“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 unshakable.” —
President Obama (via brooklynmutt)
Alternate news lede: “Millions of Americans committed to the First Amendment lost money Friday after President Obama foiled their bets that he’d continue flying under the radar and never speak out against the bigotry directed toward the proposed Islamic center in lower Manhattan.” (via savingpaper)
I didn’t live here in 2001, but I think the political opportunism being demonstrated by both left and right wing figures and the incredible phobic response from a number of people in the country over this community center is despicable, saddening and far more of a threat to American ideals than any mosque in lower Manhattan.
The view from my desk in our new apartment- from foreground to background, you see the following: my computer, my balcony, Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline
Eleven Times Square (from 8th Ave)- just finished construction recently.
Personnel entrance near the NW platform of the Lexington Ave / 59th St station
Court Square in Long Island City
US Soccer match under the Manhattan Bridge
Duff beer at the Gowanus Beer Garden- Brooklyn
Uptown view of Broadway and 5th Ave from the tip of the Flatiron Building
Part of a full-building mural at the corner of 83rd/York
Independent Subway mosaic