“ 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.
1 year ago | 244 notes
