Opposition to 'Ground Zero Mosque' Is a Victory for Al Qaeda

The United States is not at war with Islam. It is at war with a small, deadly and extreme faction of Islamic crackpots. One of the best things about President George W. Bush's response to the 9/11 attacks was that he immediately understood and made clear that distinction.

For the umpteenth time: the way the terrorists win is by provoking overreaction. Say it again. Recite each day. Any American politician who does not understand this basic truth (Hello Ms. Palin, and Mr. Gingrich) is far too dumb, or dangerous, to let near public office, much less the presidency.

So here's a tip of the hat to Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City historic building commission, who refused to knuckle under to the hysteric protesters who wanted to distort a local preservation ordinance in order to keep a Muslim cultural center and mosque from opening in lower Manhattan, near the site of the World Trade Center. If any place on the planet needs healing, and praying, it is Ground Zero. I would put the mosque right there on Vesey St.

[Poll: Should a Mosque Be Built Near Ground Zero?]

While we are at it, somebody please explain to me why the Anti-Defamation League joined the protesters. Bin Laden's goons made no religious distinction: they were out to kill Americans. The victims of the twin towers were mostly Christian, and included Muslims, Jews, atheists and folks of other faiths.

There is nothing anti-Semitic about the building of a mosque. And only when we start thinking that way, does al Qaeda win.

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