounds and un American.  

    Took him a while (none / 0) (#2)
    by PatHat on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 08:15:03 AM EST
    must have just gotten the poll numbers in.

    It is contrary to the polling data (none / 0) (#5)
    by BTAL on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 08:58:30 AM EST
    Waiting for the right venue (none / 0) (#7)
    by MO Blue on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 09:28:11 AM EST
    Obama made the comments at an annual dinner in the White House State Dining Room celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
    ...
    Entering the highly charged election-year debate, Obama surely knew that his words would not only make headlines but be heard by Muslims worldwide. The president has made it a point to reach out to the global Muslim community, and the over 100 guests at Friday's dinner included ambassadors and officials from numerous Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Seated around candlelit tables, they listened closely as Obama spoke, then stood and applauded when the president finished his remarks.
    link

    Regardless of the venue, it was IMO the right statement to make.

    Parent

    I agree (none / 0) (#19)
    by PatHat on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 02:32:20 PM EST
    with Obama's statement and I see the point of picking the right venue.

    It's like the Right want to do everything that they think is right {patriotic, moral, whatever), but which has been shown to be detrimental to America's best interests.

    Parent

    Obama's passion (none / 0) (#11)
    by dk on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 10:55:06 AM EST
    comes out most strongly, IMO, when issues of religion come up.  Unlike, say, issues such as providing health care, economic justice, etc., where he ssems rather disinterested.

    The thing is, though, that the passion for religion has its good and bad consequences.  This, for example, shows the good side, as it relates to promoting the civil rights of an oppressed group.  However, we've also seen the downside of Obams's passion for religion:  the elevation of Rick Warren at his inaugural, Obama's homophobic support of second-class citizenship for gay and lesbian Americans, the executive order establishing a precedent for the leader of the Democratic party to advocate the second class citizenship of women, the words of encouragement for busting of teacher's unions and undermining public education in favor of (religious) charter schools.

    In any event, Obama's clearly on the right side of this particular matter; if only his support for religion didn't impinge on the rights of others' civil rights when it comes to other matters.

    And the fight continues (none / 0) (#14)
    by PlayInPeoria on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 12:36:19 PM EST
    American has a long history of religous intolerence. As the Puritan said to the Quaker ... Get out of town or be hanged! And so, Mary Dyer was hung in the Boston Common on 1 Jun 1660.

    I for one have wondered why it has taken so long for the Mosque to be included in our unshakable quest for religous freedom.

    Even though it was said in a "safe environment" it was still "well said".

    No Brainer (none / 0) (#15)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 12:39:23 PM EST
    It is sort of amazing that anyone would be surprised, suspicious, or think that Obama's words on this are anything more than routine.

    I guess it is all the yapping from the GOP and the MSM that has given any credibility to the notion that America is against freedom of religion.

    It is telling that when Bush gave his Ramadan speech in his last term, that all the puppets nodded their heads in agreement. Now that Obama is president, the spoiled children are acting out. American exceptionalism can be quite ugly.

    POTUS Ramidan Speech (none / 0) (#18)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 01:41:19 PM EST
    According to the teachings of Islam, Ramadan commemorates the revelation of God's word in the Holy Koran to the prophet Mohammad. The word has become the foundation for one of the world's great religions.

    During Ramadan, we are reminded of Islam's long and distinguished history. Throughout the centuries, the Islamic world has been home to great centers of learning and culture. People of all faiths have benefited from the achievements of Muslims in fields from philosophy and poetry to mathematics and medicine.

    This reminds us that one of the great strengths of our nation is its religious diversity. Americans practice many different faiths. But we all share a belief in the right to worship freely. We reject bigotry in all its forms.

    And over the past eight years, my administration has been proud to work closely with Muslim Americans to promote justice and tolerance of all faiths.

    digby

    Parent

    Sharia law (none / 0) (#16)
    by Molly Pitcher on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 12:59:04 PM EST
    Struck me this am when I woke up that the fundgelicals, who are doing most of the alarm raising, have already begun adapting a form of the law for American women.

    The burkha fitting (none / 0) (#17)
    by jondee on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 01:02:57 PM EST
    snugly over the brain..

    Parent
    Politically, it was stupid (none / 0) (#38)
    by BrassTacks on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 10:21:30 PM EST
    Obama just lost 10 points on an already low approval scale.   I can't believe Rahm let him do this.  

    Huh? (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by squeaky on Sat Aug 14, 2010 at 11:45:19 PM EST
    WTF business is it for Obama to be chiming in on local NYC issues. Considering that 60% of the aholes in the US are chiming in about what should happen in my neighborhood, the politically expedient choice would be for Obama to side with the anti muslim crowd.

    This issue is a GOP generated trap. Thank the stars that Bloomberg had the sense to tell the morons across america to STFU.

    Parent

    Obama (none / 0) (#42)
    by lentinel on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 07:27:21 AM EST
    the politically expedient choice would be for Obama to side with the anti muslim crowd.

    If you think about it, that's what he did.

    Parent

    Think? (1.00 / 2) (#47)
    by squeaky on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 02:22:49 PM EST
    Not sure that you understand the word, nor the constitutional issue involved.

    But as usual, you are spinning with Palin et al.

    Dirty work but someone has to do it, I guess.

    Parent

    WTF business is it for Obama to be chiming in (none / 0) (#45)
    by BTAL on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 07:55:27 AM EST
    Remember this local issue?

    "Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof he was in own home,"

    Parent

    Yeah (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by jondee on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 03:50:58 PM EST
    this is another rebel yell states rights issue, again..

    Who is the President to make a comment on something that the legitimate-idea-challenged wingnut noise machine has made a national issue?

    Parent

    Aint it Amazing (none / 0) (#54)
    by squeaky on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 03:55:26 PM EST
    I guess it is all about defining the center, no pun intended.

    Parent
    Obama (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by lentinel on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 07:31:46 AM EST
    just can't take a principled stand.
    He never could.

    Parent
    Much Appreciated Romberry! (none / 0) (#40)
    by squeaky on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 01:00:05 AM EST
    It means a lot to me that you take the time to read my comments. lol

    which local muslims? (none / 0) (#52)
    by diogenes on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 03:35:02 PM EST
    Who exactly are the large group of local muslims who have been clamoring for a mosque to be built near the WTC?  
    "Cordoba Center"???  That's in Spain.  Don't the radical terrorists talk about Spain as if it were Islamic territory?  
    Nothing but a poke in the eye.  Maybe if Obama said "Well, you have the right to poke us in the eye if you want to" it would have been better received.  

    poke in eye.. (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by jondee on Sun Aug 15, 2010 at 03:57:34 PM EST
    and another wedge issue windfall for the folks constantly out searching for brain dead women to save and the next ungodly "war on.." purity and innocence..

    Parent