US

NY Residents Don’t Support Mosque at Ground Zero

Seven in 10 New Yorkers believe the proposed Ground Zero mosque shouldn’t be located at the site of the fallen World Trade Center out of respect for 9/11 families, the New York Post reports. The same number want NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to investigate the group’s finances too.

The numbers come from a new poll conducted state-wide by the independent Qunnipiac University Poll.

According to poll director Maurice Carroll, the responses aren’t politically charged: “Overwhelmingly, across party and regional lines, New Yorkers say the sponsors ought to voluntarily move the proposed mosque to another location.”

Additionally, opposition isn’t based on claims of unconstitutionality or racism. 54 percent agree that freedom of religion gives Muslims the legal right to build the mosque on Park Place, but 71 percent said the proposed site should be moved “voluntarily,” including 85 percent of Republicans and 61 percent of Democrats. And most of those polled  said they have a “generally favorable” opinion of Islam (a 45 – 31 percent margin, with 24 percent undecided).

Contrary to the poll’s findings, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf (the man behind the mosque) said yesterday that opposition to the mosque is fueled in part by election-year squabbles, and that the struggle is between moderates and radicals. According to Abu Dhabi’s The National newspaper, “Rauf said opposition to the project was being led by a ‘tiny, vociferous minority.’”

“We have radicals in the Muslim world and we have radicals in the other faith traditions as well,” Rauf said. “The radicals feed off each other and need each other to sustain themselves. So we need right now to combat the radical voices.”

Comments (77)

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  • OldSoldier
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 10:56pm

    I believe in peer pressure! Keep the pressure on ALL Muslims till they weed out their bad seeds!

    Report Post »  
  • BeckingOrder25
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 10:29pm

    This Ground Zero mosque stuff is getting out of control – http://publishedandforgotten.blogspot.com

    Report Post » BeckingOrder25  
  • Cynewulf
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:58pm

    “NY RESIDENTS DON’T SUPPORT MOSQUE AT GROUND ZERO”

    The deuce you say!

    Report Post »  
  • BlindSquIrrel
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:15pm

    This is all about Islamic conquest.“ Cordoba initiative” hit me right beteen the eyes as an attemt to build another Caliphate of Cordoba in the US on the ashes of the TradeCenter. Changing the name is only a tactic they have learned from our Proggressives who are hiding behind the Constitution when it suits the need.
    Look at what they did in Cordoba. They built this Mosque on the ruins of the Christian church that they conquered. Need more reasons?

    Report Post »  
  • darwin-t
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 8:53pm

    If they want to further understanding of Islam, the only way they will be able to do it is to give up on this site and move it somewhere else. They refuse to even consider it, which tells us their true motives.

    Report Post »  
    • nkhstudio
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 11:03pm

      What are the true motives exactly? It’s funny I think the exact opposite––building the center is precisely what will help with the understanding of Islam, because anyone actually interacting with the place would have a lived experience with it. I suspect you don’t have day-to day experiences with Muslim communities, and/or aren’t from New York City where people from all walks of life live on top of each other…and deal with it.

      Report Post »  
  • I.a.n.
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 4:59pm

    The advocates of the Mosque cite the Constitutional guarantee, in the First amendment, of freedom of religion as the main reason construction of the Mosque must not be blocked legally.
    Opponents of the Mosque construction should concede the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion is a valid reason to defend the legal right of the to construct the Mosque despite possible non-legal objections. However, the advocates of the Mosque should grant the same First Amendment rights to all other U.S. citizens.
    This would mean the Mosque advocates would be obligated to place Constitutional rights above allegiance to Sharia law in some cases. For example:
    1 Islam commands that drinkers and gamblers should be whipped.
    2. Islam allows husbands to beat their wives.
    3. Islam commands that homosexuals should be executed.
    4. Islam orders unmarried fornicators to be whipped and adulterers to be stoned to death.
    5. Islam orders death for critics of Muhammad and the Quran and even Sharia itself.
    6. Islam orders apostates to be killed.

    If a drinker or gambler were to decide to exercise the First Amendment right to adopt another religion, such as Catholicism, which does not condemn gambling or drinking, then that person would not be subject to Sharia law.
    If an abused wife wanted to become Jewish to escape Sharia law, she would have that right.
    If homosexuals were to convert to Episcopalian worship to escape execution, they could.
    If fornicators or adulterers wanted to become Buddhists, they would evade Sharia.
    If cartoonists or Mosque protesters were to adhere to Unitarianism, they should get a pass from Sharia justice.
    Of course, conversion from Islam to any other religion, including Atheism, could not be punished.
    Will the Mosque advocates take a stand to protect Constitutional rights in these cases?

    Report Post »  
    • anth
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 10:00pm

      Isthis a serious question? The answer is an obvious yes. I’ve not heard any significant leader in the US suggest sharia law ought to trump US law.

      Report Post »  
    • Silversmith
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 11:28pm

      Gosh Anth – it‘s hard to believe that YOU believe what you’re saying.

      Silversmith

      Report Post » Silversmith  
    • anth
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 11:56pm

      Why? I’ve never talked to an American Muslim who believes that Sharia law should trump US law in the face of a conflict. The vast majority of American Muslims are very moderate. Further, I.A.N. asked about the “Mosque advocates” generally (we‘ll ignore for the moment that we’re not talked about a Mosque here) – the majority of whom are not Muslim, and thus would, we’d expect, not even consider whether Sharia law came out on top. This whole thing seems like a non-question, and if it’s being posed as a pre-condition to supporting the Park51, I‘m glad we’ve now moved past such an easy bar.

      Report Post »  
    • I.a.n.
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 10:06am

      ANTH, Yes it is serious. You wrote, “The answer is an obvious yes. I’ve not heard any significant leader in the US suggest sharia law ought to trump US law.” The point is that we have not heard them address the question. When the leaders (not their sycophants and useful idiots) address the question, then the discussion can proceed. (Please don’t assume offense unless the shoe fits.)

      Report Post »  
    • anth
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 2:18pm

      That makes no sense. It’s a fair assumption in American civil society that our citizens assume our law to trump others. Park51‘s leaders aren’t addressing that question because nobody’s asking them – because it’s a silly question. Do we ask the leaders of any particular church or synagogue whether they believe the law in the Bible trumps US law (say, by stoning disobedient children)? No, of course not. And if members of that organization behave in a way at conflicts with US law, it’s a straight-forward civil or criminal matter. This is no different. The same assumption holds for membes of other, non-religious organizations: corporations, sports clubs, political parties, or social groups. They may have their own rules, but we assume their members recognize US law as the supreme law of the land.

       
    • jolantas
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 1:36pm

      Here is the proof:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0deanRGb8w&feature=player_embedded

      Report Post »  
  • I.a.n.
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 4:56pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post »  
  • PAUL
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 4:45pm

    I live in Manhattan, I don’t know one person personally who wants this built. Build a mosque, just not in that location. There isn’t even a Muslim community down there. This is just a overly shady project, esp. w/ the Imam… as well as t he developer being someone who obviously does not respect the law.

    Report Post »  
    • nkhstudio
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 10:53pm

      That‘s interesting I live in NYC too and I don’t know a single person who is opposed to the center being built. Another interesting thing––it seems none of the opponents who argue “build the mosque just not at this location”ever want to answer the follow-up question: where? Where is the “OK zone.”? It’s as if no one, in their heart of hearts, really wants a potential mosque in their neighborhoods (and we see this being played out across the US as other cities protest against mosques). And as far as there not being a Muslim community down there––you don’t hang out there much do you?

      Report Post »  
    • saneromeo
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 1:44pm

      To answer the question as to where the mosque should be built in lieu of ground zero. Now try to follow along because I know this is hard to understand….how about any place that is NOT ground Zero?

      Report Post » saneromeo  
    • kontrarian
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 7:10am

      I agree Paul. Americans are too tolerant and somewhat naive at times. However, I think all this ruckus over and specious arguments on behalf of the GZ mosque has prompted many to do some belated research on the ‘religion of peace’, and they have had quite the eye-opener! Islam encourages lying when it furthers the cause of Islam/Sharia law (thereby ruling out, alas, any delusion that one can believe anything a Muslim says). Islam compels the implementation of Sharia law wherever they go, at the earliest possible opportunity of overthrowing the government of the (heretofore) ‘host’nation. Therein lies the rub: it is a politico-religious system, an ideology with religion as a component. So a mosque in one’s “neck of the woods” is not at all like a benign church or synagogue; it more closely resembles a foreign government military recruitment/training center and a ‘church’ combined. So the imam is either a heretic or he’s lying.

      Report Post »  
  • Citizen
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 1:36pm

    My only thing against this mosque is Sharia law. You get the feeling some of these mosques end up funding Sharia in one way or another. Religion cannot be used as a mask for violence and its propagation – that is the issue. Why is no one looking into this and putting these people to tough questions ?

    Report Post »  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 12:42pm

    The glaring issues of 9/11 aside, I have to say it is challenging to view any place of worship that also condones lying (when it furthers Islams goals), killing (infidels, and in the name of honor), and a completely different system of government (Sharia Law) as deserving of the same consideration as any other church. The actual status of Islam as a religion and not a government opposing America begs more study.

    Silversmith

    Report Post » Silversmith  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 12:42pm

    The glaring issues of 9/11 aside, I have to say it is challenging to view any place of worship that also condones lying (when it furthers Islams goals), killing (infidels, and in the name of honor), and a completely different system of government (Sharia Law) as deserving of the same consideration as any other church. The actual status of Islam as a religion and not a government opposing America begs more study.

    Report Post » Silversmith  
  • liberty
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 11:03am

    Yes, the Imam has a constitutional right to be able to build his “community center” near Ground Zero. But that’s not the point. He keeps saying he wishes to build bridges and erase gaps between Islam and other religions and between Islam and the community in general. SO, why would he think that building his center near a place that created a HUGE distaste and even hatred toward Muslims is a good idea? Constitutional, yes. Smart, absolutely not.

    Report Post »  
  • Plain Jane
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 10:08am

    This is an issue of fundamental religious freedom. That far too many people are ignorant of that fact should be alarming to real patriots. It takes an educated and informed citizenry to maintain a democratic country and the right wing is doing everything it can to block education and factual news. Studies have clearly demonstrated that the least informed people get the majority of their news from Fox and rant radio which hold up idiots like Palin and Bachmann as constitutional scholars so it shouldn‘t be too surprising to anyone with half a brain that their fans don’t have a clue as to why our civil liberties are vital to freedom. Preying on people’s fears and bigotry is what fascists do to gain power. The Koch brothers and others of their political stripe care nothing for democracy or this country. Their goal is more money and power for themselves.

    Report Post »  
    • DadsforAmerica.com
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 12:03am

      Respect matters. Although it is constitutional for them to build the mosque and within their religious freedom.. it shows the up most contempt for public opinion. It also will NOT,build any bridges and will disrespect the families, friends and the majority of Americans. The funny thing about our rights.. we also have the right to protest and right to free speech. In this case public opinion is using their constitutional rights can change the minds of the owners to act with respect and build bridges. A method liberals are very familiar with.

      Report Post »  
    • just a thought2
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 3:12am

      why are you so quick to rush to the iman’s rescue?

      have you spoken directly to him about why it has to be this exact location? is it spiritual ground for him? Does he see the rift he is causing, and does it sit well with his peaceful religion?

      Report Post »  
    • TomzDottr
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 10:46am

      It‘s hysterical how liberals pick and choose which part of the Constitution they’re going to embrace when it fits their own agenda. I don’t know what 46% of the population doesn’t acknowledge that they have the RIGHT to build the mosque- I’m not in that 46%, I know they have the right!! The debate is the PROPRIETY. Where’s the outcry for “sensitivity” among the muslim population that liberals are always begging for the right to show? Where were the Constitution defending libs when health care legislation was being debated? The Constitution was spat on the day Obamacare was passed.

      Report Post »  
  • Philo Beddoe
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 10:02am

    When kill the infidels is preached in mosques, moral consideration is thrown out the window.

    Report Post » Philo Beddoe  
    • kontrarian
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 5:40am

      Good idea! Islam is not a “religion” protected by the Constitution; it is a political/religious ideology. GZ is not an appropriate site for an Islamic government building.

      Report Post »  
  • seniormomentczar
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:50am

    Bloomberg will never listen to new yorkers until he is voted out of office.

    Report Post »  
  • zacharytcuster
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:49am

    Rauf shouldn’t be talking when he himself is a terrorist sympathizer. We don’t need terrorist sympathizers building mosques. Being a sympathizer is almost as bad as just being a terrorist. (my opinion) link: (http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2010/05/911-mosque-imam-feisal-abdul-rauf-blames-christians-the-us-and-the-west-must-acknowledge-the-harm-th.html)

    Report Post »  
  • Philo Beddoe
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:48am

    When killing non believers is preached in the mosque’s, moral sensitivity is thrown out the window.

    Report Post » Philo Beddoe  
    • GlennTX
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 1:01pm

      The same is preached in christian churches right here in the good old USA. I thought we were intelligent enough here in the USA to have already moved past religious discrimination?

      Report Post »  
    • saneromeo
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 1:40pm

      They say the mosque is to further the understanding of Islam in America, and it appears to be working…Islam means submit and we are all just starting to understand that…They will use our own laws to make us submit…It’s a brilliant tactic, you have to give them credit. The mosque WILL be built as they have a God Given Right to do so, but it will only serve as a stumbling block to true tolerance and a scab on the hearts of those who lost loved ones because of 9/11. The true issue behind this mosque is why there? I’ve heard the references to a Shinto shrine at pearl harbor, but would we Americans permit a Community Outreach Church to be built on the site of Little Big Horn? We came in there (perhaps just a few Christian radicals) to slaughter the natives and perished ourselves, just like 9/11 they came in (a few Muslim radicals) to slaughter the natives and perished themselves? If Muslims were truly attempting outreach and peace, why not offer to rebuild the Twin Towers?

      Report Post » saneromeo  
  • ChristianWarriorforFreedomOfReligion
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:47am

    Luckily our God Given Rights do not allow the locals of any area from deciding what Religion can be followed – or disallow only one group from congregating to worship. That is obvious discrimination and not allowed.

    So the locals of NYC should be ashamed of being so unAmerican

     
    • anth
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 12:30pm

      I assume you mean NYS residents? That’s the surveyed population.

      Report Post »  
    • CAPTAIN AMERIKKKA
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 12:16am

      Yeh we know only christians live in NYC – the most diverse city in America.

      Report Post »  
  • TrampleDownEconomics
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:43am

    Perfect example of a push poll. “Majority of New Yorkers…”? Yeah, majority of New York STATE residents. Residents of New York City, where the Islamic Center is actually going to be built are in favor of it.

    Now I see what’s going to pass for “news” at Beck’s site.

    Report Post »  
    • Silversmith
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 12:25pm

      And your supporting documentation for such a statement is what?

      Silversmith

      Report Post » Silversmith  
  • Rogue1
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:23am

    After reading these FOUR comments I am LOST. No one NO ONE is saying the don’t have a right it is just WRONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGg. Each one of you are most likely from the Huffpo so that explains much of it but even so, somewhere inside you, you know it is wrong and has nothing to do with “rights” Honestly this crap about “This is fundamental to what the country’s about.” Ummmm this was before we had a people whos only goal is to destroy America and it’s WAY OF LIFE which gives them the right to build. Cmon pull your head out of ass

    Report Post »  
    • anth
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 12:28pm

      I’ve dealt with the obvious falsehood of your claim that “no one is saying they don’t have the right to build” elsewhere. What really bothers me when you say this:

      “Honestly this crap about “This is fundamental to what the country’s about.” Ummmm this was before we had a people whos only goal is to destroy America and it’s WAY OF LIFE which gives them the right to build.”

      No it isn’t. Our country has faced larger, more organized threats than is before and come out on top. When we claim to be the greatest country in e world, that has to be about something more than our military might. Our guiding principles are what made us great in the first place, and it is by holding to those that w will maintain our greatness in the future. You, sir, are simply a coward, willing to sacrifice the principles of the country to your own hollow fears. In the face of people who want to destroy our way of life, your solution is to do the job for them.

       
    • CAPTAIN AMERIKKKA
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 12:15am

      I guess people like you don’t find this to be much of a threat:

      http://www.americannaziparty.com/

       
  • Vitarte
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:19am

    And probably 7 in 10 in the whole Nation do not approve it neither… I’m one of them.

    They said they want to build bridges.. well If you know that the side you want to reach out don’t like your ways, the logic will be to move it as a sing of a good will….

    But now we can see to where that bridge will go…

     
  • Tony737
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:17am

    “Tiny, vociferous minority”??? Smells like taqiyya.

    Report Post »  
  • anth
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 8:53am

    If folks were truly after a voluntary relocation, this issue would be long gone. Rauf (and the rest of the country) has heard your complaints, and decided they like where they are. This isn’t about s voluntary relocation but a coerced one.

    Why don’t we instead talk about the far mor shocking results of this survey: 46% of New Yorkers don’t understand our Constitution well enough to understand that Rauf and his backers have a right to build on land they own. What’s wrong with these people? This is fundamental to what the country’s about.

    Report Post »  
    • MrMark
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 12:02pm

      This issue is not, and never has been, about the right to build a worship center or to practice a religion. It is, and always has been, about whether it is appropriate or not to build an Islamic community center & mosque so close to the scene of a terror attack organized and executed by Islamic radicals which killed over 3,000 innocent people.

      Yes, we are aware that innocent Muslims also died on 9/11. This is not the issue, so don’t try to make it the issue. That’s called “distraction.” We’re wise to the tactic.

      Patriotic American citizens are opposed to this in the same way they would oppose the construction of a Japanese religious shrine so close to the scene of the attack on Pearl Harbor only ten years after the attack there which killed so many American soldiers. The only way this doesn‘t make sense is if you don’t want it to make sense – and that’s what is at the core of all the criticism of the objection to the mosque. Those who are making accusations of religious intolerance don’t want to discuss the truth, they just want those who object to shut up and get out of the way.

      As usual, those who preach “tolerance” are the most intolerant.

      Report Post »  
    • anth
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 1:22pm

      Provided the circumstances of the hypothetical Japanese shrine were the same (legally obtained private land not otherwise running afoul of local building regulations, &c), I’d be equally happy to support that – because our Constitution and our founding principles say we should. That’s what it is to be an American and care about principles: to stand side by side with someone who may well stand for ins you don’t believe in.

      You argue against a lot of things I’m not saying, which is weird. Yes, the fact that many Muslims (and Jews, and Hindus, and so on) died that day is irrelevant. I never suggested otherwise. And the whole “you’re intolerant of my intolerance” gag is seriously tired. This is *obviously* a religiously-based issue: the objections only exist because it’s a mosque. Or do you think people would be as upset if Rauf were trying to open s Macy’s? Your claim there just makes no sense.

      Seriously: if this isn’t about rights, what are you on about? What action would you like to see taken by what party? Do you really believe Rauf hasn’t heard the concerns of people opposed to the project? You are of course entitled to believe with all your being that this project is inappropriate, but Rauf and his backers is equally free to ignore you.

       
    • just a thought2
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 1:33am

      help me out … why does the iman need to the mosque to go in this location again?

      As far as I have read, there isn’t a shortage of mosques in New York City, so it isn’t about deprivation.

      Okay, maybe it’s an outreach thing … what’s his statements on this being on olive branch?

      Here’s my wacky conspiracy theory … I think he wants this controversy. He knows we’ll make him an instant victim.

      Report Post »  
  • Philo Beddoe
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 8:46am

    Bloomberg is using this issue to increase his standing i the Arab world. He has opened a office in Dubai which is now the center of his middle east Bloomberg network.

    Go figure, a politician stepping on the souls of the murdered innocents by using his office for financial gain.

    New York, you deserve what you get.

    Philo Beddoe  
    • anth
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 8:58am

      Nobody’s soul is at risk here. Bloomberg’s standing up for the fundamental rights of privets ownership, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and fre association that his great country was founded on. You‘d rather he was the kind of coward that sold off our guiding principles toplsy on the electorate’s fear, like so many other politicians?

       
    • Rogue1
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:10am

      what a jerk.. BLOOMBERG isnt NEW YORK

       
    • Rogue1
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:12am

      Give me a break. he is NOT standing up for rights he is selling New Yorkers out. EVERYONE KNOWS they have RIGHT.

      Just b/c one has the right it does not meen the should. What is wrong w/ you people sheesh

       
    • anth
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 12:20pm

      Rogue1: selling New Yorkers out how? To whom? That just doesn’t make any sense. He’s standing up for the constitutionals rights of every New Yorker – which, of course, includes the people this community center would be serving.

      The claim that “no one” is saying they don’t have the right to build is pretty obviously disingenuous when the *very same survey* says 46% of the people surveyed say they don’t. How can you claim e 71% number you like and simply ignore the 46%?

       
  • iamcricket
    Posted on August 31, 2010 at 8:45am

    Weird, cause that community center was there before The Twin Towers were built … mmmm, did some human make this political?

     
    • Rogue1
      Posted on August 31, 2010 at 9:09am

      It wasn’t a community center…. it was a BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY and just to let you know the Greek Orthdox Church that was right across from the towers was directly impacted and destroyed b/c of 9/11 yet they still have not cut through the red tape OR been able to get a new Church approved and built….. Please tell me HOW IN THE HELL did this guy get approved sooo fast!?? So just to let you know…. it wasn’t ONE person that made it political it is an entire string of events! Do your research

       
    • jpeg964
      Posted on September 1, 2010 at 8:06am

      SUPER ***** has it right on. BHO’s goal (from childhood I would guess) has been to get himself in this position. Now that he is there, he is HELL bent on sticking it to America. What is truly puzzling is that people have to be told by others that this is happening. I am not a political person at all, rather a person who is concerned about this country, and it is so obvious to me, what is going on.

      There have been many people in the media and elsewhere pose the question:
      Is BHO uninformed, stupid or UNCARING ?

      Answer: UNCARING. He is purposefully putting this country in a vulnerable position, and cares not what WE think, nor do quite a few in his administration. It doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to see that. These people need to go if we are to have any chance of survivng as the country we once were.

       
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