President Barack Obama finally spoke on the controversial plan that would put a mosque near ground zero. During a celebration of the Islamic holy month Ramadan at the White House, Obama showed his support by reminding the nation of the principles upon which this country was founded.
“As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in the country,” the Obama said. “And 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 unshakable.”
Conservatives and right wingers have protested and spoke out against the $100 million proposal to place a mosque and community center at ground zero. New York’s Conservative Party will release an ad campaign to attempt to block the proposal.
Conservative leaders such as Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin have been very vocal about their disapproval. Several days ago, Palin resorted to using several nonwords, saying on Twitter that Americans should “refudiate” the plans and people are “misunderestimating” the impact.
Conservatives believe the plan is “un-American” and will offend the families of the victims who were killed during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
However, conservatives, right wingers and Tea Party members who claim to love America are disregarding the Constitution by attempting to block the construction of the mosque and community center. The First Amendment grants the freedom to practice any religion. The destructive motives that are fueled by conservatives are leading people away from American values by promoting bigotry. —amir shaw
