'Ground Zero' Mosque - New York

Ground Zero marks the spot where the World Trade Center once Stood in Lower Manhattan in New York City. It sits on 16 Acres, 2 blocks or around the corner away from the site where plans to build a mosque have come about. Mind you, the mosque won't be built ON the Ground Zero site but close to its vicinity.

Americans *smh* SOME should learn when to hold their piece for the sake of "not looking STUPID" - C'mon Son

"It is my hope that the mosque will help to bring our city even closer together and help repudiate the false & repugnant idea that the attacks of 9/11 were in any ways consistent with Islam." - Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Beautifully said.

Now there's the pressing issue of Islamophobia. Religious leaders warn of a surge with hate speech and opposition to new Islamic centres across America.

A Florida church, Dove World Outreach Centre, is planning a "burn the Qur'an" day on September 11 and has already outraged Muslims by planting a sign on its front lawn that reads: Islam is the Devil.

The church's senior pastor, Terry Jones, has said he is "exposing Islam for what it is".

"It is a violent and oppressive religion that is trying to masquerade itself as a religion of peace, seeking to deceive our society," the church said. "Islam is a lie based upon lies and deceptions and fear. In Muslim countries, if you preach the gospel or convert to Christianity – you will be killed. That is the type of religion it is."

Yeah & burning the Quran in retaliation is definetly an act coming from a religion of peace?! *note the STRONG sense of sarcasm*

O_o - & they say muslims are crazy!

ANYWAY...

As of Last night, Obama acknowledged "sensitivities" surround the 9/11 site, but said Muslims have the same right to practise their religion "as anyone else". (Am I provoking you more? - Keep reading you ignorant schmuck!)

In a speech at a White House dinner celebrating Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, Mr Obama waded into the row, saying:

"We must all recognise and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of lower Manhattan, Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground. But let me be clear, as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practise their religion as anyone else in this country.

The site of the proposed mosque is about two blocks from the former World Trade Center

"That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community centre on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. 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."

He told the group of US Congressmen, government officials and foreign dignitaries that America's tradition of religious tolerance distinguishes it from "our enemies".

"Al-Qaeda's cause is not Islam," he said, "it is a gross distortion of Islam".

*teary-eyed* - Well said homeboy *sniff* Imma put my personal feelings against you aside & admit THAT was Beautiful *applause*