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Subscribe to RSSNBC's Shawna Thomas reports that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi weighed in on the New York City mosque controversy.
Pelosi said she supports the mosque, but wants to see where the group is getting its funding.
New York first responders have been upset of the lack of action on the 9/11 Health and Compensation. Pelosi also calls for support of that act:
"The freedom of religion is a Constitutional right. Where a place of worship is located is a local decision.
"I support the statement made by the Interfaith Alliance that 'We agree with the ADL that there is a need for transparency about who is funding the effort to build this Islamic center. At the same time, we should also ask who is funding the attacks against the construction of the center.'
"For all of those expressing concern about the 9/11 families, we call upon them to join us in support of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act."
Leave a Comment:
Since there is controversy why not have transparency of the funds supporting the Islamic center? It seems a reasonable compromise to allow it (or if the wrong sources are found to be bankrolling it ban it anywhere and everywhere).
Now she wants to know where the money is coming from? Yesterday she wanted to know where/who the ones are that are against the muslim islamic center. Course after a day of outrage against her dumb ass she is changing her tune. I didn't know people in San Fran were so ignorant to keep voting for this idiot!
Well done Speaker Palosi.
This is my thought from all the things I have heard and read on this. I put a copy here because it seems fitting. Thanks for listening...or reading anyway.
The whole Nation went through 9-11 not just New York. All of America was under attack that day and that includes Muslim Americans. Take away the "it doesn't feel right" argument then ask yourself if one person has given a real reason for not building this center. The key word in "Muslim American" is AMERICAN, that is all that should matter. The laws say as to what is right and what is wrong. The thing no one wants to say is, if this center being built two blocks away from ground zero bothers you then it is you that have a problem. It is your fear; your insecurity; your bigotry; your ignorance and your lack of faith that needs to be evaluated. There was a time when Christianity as a doctrine and Christians as a people were not powerful or popular. During that time we were persecuted for our beliefs. Now we are a powerful religious group and we are blessed to live in a place where we are not persecuted practicing of our faith. Do we now want to become the ones persecuting others? Is that what our bible teaches us? The answer is NO. It may not be easy, it may not be what we want to hear, but it is simple. The center should be built and we should all take time to evaluate what hate or bigotry we harbor in our hearts.
1. I agree that the key word here is American. But it is not we who are making the distinction. It is the muslim community. It is just like Black American, Hispanic American, Chinese American. Why put something in front of American. As long as we do that, division will continue. It is the groups that are dividing our nation.
2. This is not a religious issue!!!!!!!! No one is objecting because it is a religious issue. It's not! It is a moral issue. Would anyone object if the Nazi party built a community center near a synagog? Would anyone care if the KKK built an office next to a church that serves mainly blacks? How about if the Japanese built a museum to honor their WWII dead on the shore near the Arizona? Of course they would object loudly. This is the same thing. Muslim terrorists killed almost 3,000 Americans on 9/11. Building a mosque a stone's throw from the site of that atrocity is simply immoral, gross, stupid, and divisive.
3. And lastly, what most Americans refuse to face is this. Christianity is a religion. Judism is a religion. Greek Orthodox is a religion. Buddism is a religion. Taoism is a religion. But, a Muslim's religion is their politics. Radical muslims want the death of anyone who doesn't believe in Islam. And I would bet every penny I have that the mosque near Ground Zero is made up of many, if not the majority of their congregation, radical muslims. This mosque is being built as a SLAP IN THE FACE of Americans and to celebrate the destruction of 9/11. And those muslims in this country that want peace, don't have the intestinal fortitude to stand up and say that the radicals are wrong - because they know that they might wake up the next day with their head on the pillow beside their body instead of on it.
A wonderful Response Tom R. You said it well.
1. Most of those communities wants to have a name placed before there rightful title. Most people don't come here to be excluded that defeats the point. Whenever some one calls me an African American or a black American I ask them how many generations of men in my family are going to have to fight for this country before I am just American? (We are going on 4 now)
2. We were at war with the Nazis and they as a whole condoned the killing of many Jews.
The KKK as a whole were responsible and condoned the killing of minorities and are the face of racism in this country.
We were at war with Japan and they as a country participated with the killing of many Americans.
None of these examples are suitable for your point because we are not talking terrorists or the taliban trying to build near ground zero.
3. You made my point here with your own distinction. "Radical Muslims" are not all Muslims and all Muslims are not radical. Even the use of the word radical speaks to the fact that they are not the majority. Muslims are people and Muslim Americans are Americans, stop trying to call them something they are not.
Just to put it into perspective, people use the Bible and Christianity to justify some of the worst acts that have ever been committed in this country. The majority of Christians don't agree and refuse to be affiliated with those Radical Christian organizations. On that same line of thinking isn't it fair to say that people used the Koran and Islam to justify one of the worst act ever committed in this country. The majority of Muslims don't agree and refuse to be affiliated with the Radical Muslims. If you switch the word Christian and Muslim in this argument it becomes a bit more clear. I served with a young man who was a Muslim we did not agree when it came to religion but he was a decent young man. The thing that struck me about him is he joined for his first time for the same reason I joined for my second. We both had a friend serving in the military KIA in Iraq. If he called me today and said he wanted to have a place to pray in near ground zero I would be there with a hammer by morning. Semper Fi
I think you should ask the Muslims the same questions. Do you think they would object to a Jewish center next door? WAKE UP!
Tom,
The whole nation did go through 9/11.
But, it was New York that suffered the greatest, it was New York that lost the greatest number sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, friends and co-workers.
It was New York's pain that first opposed this "legal" insensitivity and "legal" indecency.
They have never argued the "right" to build the mosque. You do not have the right to take away their feelings and you do not have the right to dismiss their "it doesn't feel right" argument .."
"No one wants to say" what you just said, because what you just said is incredibly insensitive and wantonly insulting to some many that certainly do not deserve that. And then, you have the unmitigated audacity to offer your nauseating sanctimony.
About Pelosi -
Americans, by 60%-70% margins, share this sense of indecency. And Pelosi calls for an investigation. The funding source for a $100 million mosque/project is required by law, but just what law have 60%-70% of Americans abridged by sharing an opinion about the appropriateness of a private project.
Is it now some nefarious, seditious conspiracy for Americans to have an opinion that differs from the Democrat leader of the House? Has she finally put aside all Constitutional pretension and is revealing the liberal self-righteousness of their agenda? Investigation of this? No investigation of the gulf disaster, no investigation into Fannie/Freddie, etc., but an investigation into the opposition of a little private project?
Wow.
Quicksilver,
Point 1) Are you saying we should not ever identify anything about ourselves while at the same time identifying ourselves as American? I always felt that these groups were trying to keep attention on the fact that they are Americans when they need to identify themselves as Muslim, German, Christian, etc. I think that is the opposite of divisive.
Point 2) It would be more like a European community center being built next to a synagogue because the Nazis are a small group that falls within the classification of European, just like Al Qaeda is a small group within the Muslim population. Or a mainly white church going up next to a black church. Your fallacy is that you are equating Islam to Al Qaeda when 99.9999% of Muslims are not associated with Al Qaeda.
Point 3) It seams to me that a lot of Christians in this country are trying to force their religion on the rest of us so I don't think your distinction is valid. Also, you might lose all of your pennies with that bet of yours. That is a pretty unlikely assumption especially when the Imam goes around the world with the State Department promoting democracy.
The Muslim religion follows Shariah Law. Shariah Law states that men have a right to rape their wives and stone them to death if they commit adultery. It allows honor killings. The list goes on. One issue no one seems to bring up when discussing this ground zero mosque issue is that the Muslim religion is not a religion where church and state are separate, rather it is a form of government. I'm interested to see how others will respond to what I just said..... (I'm waiting now, I'm sure there will be attackers and so on, but I'm tired of having to keep my mouth shut about the obvious).
DianeG, Wait no longer... and I won't attack. Please see the example of the Secular Republic of Turkey whose population is 98% Muslim. Now I will wait for your response.
Just saw the report on the new One World Trade Center. Millions of square feet that will be up for rent. Will we know who is renting, and where the money is coming from. Probably NOT!
Question. Perhaps it got lost in the fray, buy who, or what question was President Obama responding to when he uttered the "walk-back" (so you say) phrase "not commenting on the wisdom of the site". What preceded his comment!
Inquiring minds?
Question...
If there is a full investigation into the funding and nothing is found that is illegal will the opposition stand down?
Most Americans do not know that Islam is both a religion and in some sects (like wahhabiism) it's a government. A government where women and gays have no rights. I am vehemently opposed to Islam as a government. Unfortunately left wing media leaves this information out. Why? I believe it's because it does not suit... their progressive agenda which is, and has always been, to label conservatives as bigots.
chick schtick,
Did you know that in one place that Catholicism is both a religion and a government and is ruled by the Pope?
So should we throw the Catholics out?
Heck, there are plenty of folks in this country who would be just fine and dandy with Christianity being a form of government in this country.
Da Noid, bet then we'd have fight as to which branch is better. Catholics, Protestants, there are many who want to be known as evangelicals, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran etc. etc.
Der Furher Nazi Pelosi speaks:
From Politico:
Pelosi: Probe mosque opposition
By: Andy Barr
August 18, 2010 08:08 AM EDT
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday said she supports an investigation of groups opposing the building of a mosque near ground zero in New York.
Pelosi told San Francisco’s KCBS radio that “there is no question there is a concerted effort to make this a political issue by some.”
“I join those who have called for looking into how is this opposition to the mosque being funded,” she said. “How is this being ginned up?”
You know someone has to be paying for all those Twitter and Facebook accounts because they aren't free. Oh Wait! I guess they are.
Joe,
The Der Furher, Nazis stuff automatically marginalizes your comments the same it does the jomamas.
If you want to make a point about the comparative social agendas, there is plenty in the history books for you to discuss. (and most here at FR will definitely not like it)
This entire debate is BACKWARDS! Muslims want to establish a peaceful, community center near the site where radical Muslims attacked - I'd ask only what took them so long?
If they care about peace why continue to upset 70% pf the population?
Who says that the 70% isn't the problem?
I was just wondering what is most important to the Republicans supported by the likes of Cheney and your right wing pundits? That they truly believe the mosque should not be constrcuted "near" ground zero, or that they think they have found a political tool they can use aganist Obama? I was just wondering.
Oh give me a break. Now this is a Republican issue? It's an American issue you putz. Republicans, Democrats, Liberals, and Conservatives are, and should be, against this mosque being built near Ground Zero. Let them build their mosque several blocks further away - actually why not miles away. They are only building it near Ground Zero as a tribute to the 9/11 terroists. If they truly want peace and want to build their mosque, let them build elsewhere.
Pretty much both, CA. The first amendment supports Republicans, or anyone's, right to protest the placement of the mosque in that location in the belief that it is insensitive and misplaced. The first amendment also supports the right of the Muslims to construct the mosque on property that they legally and properly acquired.
If the president weighs in, also exercising his first amendment rights and his political position, he automatically makes it a political issue, if not a campaign issue. Any response is therefore by default both political and based on personally held beliefs and opinions.
I don't really see anyone opposed to the mosque arguing that it's unconstitutional to build the mosque. Protesting it in lawful and constitutionally protected ways is as American as a boycott.
If the Muslims back down and build elsewhere, it won't be because of a court ruling or constitutional issue. It will both be a gesture on their part to their lack of sensitivity in the first place and a political decision based on the American people's perception of them and their intentions, PR in other words.
If they persist, which they have every right to do, they will also be making a statement on their lack of sensitivity and a political statement at the same time. They will also be asserting their first amendment rights, like everyone else. They will also invite first amendment based responses.
And, if they back down, it won't be suppression of religion or a violation of the first amendment that brought it about. It will be their own political decision.
Do you honestly believe that Obama doesn't see this as a political opportunity? He wouldn't have entered the fray if he didn't. He's even given his blessing to Harry Reid to help protect HIS political behind.
Another Demoncrat down the drain. Pelosisi, supports the Masque at Gun Zero. Pelosisi would you support the El Ducici? I bet you will if he was alive today. I have noticed something for quite some time now concerning the Demoncrats and their allies. Most of them support backward causes, at best the wrong things, the stupid things, the most radical things and the most inflammatory things. Why I don't know. Same thing , during the War, they supported Hitler to gain time, they were afraid of him and they hated western civilization. When Hitler invaded Russia, they did an abrupt turn. I think their brains are in the back of their head instead of the front. So their education is backwards and so they remain in the backward class, intellectually. The backward classes in India are a little more intelligent than the Democrats of the West because they seem to know what they want , they want to go forward and achieve. The Demoncrats are always upside down and muddled.
No Masque at Gun Zero , Demoncrats and you too Pelosisi. Listen to the will of the
people of New York City. Nice people you are. Aren't you? Trying to build a masque
before a memorial. Goes to show where your sympathy and feelings lie.
juven:
Seems to me it is your soul that is upside down and muddled. Why are you so full of misery and hate? Your posts go beyond ranting about Obama and the Dems and include obvious inferences that you have little or no respect for people of different countries, races, cultures, religions, etc. Do you not ever separate people from the groups to which you attach them and consider that this individual may be a good and decent and loving human being. Or do you just classify everyone into certain groups most of which you seem to dislike. Go to the MSM homepage. There is a picture of a poor Pakistani girl next to an article about the floods. Look at her face and eyes juven. Is she a terrorist, an ignorant Pakistani, a violent Muslim. Which is she juven?
Juven doesn't like Muslims.
I wish he/she would just come out and say it...it would certainly make a lot more sence than the pretzel logic we're getting for opposition to the mosque.
You and the Demoncrats have torn this country to pieces. Humpty dumpty has fallen off the wall , now lets see you put it all together again. The majority of New Yorkers are AGAINST the masque being built here. LISTEN to them. They don't want it. I repeat . They don't want it. Over.
So Juven you are another great American that wants to burn the constitution.
You liberals want to trample on the Constitution daily, but now you hide behind it. And to think I used to be a lifelong Democrat, I'm ashamed to say!
Elby,
Do tell – Where do the liberals trample on the Constitution?
I'm not usually a fan of Maureen Dowd, but here's an interesting perspective:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/opinion/18dowd.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
Shame on Pelosi! What a disgusting disgrace this sorry excuse for an American Pelosi is!
Go to the link below. This man knows what he's talking about on the mosque near ground zero!
It is something all should watch!
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2010/06/pat-condell-on-ground-zero-mosque-is-it-possible-to-be-astonished-but-not-surprised.html
Do they have a right to build a community center, I mean mosque there? Of course, that is their right. However, I'm not so sure the way to go about showing you are tolerant of other religions and cultures by refusing to discuss the possibility of building it elsewhere. Its very obvious this is a hot topic and most Americans, i believe the number is around 70%, do not want it built near Ground Zero. So, if I'm a Muslim trying to show the world i am tolerant and want to truly "bridge the gap" then I would certainly be open discussion and the notion of putting the community center somewhere else. Why does it have to be there. There are no other available spaces in all of Manhattan?
Hmmm, Pelosi has a narrow left loon captive voting district while Reid has to appeal to a broader state wide electorate. Makes perfect sense.
You're absolutely right!
To: Tom Reston, VA
The liberal media has protected you well.
1. You say Christians were persecuted and we should not persecute others. Tom, the US was persecuted for our differing beliefs by Muslims on 09/11/01. The citizens of this country who oppose this mosque at Ground Zero do so as a belief that it was wrong for Muslims to persecute us for our 'infidel' beliefs.
2. The liberal media made the mistake of showing Muslims in the streets dancing with joy, screaming 'death to America', and burning the American flag while the Twin Towers were collapsing. My chin is still on the ground from that one. And I am sure the liberal media is still kicking itself for showing it. They certainly haven't shown it since. Sometimes, the liberal media slips up and shows the truth and can't take it back, thank goodness.
3. When I hear of the abuse women and children suffer legally at the hands of Islamic governments, and now the Democrats want this as part of the American landscape, I can't help but feel that maybe Jim Jones and David Koresh were just religious leaders before their time. Pelosi and Democrats of today would have embraced them, loved them, screamed "First Amendment", and used the worn out name calling tactic against those in opposition.
4. And if human behavior ever belied someone's true intentions, it is the complete indifference of the Muslims that want to build this mosque to 70% of the Americans that are still traumatized by 09/11/01. This indifferent behavior smells exactly like the indifferent behavior of the Islamic governments to their own women and children. And please note, I said 'Islamic governments', because that is the part of the Islamic religion that I don't want on Ground Zero. The Islamic government and the Islamic religion cannot be separated.
5. And since money drives the opinions of politicians, I too would like an investigation of whose getting what. Most Americans have long ago given up the idea that politicians motives are purely for the good of the country, but seem purely for the dollars they can get under the table.
6. People, vote incumbents out!
whats next ,a nazi symbol next to a jewish synegog so the members of kkk can congregate I mean it;s there right isnt it if they own the property. how about we go buy a plot of land in nakasaki or hiroshima and build a modle of a great big atom bomb as long as we put a swimming pool next to it i mean as long as we purchase the land they should;nt have anything to say about it right. wrong just like what obama,pelosi and anyother idiot that approves of this mousqe knows but dont have the ba$$s to admit or their not as american as they want us to beleive
Most weeks on FR, you see liberals attacking Christians as any thing from stupid to screwball to racist. And, the right to practice Christian traditions (i.e., Christmas) has been under attack for several years now by liberals.
So, it is odd this week to see those same liberals screaming about freedom of religion in support of the mosque to be built near Ground Zero. So, what happened? Did the liberals all get religion this week? If so, that's good so they won't attack Christians on this site anymore and will make sure to guarantee that all across the country Christians can openly practice their traditions.
This article is very dishonest, this is not what speaker Pelosi said, this news organization and anyone else who is paying attention knows this. Nancy Pelosi said she wanted the people who appose the mosque to be investigated, "where is their funding coming from". Does Ms. Pelosi really think that the people who lost loved ones, friends, family members or just plain Americans need funding to be outraged by this mosque? Why did MSNBC try to change the facts in this story? Her statements on this issue may have been the most ridiculous I've heard on this subject. That must be why this news organization felt they needed to change it.
There is an insidious double standard in this country. Universities, media and Hollywood are major contributors. "Piss Jesus" is art while a book depicting pictures of Muhammed is censored by Yale Book Review. SNL disparages Christianity under the guise of comedy, yet an episode of South Park is censored because it would offend Muslims. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.
In our country we separate church and state. Apparently Islam IS church and state.