Mosque at 51 Park Place, NY, NY

[Urbane Guerrilla]

Après qu'on fetche la vache, we'll tell him we've got another!

[Happy Monkey]

Now they've gone too far!

The Muslims have built a minaret on the 2012 Republican Convention logo!

[classicman]

As much as I would love to attack the Republicans for being "Islamic Fascist" as a University of Tampa student
the minaret is part of Plant Hall on our campus.

bold mine ...

This is a non-story. It was a non-story when the right was going nuts about the new missile defense logo (http://biggovernment.com/fgaffney/20...es-a-crescent/) and it's a non-story now that the GOP is using a logo with minarets.

Let's not get into meaningless symbology.

[Happy Monkey]

I would have thought that it was obvious that I was being tongue in cheek.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I'm more concern about the red exploding oil rig on the logo.

[Undertoad]

David Frum figures it out: the mosque idea is a real estate developer's floated notion, and it was just a stunt and will never be built. This seems highly plausible to me.

[TheMercenary]

And to imagine all the bs that was generated over the issue. Another example of the volatility information age, add a little internet and a hot button issue. What would motivate someone to start this rumor.

[tw]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

And to imagine all the bs that was generated over the issue. Another example of the volatility information age, add a little internet and a hot button issue. What would motivate someone to start this rumor.

Extremists used animosity to blame 11 September on Saddam and Islam. No extremist hatred; then no volatility.

Neither Islam nor Saddam created 11 September. Volatility and "Mission Accomplished" both directly traceable to an extremist agenda. Extremism is the only reason why this thread even exists.

Good that the mosque was proposed. Demonstrated how widespread and explosive this extremist hostility is. Volatility identifies both extremists and those easily brainwashed by their political agenda. Shame on them for so dishonoring the 3000 that died with lies. Islam did not create 11 September. Only lies from a political agenda - not the Internet - created this resulting volatility.

Amazing how some still deny the only reason for this controversy.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I think you've mentioned that.

[tw]

Extremists have not apologized yet for promoting hate that made this issue volatile. Not that I expect extremists to be honest. The purpose of extremism is to lie for a political agenda. An honest apology would only subvert the agenda.

“Fear, little girl. There might be a Muslim hiding in your closet.” Once the word Muslim was replaced by Jew. Same hate. Different bogeyman. Different century. Same purpose.

Next, we will start blaming immigrants. Always have an enemy. Hate makes recruiting the most naïve easy.

[xoxoxoBruce]

No, just illegal immigrants.

[Shawnee123]

Originally Posted by tw

Extremists have not apologized yet for promoting hate that made this issue volatile. Not that I expect extremists to be honest. The purpose of extremism is to lie for a political agenda. An honest apology would only subvert the agenda.

“Fear, little girl. There might be a Muslim hiding in your closet.” Once the word Muslim was replaced by Jew. Same hate. Different bogeyman. Different century. Same purpose.

Next, we will start blaming immigrants. Always have an enemy. Hate makes recruiting the most naïve easy.

When we say "It's Bush's fault" it's akin to saying "it was Hitler's fault" in my eyes.

I thought about that last night, and was glad to see tw put it much more eloquently than I would have.

If'n you all want to fear someone, fear ME!

[jinx]

The #1 reason for illegal immigration is immigration laws so ridiculous and restrictive as to make people we need go illegal.

Yeah, you know, it's just like banks. If they weren't so damn secure and restrictive fewer people would have to rob them.

Jackass.

[classicman]

Thanks for proving my point.

[Lamplighter]

Whether you like Obama or not, he has made an exceptional statement in support of freedom of religion,
and (therefore) in support of building this mosque.

NY Times article
Obama Strongly Backs Islam Center Near 9/11 Site

In part, he said:

“I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground zero is, indeed, hallowed ground,” the president said in remarks prepared for the annual White House iftar, the sunset meal breaking the day’s fast.

But, he continued: “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are.”

In his remarks, Mr. Obama distinguished between the terrorists who plotted the 9/11 attacks and Islam. “Al Qaeda’s cause is not Islam — it is a gross distortion of Islam,” the president said, adding, “In fact, Al Qaeda has killed more Muslims than people of any other religion, and that list includes innocent Muslims who were killed on 9/11.”

Noting that “Muslim Americans serve with honor in our military,” Mr. Obama said that at next week’s iftar at the Pentagon, “tribute will be paid to three soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq and now rest among the heroes of Arlington National Cemetery.”

I have posted this statement by Obama, and previously posted Mayor Bloomberg's statement, in the hope that people will see that this is not an issue for partisan politics or even of the "war on terrorism".

It is a matter of basic freedom of religion and is essential for our form of government.