August 15, 2010
"Ground Zero" Mosque - Questions of Religious Rights
CBS News
President Barack Obama said Friday that Muslims have the same right to freedom of religion – as everyone else in America – to build a mosque near “ground zero” in New York City.
However, he’s not saying whether he thinks it is a good idea to do so.
Obama’s comment -- during a family vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida -- expanded on a statement he made at a White House dinner.
“My intention was simply to let people know what I thought – which was that in this country we treat everybody equally and in accordance with the law, regardless of race or religion.
“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 that people have which dates back to our founding.”
LOCATION PROBLEM
On Friday at a dinner celebrating the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, Obama said that Muslims shouldn’t be forbidden from building a mosque on account of where it’s located.
“As a citizen, and as President, I believe Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country, and that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America.”
The speech prompted swift condemnation from Republicans. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum said, “Islam is not just a religion, it is also a political doctrine.” He said the mosque would “desecrate the ground of those who were murdered by people who practice the faith.”
On Saturday, Obama admitted it was a “difficult” issue but said his stand was consistent with American values.
GROUP 9/11
Newsmax comments that one of the leading groups representing families who lost loved ones in the 911 attacks blasted President Obama for supporting the construction of a mosque near the site of the 9/11 attack.
The group “9/11 Families For A Safe & Strong America” said it was “stunned” by the President’s remarks.
“Obama has abandoned America at the place where America’s heart was broken nine years ago, and where Her true values were on display for all to see.
“Now, this president declares the victims of 9/11 and their families must bear another burden. We must stand silent at the last place in America where 9/11 is still remembered with reverence – at risk of being called religious bigots.
“Building the mosque is a deliberately provocative act that will precipitate more bloodshed in the name of Allah,” the group claimed.
REPUBLICANS ALSO
Other prominent Republican leaders on Saturday also attacked Obama’s speech and suggested the motive behind the mosque was deliberately provocative.
Republican congressman Peter King, who represents New York in the U.S. House of Representatives, said the Muslim community was “abusing” its rights and needlessly offending many people.
“It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of ground zero. Unfortunately the President caved in to political correctness.”
As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in public schools.
When you ask of a stranger that which is of interest only to yourself, always include a stamp.
--- Abraham Lincoln
Always remember you’re unique – just like everyone else.
If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.
By Lindsey Wilger Williams, retired newspaper publisher and syndicated columnist
