Obama Backs Ground Zero Mosque
by PubliusWASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama on Friday forcefully endorsed building a mosque near ground zero, saying the country’s founding principles demanded no less.
“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 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.”
Obama made the comments at an annual dinner in the White House State Dining Room celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The White House had not previously taken a stand on the mosque, which would be part of a $100 million Islamic center to be built in lower Manhattan two blocks from where nearly 3,000 people perished when hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Press secretary Robert Gibbs had insisted it was a local matter.
It was already much more than that, sparking debate around the country as top Republicans including Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich announced their opposition.
Obama elevated it to a presidential issue Friday without equivocation.
While insisting that the place where the twin towers once stood was indeed “hallowed ground,” Obama said that the proper way to honor it was to apply American values.
“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,” he said.
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946 Comments
While I'm not the least bit surprised 0 backs the Bin Laden Victory Mosque, I have to admit, I'm a little shocked he's publicly gone on record stating as much. Looks like those falling poll numbers aren't bottoming out anytime soon…
Darn it, Publius. You be reading my post again ?? lol
Ed: "Press secretary Robert Gibbs had insisted it was a local matter." Yeah, right. We'll see how the poop spreader changes his tune come Monday. hahahahaa
Come to think of it… has President Obama found a church he likes yet?
Thanks, Obama, for the big slap in the face to the 9/11 victims, their families, and all our armed forces that are trying to eliminate the source of terrorism against our country. I'm done being nice. You're the biggest POS to ever occupy the White House.
I have a right to do a lot of things that I don't and won't do. If I killed my neighbors children (even accidentally) I would have the good sense not to rent a billboard touting my virtue and goodness -especially within sight of their home, or the scene of the crime.
This is the equivalent of flipping us the bird and… I'll stop there so I don't get this comment deleted.
Ohammed should be embarrassed, but is apparently devoid of any sense of Human decency. A stain on our nation that can't be removed soon enough…
For the sake of argument, let us agree that Mr. Obama is not a Muslim. Now someone please point out how his actions would be any different if he was a Muslim. My contention is that there would be no difference.
I am not just talking about the Ground Zero Mosque but his constant attacks upon Christianity and western civilization, his virtual capitulation in Afghanistan, his humiliation tour around the world, and his blatant lies about Islam.
He is a disgusting mass of human flesh, I wonder how he would feel if he would have had a family member die during 911. Oh wait, dumb question, he would probably be just as devoid of emotion, he doesn't care, compassion does not seem to be extended to the citizens he rules.
Yes, yes….the sound of the muslim prayer in the evening is the sweetest sound on earth. Obamas words. Man oh man, this fraud is finally coming out of the muslim closet.
He is pushing every button on the American People's remote!! Someone please find the damn OFF button!! Can we take 2 more years of this absolute treasonous behavior? Hussein Muhammad is the TROJAN HORSE.
Screw political correctness from now on. We are under seige and the memories of those killed have been just crapped on by the userper.
Shocker! Our Anti-American President backs the Victory Muslim Islamist Mosque! steps from where the Mass Murders of 3,000 innocent people took place by Radical Islamic Terrorists! Obama is an Imposter
who's used Abuse of Power to bully America into Socialism! I would like to see him Impeached for Dereliction of Duty, Abuse of Power, and Treason! He has not upheld his Oath of Office! Attorneys present your briefs!
Brainstorm! I have an idea for an enterprising New Yorker. Apply on Monday for a street vendor license selling organic, natural, biodegradeable fertilizer (pig shit). Set up a stand across the street from this monstrocity, don't even wait for it to start construction.
Advertising? Run a loop tape of the names of the people who were murdered on 9/11.
Of course he does… HE'S A mUSLIM!
Muslim Islam.
Yeah, it's in some sewer.
New York has it well within their legal powers powers to stop this, and should have. Congress was unnecessary, and you are correct on ConLaw grounds (though they violate it all the time).
Why are the "elites" so interested in kissing Mooslim ass? Islam is a joke as far as a way of life. It is anti-human, anti-progress, anti-conscience or free will and more… It is a totalitarian political ideology worse than the Not-Sees, and that is one hell of an accomplishment or distinction…
They are engaged in a cultural war with us, and mean to win. If we ever decide to fight back they will reform or become an historical curiosity. Given the choice, most would probably abandon this sick "faith"…
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…"
Like he cares about poll numbers. He has a bigger fish to catch.
Of course not. The only reason he was in Wright's church for 20 years was because of the valuable political connections it gave him and because Wright echoed O's own hatred for the United States. O isn’t now—and never was—a Christian.
Impeach Obama for Abuse of Power, Dereliction of Duty, Treason and Failure to uphold his OATH of Office!
I know Obama often times acts like he's a Prime Minister, but last I checked, the president is not a member of Congress…
And if they were banned from building a Mosque and they sue and it goes to the Supreme Court, what do you think will happen?
Secondly, Islam is not what you speak, rather an extremist sect of fundamentalists who act in the name of Islam. It is not a sick faith, but it does have some sick people acting in its name. Most Muslims are not terrorists and do not want to kill us, believe it or not.
To think they are going to reform against the all out attack against Islam you seem to wish for is delusional. If anything, being attacked only strengthens the opponents resolve.
Also, it is your opinion New York should have stopped this. They didn't, so they must have been fine with the free practice of Religion in New York, no matter how questionable the location of the Mosque might be.
Many people were Muslim before the radicals came along…im not so sure they would 'abandon the sick faith'
The President is an a$$hole and a panderer of Islam. It is a sin to have such vermin leading the country during such dark times.
If he's for religious freedom then how come H.S. students were stopped from saying a payer in front of the Supreme court building?
"Hussein" Obama is either very naïve or an enemy of the USA. I’ll go with the latter. . .
Flying lessons? Anyone?
Here's the real question: Will he also support Greg Gutfeld's proposed gay bar next door to the mosque? And I say that only half in jest.
If he's so concerned about people being able to express their religious freedoms, why is Christianity and Judaism being assaulted and violated on every front possible? In schools, in public meetings, at courthouses, everywhere you can think of people are being prohibited from any public display of religious or patriotic beliefs and this assclown is worried about the MOOOLIMS being able to express their religious freedoms.
It's a sad day in this country when students can't even break into a spontaneous version of the National Anthem at the Lincoln Memorial of all places. Its a fuc^$#^ing disgrace and it needs to be stopped. My personal opinion is we need to take off the kid gloves with these idiots and start telling anybody that thinks the way Hussein thinks that they can catch a plane to the nearest Communist/Socialist country and see how it works out for them.
“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,” he crapped.
Show me that it is a two-way street and I will consider it. I, for one, have ZERO respect for totalitarian scum who subjugate the masses and seek to destroy the true spirit of humanity (Ohammed included). Loving freedom and individual rights is in conflict with their way of "life". I cannot abide this contradiction. As a lover of freedom, liberty and individual human dignity I find Islam to be an abomination against America and humanity at large. Reform or die -PIGS!!!…
Most people really shouldn’t be allowed to make decisions without the supervision of adults, and nowhere is this more evident than in the bungling, self-inflicted wounds so commonly created by Boy King Obama. He just can’t open his mouth without shooting himself in his flat feet.
"ISLAMISM IS NOT A MOVEMENT TO BE ENGAGED, IT IS AN ENEMY TO BE DEFEATED."
Please, commit that to memory. Think of it every time someone tells you that Islam means "peace" or
starts making excuses for the latest chapter in the annals of Islam's war against the West.
Do you mean like before the Muslims conquered Jerusalem and to celebrate their victory they built their mosque on top of Solomon's temple, or in Constantinople where they built their mosque on top of the catholic church to celebrate that victory, or in Cordoba Spain where they built their mosque to celebrate their victory over the Christians and Jews in each instance?
You are all very sketchy. You run around hollering about rediscovering our founding principles and our Constitution, then you turn the other direction hollering in support of something that is completely against the values this nation was founded on.
Freedom of religion is a right for every American, and despite what you want to believe most Muslims are not terrorists and they are not coming to take over. If anyone should be scared about getting taken over it should be the various Middle Eastern nations that WE HAVE taken over.
The location of the Mosque is not the classiest move. But it is what it is, and its within the right of the founders to hold it there. And the Constitution approves of it. So does New York State.
Why is this interesting? Barry is a disgraceful president and citizen; completely deaf and insensitive to anything American…
I'm glad he came out and said it. We all knew he was for this, but was hiding on the issue. It is deeply unpopular with the American people and now he has to pay the price! All the democrats running for re-election will pay the price for this in November, he hates them too!
He had his Ramadan dinner, and over dessert, announced his support for this symbol of Islamic aggression. Obama seems to wait and see what the American people want, and then do the opposite.
.
Mr O should be embarrassed, but is apparently devoid of any sense of human decency.
A stain on our nation that can't be removed soon enough…
"W" also catered to these people, I dispised him for that…
You are implying that they have, or are even capable of taking over this nation.
They are not.
Here's the thing: I figure Obama has to be aware of the poll showing 68% of Americans are opposed to this mosque being built. Now, if he personally doesn't have a problem with it, that's regrettable, but fine. But he has to be aware that supporting its construction–with a rationale that is not merely shallow, but obviously so–is not going to do anything to turn his falling approval rating around. So why does he feel the need to open his mouth about it, when he could just as easily have been mute, or at least said it was an issue for the people of New York to work out? I think TN_Cat has it right, to the extent that he sees it as his job to guide the ignorant masses to enlightenment, the public's feelings on it be darned. Only that can explain, so far as I can tell, his incredible arrogance and naivete on this matter. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am.
Which applies to the current situation because…
Islam IS radical! It was founded as such. You are either blind or too ignorant to see this.
Do you know the significance of the Battle of Poitiers (Battle of Tours)? I know you are a troll, I have seen you many times before, but are you so stupid and self-hating not to see what is going on in the world today? Do you know anything true about world history? Or do you yearn to get in line and be fitted for your chains?
No that's just their goal. Along with the leftists that are trying to bring down our constitutional republic. They are trying to import sharia law which is antithetical to our way of life, and liberals are assisting them in their goal in the name of diversity.
What a surprise, the Liar in Chief, Obama, backs the Victory Mosque! He also lies! & deliberately ruined our Economy
He also makes deals with Mexico & foreign Country Dictators. He also passes Legislation against the will of The People!
He also made history by plunging America into it's worst debt in History by using Cloward & Piven to force U.S. into Marxism! Obama is the worst President in History. I agree with Ben Quayle!
I want to Impeach Obama ASAP!
Surprise!
And my goal is to bang eight supermodels at the same time. Not happening.
Yeah, saw that the first time around moron. States have the right through zoning and community interest to determine whether a structure can be built, or an existing one can be utilized for any given purpose. Freedom doesn't mean life is a "free-for-all". There are limits. This is not anarchy.
Yes, yes, we are all prejudiced, intolerant, and inflexible…whatever!
But, have any of the idiots in charge ever stopped to think of the dangers of being TOO tolerant, TOO flexible, and passing no judgement at all? I can't remember who said that, but it seems to be a matter of common sense that you can lose the kingdom either way!
Let's all be so open minded our brains fall out!!!
I weep for our country.
in your case probably. But with the One in power in the white house and his minions surrounding him actively working to create the chaos necessary for a grand change to be imposed for "Our own good", of course. Something will always come along to fill a vacuum. Destroy the economy, create the opportunity.
Would you expect anything different from a koran thumping, wright clinging charlatan? He makes like the welcome wagon for illegal invaders, incites racial tension at every opportunity and promotes riot conditions against a state for attempting to protect their borders (a job he is responsible for). The terrorists may have been right about destroying us from within, but I don't TRUST him! May the other side of the building be used as a pork slaughter house.
Muslims have no place in the US period.
Excellent point and when he gave a speech somewhere (Georgetown Univ?) he made them put a black cloth over the cross on the wall.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…"
But the President can endorse one? *cough* The president ought to have stayed silent. Instead, he f'd up like he did in the cambridge police situation. The President enforces the laws, since there is NO law concerning the establishment of a religion, he ought to stay silent on the issue of endorsing religious building construction. He can endorse Islam all he wants as a citizen, but when it comes to PROMOTING religion, as President, he needs to stay SILENT.
This guy is a freakin' idiot when it comes to actually governing, and we were too stupid to see through his "Hope and Change" campaign.
If we truly had freedom of religion then the government would not be forcing Catholic institutions to provide birth control coverage for their employees – since it goes against their faith. This is government control of a religious institution – wouldn't you say?
Yeah, perhaps Obama was serious when he said he'd rather be a "great" one term president than a mediocre two termer. And hey, there are actually some people who still consider Jimmy Carter to have been a great president; the ruling class of Iran comes to mind.
Actually there's nothing in the Constitution that says they are guaranteed to build in any particular spot. It's a local matter for the local government. It's a zoning issue at best. If the city of New York has zoned it for religious purposes then it's allowed.
I think it's in bad taste and should be built elsewhere but unless the zoning is changed then this should be allowed. I also think that a gay bar and homosexual adult novelty store should be built right next to it. Gotta respect everyone's rights.
Ever heard of Cordoba? If not I suggest you read more besides spouting innanities about the jihadists in this country. People like you will be the first ones to be beheaded just like Daniel Pearl.
There is a fine line between applauding diversity and ass-kissing the enemy.
it is thinking such as that which was being bantered about before the first WW
We should drive all the muslims out of America. We need to cleanse this land. Saudi Arabia doesn't tolerate chruches, why should we allow hate spewing mullahs to preach their violent Satanic rhetoric? Freedom of religion is for Christianity and it's many sects not for terrorists posing as holy men. I've had enough of tolerating criminals. If I had my way all the anti-American leftists would be shipped out to live in their socialist paradise in Europe or
with their Islamic brothers in the middle east.
And he will worship in it.
You've got it right Galt. The city should have stopped this but BoBo had to stick his mouth in it. This man is a blessing to the conservative movement. He'll drop another 6-8% in the polls because of this and he'll drag the rest of the liberal loonies with him.
Maybe someone can get him to give his opinion on Castro, Hitler, Stalin and Mao.
No surprise there for me considering who and what No Bama is.
One nice thing about living in Nebraska is that it's so dull here even the terrorists don't want to live here.
The Obamosque. Has a ring to it.
In any case, at least we can put a torch to the argument that "it's a local issue".
Did anyone think that Obama would not back the Mosque being built at the Ground Zero site?…… I mean really think that he would not back the Mosque?
Obama grew up believing that rights of Minorities outweigh the rights of the Majority. Obamas whole life is built around that very principal.
Now that he is President, and telling Americans what they will do, ordering Americans what to believe, now some people in the United States are shocked or surprised? If 70 or 80% of Americans want to go one way, Obama automatically seeks to take the Nation in the opposite direction. It is just how Obama is, and that fact is not going to change.
OK…
Don't ask, he won't tell?
Obonzo is an enemy, without a doubt. Given his falling poll numbers, he sees no reason to further conceal his true face. With leaders like him, who needs enemies.
Another priceless example of the application of Alinski's Rule # 4, "Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules. You can kill them with this, for they can no more obey their own rules than the Christian church can live up to Christianity."
In this case, it means we must tolerate the intolerant living among us and yes it will kill us in the end and that is the whole idea.
With his desire to sleep with the enemy of our freedom loving society, Obama exposes his divided loyalty to the public and no president should EVER have divided loyalty, EVER !
He loves Mao so much he had "dear leader" Mao ornaments on his Christmas….errrr…Holiday Tree.
Careful what you ask for…Kevin Jennings will present HIS briefs!
Agreed….K M K is living proof that somewhere a village is missing it useful idiot.
There is a prayer rug in the Whitehouse. Want proof? Go back to when he did his BP speech. Everybody said "that was real short". Yeah it had to end by 820pm because that was when he had to do his evening prayers. I had a bet on it at the office and won hands down.
Ok I said it before and I'll say it again….the simple and confrontational free solution for this Mosque is to taint the earth at the site with pigs blood….barrels of it….50 gallon barrels of it…in the cement…on the raw ground. The ground will be tainted and can NEVER be used as a place of worship by any Muslim. Plain and simple…now get to work!!
If he was not so politically tone deaf, he'd show some leadership and suggest this Mosquestrosity be erected elsewhere….Like in the "SandBox"…
Nice try loser. Who said they didn't have the right to build their grotesque slap in the face? Did I miss a post here? It IS classless on the part of the scum who have proposed this abomination, and it is gutless on the part of those who could have stopped it. One of the values this nation was founded on was RESPECT, and these primitive barbarian scum have absolutely none for either you nor anyone else not adhering to their way of "life". Freedom of conscience (not religion) is a founding principle of this nation. America does not conquer and occupy other nations anywhere on Earth, despite what your two-bit lefty bloggers or "professors" tell you. The Constitution is SILENT on the specifics of this particular matter, and the "leadership" in New York city ignored the will of the people. May they all be thrown out on their asses…
“Our capacity to show not merely tolerance, but respect to those who are different from us'
Do you suppose that means we can take the Ten Commandments out of mothballs?
But meanwhile the party that in practice as opposed to theory really believes the Constiution should be a fluid document is the GOP and evidenced by their push to over turn both the 14th and 17th ammendments.
You tell em Galt…Right on…!!!
That's why you have 78 points..!
Boom! Another troll bites the dust.
Surprise? You got to be kidding.
He is a Muslim.
This is such a moot point. There are billions of dollars of Saudi money invested here in real estate, sitting in our banks, and in our stock market. Not to mention the billions each and every one of us send there for oil. What difference does it really make if we put up a Mosque? I wouldnt be surprised if they've leased space in the Freedom Tower.
You are not rational at all. No one is at threat of being beheaded other than our troops we send to conquor the Middle East. Get it through your heads: It is us who is taking over other nations, not them. Cordoba has nothing to do with America in 2010.
"The location of the Mosque is not the classiest move. But it is what it is, and its within the right of the founders to hold it there. And the Constitution approves of it. So does New York State. "
You are right. Absolutely. The Constitution approves and, in fact, demands that it be allowed. What person on earth, though, would build it there? What sane, caring person would build a mosque at this site? What purpose is there that is believable to the average American? There is no reason for this mosque other than to add insult to injury. None. Those that would choose this site are enemies to real Americans because they want to be. Go ahead and build it, see what happens.
You do realize nobody here is using the Constitution to say they can't build this, right? Gutfield had a line last week that perfectly surmised my feelings on it:
Like I said before, I’m totally tolerant, and if they want to build the thing, go for it. But just realize if you do, you’re a jerk.
Ok, you are an idiot. There is no point in trying to be rational with such a dumb, emotionally driven idiot who throws out silly, dimwitted drivel for arguments.
Washington…"We have a problem"… and it is YOU!!
Will there be any Dims left in Congress after Nov 2- 2010 ?
Only the "Black Cauckus"……
So why is polygamy illegal? Why can't you marry your 8 super models and call it your religion?
I was pretty shocked myself. What were the odds he would say something like that??
And to further show your ignorance and shallowness, I am not a lefty.
And as I quoted above, the Constitution is not silent on this matter. Freedom to practice religion is a founding value of this nation.
God help us…
I am fine with the idea of the freedom of practicing your religion. I am not fine with the stick they keep poking in my eye.
Ok, did you really just imply that all Musims are criminals and terrorists posing as holy men? And that just by being Muslim they preach satanic rhetoric? Seriously. You all are ignorant. No wonder liberals hate republicans so much. Sometimes I hate Republicans as much as I hate liberals.
"If we truly had freedom of religion then the government would not be forcing Catholic institutions to provide birth control coverage for their employees"
Precisely. And yet another bit of evidence that the Federal government needs to shrink back to the size intended by the founders. Many have their pet projects/initiatives and visions for what the Feds can do, but then lose sight of two facts: He who pays the Piper calls the tune (unless you are a mere individual taxpayer), and -if you have a right to the unearned, so do I.
"Government funding" is just another way of saying it must be done according to Leftist standards or the litigation attorneys will be enriched as they further destroy the true meanings of freedom and liberty. I was cautioned as a child (as most of us were) to be "careful what I wished for" lest it come true. I leave you with a quote from the "evil" Ayn Rand:
"Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy. The savage's whole existence is public, ruled by the laws of his tribe. Civilization is the process of setting man free from men." from "The Fountainhead"
You are correct! He is a Muslim and an undisciplined one. He had nothing to gain by coming out in support of this mosque. He is so arrogant, he thinks that by endorsing this blight on NYC and the 9/11 site that people will suddenly embrace the vermin who murdered over 3,000 of our Citizens. Hey BHO you are indeed a liar and a traitor to the United States of America.
The Islamization of the America.
Does anybody understand what Islam actually is?
It is not a Religion or a Cult.
It is a governing system with political, legal, economic and military components. The religion component is the beard for all the other components.
Muslims are invading all parts of the world. Islamization takes place when a sufficient number of Muslims in a Country protest for their religious rights. Once these rights are accepted, all the other components of Islam creep in under the table.
How about we leave the 14th and just start interpreting it correctly again, throw out the 16th along with the 17th, and call it even?
Stupid and self hating? No. Maybe I do see whats going on: Our country is determined to occupy and take over the Middle East, fighting a hobgoblin we cannot even identify, much less defeat. We are going the way of the Russians, who made the same mistake. The destruction we are causing over there only builds more resolve in the extremists and gives them more reason to fight and more recruits to do it with. We are not going to win over there. And they will not take over this nation. People like those on this board will not allow it.
While I don't like the fact of the muslims building near Ground Zero….. The fact is we are afforded Freedom from the Government establishing a national religion. We are not really afforded freedom to practice any religion we choose. We are free from the Government telling us what religion we should be. There is a large difference. The Government should not even be involved in this battle. The Government also holding a dinner promoting a holiday for Muslims but trying to abolish national prayer day is what we are supposed to be Free from. While I am conservative on most issues I am first and foremost a constitutionalist. I don't like the fact though that Obama is promoting it. That is what I should be free from. That alone steps on my constitutional rights.
What does that have anything to do with this, other than that the government is breaking the oath of our founders? So because they are doing wrong there, instead of backing out of that and staying free form these matters, you suggest they dive further in?
Fun with Obamathematics
Father + Mother = Little Barry
—————————————————————
Kenyan + American = American
Black/Arab + White = Black
Communist + Communist = Capitalist
Muslim/Atheist + Atheist = Christian
I don't know about you all, but that's some fuzzy math. I wonder which part of him was on the pitcher's mound throwing a baseball looking like the St. Louis Arch 5 feet from the plate rocking the mom jeans. That's an equation I'd like to see.
eye opening, but those on the left are in complete denial of what is occurring. The left thinks all we need to do is be nice to musllims and things will be OK. We know better.
"………..Obama Backs Ground Zero Mosque,……."
I just love the way these 'headlines" come to us as if,………….
they were telling us something we didn't already know.
I agree. And I agree on your last point: See waht happens when it gets built. They are building it at their own risk. I pretty much guarantee it will be vandalized and damaged constantly. Thats the risk they will take.
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