Imam Plans to Proceed With So-Called Ground Zero Mosque

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The imam is amazed at how "inflamed" the near ground zero issue has become. Has he looked over his shoulder and noticed how inflamed his co-religionists get over the mere presence of a Jew or Christian in any country or even neighborhood controlled by Islam.

Cliff Franks of AZ 8:12PM September 11, 2010

Does Muslim iman Feisal represent the Islamic religion? Is this the level of tolerance we can expect from these people? Would you enjoy being his friend or neighbor? I ask that you search your hearts and minds and answer the question honestly! Why doesn't the Muslim community become involved? What would you do or say if your minister or priest acted in this manner?

312capri of NM 8:07PM September 11, 2010

While one person talks about burning the coran, the Muslims are burning the American flag and that doesn't bother anyone?? To build a mosque on the site (or very near )of the Twin Towers. Is their way to bring America to its knees. (and not to pray) To take "In God we Trust" off the American coin is the saddest thing I've ever heard. Do we have them change their writings in their countrys? We bend to their wishes to cover our heads when in their country, but in ours ,they refuse all our wishes!!! Tolerance!! The US is a Christian country and must let no one take it away from us!!

Linda Colonna of OH 8:49AM September 11, 2010

I totally agree with the Iman is a hyprocrite writing. Fiesal Abdul Rauf's comments are all self serving. Where is his understanding for the sensitivity of the issue. Why not move his mosque 10 blocks away from the 9/11 location, where is HIS tolerance...!!!. Who is he to talk about National Security for the US. He was a waiter 10 years ago in New York city, as per the former New York State governor. All Americans should stand fast and stop this muslim arrogance that is creeping up all over our country. Just look what the muslims are doing in Europe, this alone should be an eye opener for all of us.

Cor Verboom of TX 2:18PM September 10, 2010

As unpopular as this decision appears to be, we have a Constitution that guarantees OUR freedoms, including religion. Once you start taking away those freedoms from select groups, you might as well disregard the entire Constitution. As tasteless as this project appears to be, this so-called mosque appears to be more of a tolerance issue than a conceivable "slap in the face by extremists". Otherwise, it would not be called a Community Center with plans for a 9-11 memorial and separate faith prayer rooms. My guess is that this whole thing will be forgotten in less than a decade.
My faith is Christianity, I am a Caucasian, Conservative male, who did not vote for Obama and do not believe that Muhammad was a prophet. In 2005, I deployed to Iraq and was attached to a reserve Marine infantry battalion that sustained more casualties during OIF than any other unit. Currently, I am deployed to the Middle East ISO Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
The actions of the terrorists on Sep 11 were opposed to many principles of the Muslim faith. To judge an entire religion based on the actions of a few (or even few million) is wrong no matter how you attempt to argue it. If one disagrees, another can refer to history, specifically the actions of Christians during the 200-year span of nine crusades against the infidels (Turks) who occupied Jerusalem. As a call to arms and to rally support for the first crusade, Pope Urban II reportedly offered forgiveness of sins, thus entry into heaven. Does this sound familiar (72 virgins in heaven)? Not only did the Crusades wage war against Muslims in the Holy Land, aggression was also directed towards Jews, pagans, and other Christian faiths. However, most Muslims at the time accepted tolerance and freedom of religion.
Our nation was founded on Christian principles as was our Constitution drafted. We progressed beyond the indifferences and accepted diversity as our strength, which was the downfall of lesser nations who did not. We offer protection to the oppressed yet stay true to our Constitutional rights. Take that away and we are no better than the terrorists who twist their own faith’s ideals to rally support for a perverted goal- destruction of Western ways and Christianity. This is ironic because most Muslims recognize Jesus Christ as a messenger of God and believe He will return just before the day of judgment.
As my creed states- “I will support and defend the Constitution of the Unites States of America…” and will do so without reservation that this is the suitable action so that we can continue to openly express our opinions and enjoy freedoms that very few nations grant to their citizens.

RC of IL 2:01PM September 10, 2010

Why is it OK for Muslims to stone and behead people? Why is Sharia law so barbaric?
Why is it OK for Muslims to kill doctors on humanitarian aid missions for carrying a Bible?
Why is it OK that US troops must destroy their Bibles when they are protecting Muslims in a Muslim country?
Where is the tolerance and sensitivity on the part of the Muslims on where they construct a victory mosque and recruitment center?
Why isn't a mosque 4 blocks away sufficiently close?
Who is to say the Muslims killed in the Twin Towers attacks were Amricans first and foremost?
Why do Americans need to be in servitude to "political correctness"?
Restore honor in American values and principles!

Citizen of WI 1:34PM September 10, 2010

And,please donot forget that our Islamic Extremist Lover,Now Openly Muslim
himself,Barack Hussein Obama had already told jus even before his pathetic Muslim Ramadan Official White House Dinner,that "I Stand With The Muslims"
and so,is it any wonder then that Muslim in Chief Wannabe Barack Obama,
publically demands that New York City Allow these Extremist Muslims under
Radical Muslim Inman Rauf to build a 9-11 Muslim Victory Mosque in a building
that was damaged by landing gear from one of two highjacked airliners used by
Muslim Al_Qeada Connected Terrorist to bring down the two Twin Towers at the
WTC on 9-11-200! This disgusting weakling Muslim Lover pathetic excuse of a
President of the United States of America from Kenya Barack Hussein Obama,
must have had his support for this 9-11 Muslim Victory Mosque planned even
before his disgusting Muslim Ramadan White House State Dinner,now then..And,
the time has come to remove Barack Hussein Obama from power either by his
own Resignation or by Impeachment! ..We cannot allow this cowardly wimpy
Muslim from Kenya tlo remain in power as President for anothr two years....
Oh how I love seeing our glorius leader Obama pictured even bowing to a cub
scout that is on the same page as this article just like obama bows to the Saudi
Rulers and apologizes for the USA even existing as well! Obama has to go!
And,as someone who lost three friends at the WTC on 9-11 frankly I find Obama
and his fellow Democrat Mayor of New York City Micheal Bloomberg for building
this insulting,disgusting beyond all words,9-11 Muslim Victory Mosque near the
9-11 Ground Zero Fallen Twin Towers disgusting beyond all words...Please America NEVER FORGET 9-11-2001 and Say NO 9-11 Muslim Victory Mosque!

Ralph of AZ 1:19PM September 10, 2010

Frank,
You are a moron. Not one sentence in your ranting screed made any sense or was based on any facts. Just generalizations and conservative rants whipped up by Beck and Limbaugh.
Look at the other comments above you and then compare them to yours. People like you are perfect examples of why neocons are out of their minds and are laughed at by intelligent, rational Americans.

Tom of CT 1:00PM September 10, 2010

Americans need to remember that Muslims died in the Towers, too. They may not have been great in number but they were Americans and members of families who loved them. They were Americans first and members of a particular religion second.
Most of us have never known life in an oppressive society. Among the nations and cultures of the world, we are the most free and open in expressing personal opinions on any and all topics--even if we would be wiser to keep our mouths shut and merely be thought a fool rather than to open it and prove the point.
We lived through 8 years of the Bush administration without this kind of anger; his supporters will live through this administration. That is part of what makes this nation so different from any other--even the major democracies.
Those who rant and scream the loudest and longest can't seem to grasp that intolerance today against another could someday be turned against them. That, too, is the nature of our democracy. Those in power today will not be there forever. Tomorrow brings a peaceful change in power-holders. It's the way we do it in this country.
I consider myself a conservative Christian who happens to be caucasian. But I would remind other Christians of one of our primary commandments: "Love your neighbor as yourself." That 'neighbor does not necessarily have to love in the house or apartment precisely next to you.

Joy Heiens of OH 10:45AM September 10, 2010

While I believe construction of this religious facility to be of profound insensitivity given its location, despite it's monuments to honor those lost in the 9/11 attack and its multidisciplinary approach, we are a country founded on the concept of religious freedom.
We are currently witnessing the trade off so to speak of these benefits. In affording religious freedom we often have to endure things that are not popular. I agree with a large number of Americans that this does have a rather searing quality; however, this is the very thing that separates us from extremist nations. The concept of "they wouldn't do it for us" is an important distinguishing feature that should make us proud.
I understand that many believe this undermines what American's have fought for, but remember, the whole point of our endeavors are to promote democracy and freedom. This is where tolerance comes in. We do not have to like this, but we do not get to say our country stands for something, fight for it, spend billions promoting it elsewhere and then not permit it within our borders because it is not popular. We know what that's called.
Remember that Muslims are American's too and they will get to witness the impending burning of the Koran soon. We all get to be tolerant. As "One nation under God" reactionary reasoning is not the goal.

Michelle of OH 5:58AM September 10, 2010