THE TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama has offered strong support for plans to build a mosque and Muslim community centre near the Ground Zero site in New York where Islamic terrorists destroyed the World Trade Centre.
Mr Obama made his first public remarks on the proposals on Friday night after weeks avoiding comment on a controversial issue that has dominated headlines.
At a dinner celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, he declared "as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country".
In remarks prepared for the annual White House sunset meal breaking the fast, he said: "I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground."
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."
Robert Gibbs, his press secretary, said last week that the president did not want to "get involved in local decision-making" as controversy grew when New York city authorities removed the last planning hurdle to the project. >>> Philip Sherwell in New York | Saturday, August 14, 2010
NOTHING and NO-ONE will EVER convince me that this man isn't a MUSLIM. He got to the White House by deceiving the people, isn't qualified for the high, prestigious office he now holds, and he thereby endangers not only the existence of Judeo-Christian America, but also the existence of the West as well.
The sooner that Americans rid themselves of this loser, the better it will be for us all. He is a traitor to the cause. He should be upholding Western values, not Islamic ones. Shouldn't this be an impeachable offence? – © Mark [This comment can also be viewed on The DailyTelegraph’s website]
ATLAS SHRUGS: Pamela Geller >>>
I observe from afar, from across the Pond, how this Muslim president is unmaking America. My heart weeps. How Americans could have been gulled by this phoney upstart, I'll never know. I guess it is testimony to the good nature of Americans – their desire to think only the best of others.
Alas, they have been deceived. Their president has had a hidden agenda; but the truth is coming out with each passing day.
It is unimaginable to me that Americans will be fooled a second time. So, as you say, Pamela, B. Hussein Obama has sealed his fate.
The sooner that Americans rid themselves of this loser, the better it will be for all concerned, Europeans too. Western values need to be upheld. Islam doesn't need someone like this foolish president to fight its corner for it; they - and history - have shown pretty clearly that Muslims are quite capable of fighting their own. But the West does need someone to bat for it. It is, and has been since 9/11, under attack. This president is helping the process of the Islamization of your wonderful country. Surely this should be an impeachable offence. – © Mark
This comment also appears on Atlas Shrugs.
LE POINT: NEW YORK - Obama favorable à la mosquée de Ground Zero: Il a finalement tranché. Dans un plaidoyer passionné pour la liberté de culte, le président américain Barack Obama a défendu vendredi le droit d'installer une mosquée près du site des attentats du 11-Septembre à New York, intervenant pour la première fois dans ce dossier potentiellement explosif. >>> AFP | Samedi 14 Août 2010
