Breaking: Obama Defends Ground Zero Mosque as ‘The Writ of Our Founders’

by Warner Todd Huston | August 13, 2010 9:18 pm

-By Warner Todd Huston

We have finally heard the full and definitive take that President Obama has on the outrageous Ground Zero mosque project. He’s all for it.

During Obama’s Ramadan celebration dinner (called an Iftar dinner) Obama addressed the Ground Zero mosque.

Even as Obama claimed that he understood that Ground Zero was “hallowed ground” he went on to say that the Muslims may build their Mosque anywhere they want and we should let them because of it is in keeping with “the writ from our founders.”

Here are the relevant parts of the address (my bold for emphasis):

That is not to say that religion is without controversy. Recently, attention has been focused on the construction of mosques in certain communities — particularly in New York. Now, we must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of lower Manhattan. The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. The pain and suffering experienced by those who lost loved ones is unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. 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 practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center 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. The writ of our Founders must endure.

We must never forget those who we lost so tragically on 9/11, and we must always honor those who have led our response to that attack — from the firefighters who charged up smoke-filled staircases, to our troops who are serving in Afghanistan today. And let us always remember who we are fighting against, and what we are fighting for. Our enemies respect no freedom of religion. Al Qaeda’s cause is not Islam — it is a gross distortion of Islam. These are not religious leaders — these are terrorists who murder innocent men, women and children. In fact, al Qaeda has killed more Muslims than people of any other religion — and that list of victims includes innocent Muslims who were killed on 9/11.

See Obama’s full address HERE[1].

Endnotes:
  1. HERE: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/08/obama-ramadan-iftar-remarks-text.html

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