Muslim leaders to abandon plans for Ground Zero community center

[oberliner]

Source: Ha'aretz

After weeks of heated debate over plans for an Islamic community center near Ground Zero - the site of the 9/11 attacks on New York - it seems Muslim leaders will soon back down, agreeing to move to a new site.

The decision follows a high-profile campaign against the project that included advertisements on New York buses showing images of the burning Twin Towers, an iconic landmark razed when al-Qaida terrorists flew packed passenger planes into them in 2001. The New York Republican party is also said to be planning a hostile television campaign.

Sources in New York said on Monday that Muslim religious and business leaders will announce plans to abandon the project in the next few days.

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/muslim-leaders-to-abandon-plans-for-ground-zero-community-center-1.308426

---

Anyone seen this reported anywhere else?

[sinkingfeeling]

1. I certainly hope it isn't true. What a shame it will be if this project is abandoned.

[The Northerner]

3. +1

[Phil The Cat]

28. How about the Muslim Gay Dance Club?

Hopefully they can keep that idea alive!

Dancing cures all! Or at least helps you forget about what's ailing you!

[AllTooEasy]

37. What?!

You do know how Islam feels about gays, don't you?!

I don't think the gay beheaded victims in Saudi Arabia appreciate your sarcasm.

[Phil The Cat]

40. It's not sarcasm

It's an honest call to tolerance!

[boppers]

62. I saw a documentary on that, actually... (gay dance clubs)

But I hadn't seen this yet:
http://www.clubplanet.com/Articles/7154/Greg-Gutfeld-Proposes-to-Open-a-Gay-Bar-by-the-Ground-Zero-Mosque

[Phil The Cat]

41. To add to my previous point

If you wish to benefit from tolerance, you must be tolerant of others!

It's NOT a One-Way street!

And I stand by my point that everyone on all sides needs to dance more! Especially with each other!

Note: Edited to clarify

[sabrina 1]

50. Tolerance has to start somewhere, and the U.S. Constitution

makes very clear that no one should be discriminated against for their religious beliefs, even if we do not agree with them.

Christian fundies, the very same people who are exhibiting this faux outrage of the mosque, hate gays and consider their 'life-style' to be a sin.

Muslims living in the U.S. are required, like every one else, to observe the laws of this country regardless or their own personal beliefs.

They also, like everyone else, are entitled to the same protections under the law as everyone else.

If tolerance is what you are concerned about, we could start right here. This country has killed over one million innocent Muslims over the ten years and continues to do so today. How tolerant is that, and no doubt supported by the same tea-baggers screaming over this mosque.

It is a sad day for the U.S. if this story is true and a few prejudiced hateful individuals have managed to violate the Constitutional rights of others simply because of their ethnicity.

Excellent example of tolerance.

[dencol]

42. You know how Christianity feels about gays, don't you?!?

I don't think the gay imprisoned and slaughtered victims in Uganda appreciate you not mentioning Christianity is just as intolerant of gays.

[davidinalameda]

49. there are plenty of GLBT Christians

and plenty of Christians who are supportive of the GLBT community

not sure how many Muslims are

[EJSTES2005]

53. Thats bullshit there are many

and many have died for it.

[davidinalameda]

78. so how many are there then

if you're such an expert

[boppers]

63. Islam is about the same as Christianity...

It really depends on the culture/county invovlved.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_topics_and_Islam

[davidinalameda]

79. no its not

how many majority Christian countries put gays and lesbians to death for simply being gay

[boppers]

84. Life sentence in a few, rather than death....

Details:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_by_country_or_territory

[Phil The Cat]

72. Christians vs Islamists

I can't speak to the Uganda situation, or any other than my own, but the worst any of my Baptist relatives or their friends have ever done is tell me God loves me and that I should "change my ways"!

They did tell me that I'll go to Hell if I don't sign on the Jesus line, but none ever threatened to hasten the trip for me!

Where ARE the stories of gays in America being murdered by religiously motivated Christians? Maybe I am sheltered and just not seeing them!

[dencol]

73. Matthew Shepherd.

Do you think he was murdered for his wallet? I've been threatened, assaulted, harassed, and discriminated against in housing and in the workplace. I have no job because of anti-gay Christians. The difference is that here we have a Constitution that will lock Christians up for murdering gays... if there were no laws protecting us from murder, I have no doubt Christians would get out their pitchforks and start the slaughter, just like their counterparts in relatively lawless parts of the world.

[OJones]

88. The truth:

You speak it.

[monmouth]

2. If true it will really crap up those plans the repubs had for taking this

all the way to election. What will they have now?

[librechik]

6. good point

doesn't make it any less slimy, however...

[truthisfreedom]

11. They still have the teabaggers, the party of no, and pure obstructionism! Plus that economy crash

they gave us.

[SemperEadem]

20. the puffed up hubris to believe that they can force their will onto their next target

guess who they are?

[bergie321]

32. Don't worry,

I am sure they will find something equally vile to try to use against Dems this fall since their policy positions are pretty "go back to how it was under Bush".

[Old and In the Way]

4. Intolerance wins again!

But this won't stop the haters...they'll be looking for another mosque to use as a rallying cry. Without being able to hate someone or something, they'd have no reason to exist.

[still_one]

10. Not just mosques, they will find another scape-goat or minority to blame all their

problems on. In fact some of these groups who are now expressing this intolerance, may one day have the tables reversed, where they will be the victims, and who will they cry foul to then?

[NC_Nurse]

5. Sad. So much for the land of the free and home of the brave. Welcome to

The land of the trampled and the home of the chickenshits.

[eShirl]

7. congratulations, bullies

you win again

[MsPithy]

36. Please allow me to make a slight correction,

they are not just ordinary bullies, they are fucking stupid lying bullies. Newt Gingrich flat out lies about the "Cordoba victory site," and here is the proof. If you already know Newt is a lying SOB nut-job, go to this sight anyway, it is seriously entertaining and they sell Medieval tchotchkes!!!

http://gotmedieval.blogspot.com/2010/08/professor-newts-distorted-history.html

I call them fucking stupid because; won't terrorists use this whole sorry episode of Americans disregarding our most basic ideals for short term political gain, and the general populous being to stupid to realize it.... AS RECRUITING PROPAGANDA!!!!!!!!? Really living up to our image as ugly Americans on this one!

[Douglas Carpenter]

8. I understand why they might do that and if I was in their position I might

consider such a possibility too...but if this is true - this is very sad, sad day for America

[philly_bob]

68. Sad ... I but agree that it might be a good strategic move, DC. (nt)

[brooklynite]

9. Next up: Movement to get rid of the EXISTING Lower Manhattan Mosque...

...can't let all that anger and xenophobia go to waste.

[aquart]

85. You know that isn't happening.

if you don't know it, well that's just a symptom of the complete misunderstanding of the issue at DU.

[brooklynite]

95. At present, no. I have no faith the Republicans won't drag it up

[travelingtypist]

12. And so the WingNuts win again.

A 20% sliver gets whatever it wants.

:banghead:

[burnsei sensei]

13. I haven't seen it anywhere else.

I hope it's not true.

[oberliner]

22. Ha'aretz seems to be the only source on this

Although numerous other sites appear to have picked up the story.

[frontrange]

14. Good

Religious organizations should not be allowed be run roughshod over communities. Most are just money-making rackets.

http://www.aolnews.com/surge-desk/article/how-james-madison-echoes-in-ground-zero-mosque-debate/19580531

[AlbertCat]

43. Most are just money-making rackets.

Indeed.

Watch the building become a YMCA!





Religion just causes trouble.

[lunatica]

47. You'll probably claim you're so proud of our Constitution right

It doesn't matter whether they're money making rackets. The Freedom of Religion is one of the most basic freedoms we have ever had.

[hootinholler]

70. Welcome to DU

Enjoy your stay!

Oh, which religious organization is running roughshod over which community?

-Hoot

[Binka]

77. Thank You For That Reply

My WTF meter went off the chart after reading that post.

[activa8tr]

15. Shame upon America's bigotry and ignorance. This is what the terrorists

wanted: an America divided.

[AlbertCat]

44. This is what the terrorists: an America divided.

9/11 was not only the worst terrorist attack in America, it was the most successful.

[arbusto_baboso]

16. Does anyone else think this is a real estate grab?

Think about it. Property in that area of Manhattan is pretty pricey. Now they have to sell it and will probably have to take a huge loss. Does anyone doubt that some of the major funders of the campaign against the Muslim center are NYC area developers???

[harun]

29. I don't think NYC area groups are the problem.

[azurnoir]

17. Haaretz seems to be the source of this story

I wonder who their New York sources are

what is take on this are you in favor of the mosque being built?

[oberliner]

26. Yes, I wonder about their New York sources as well

Have not seen any other source on this besides the Ha'aretz article.

And it isn't actual a mosque, it is an Islamic Cultural Center, and there is absolutely no good reason why it should not be built on the original site as far as I am concerned.

[pgodbold]

18. Sigh. If Captain bipartisan could have only kept his mouth shut for a few more days… nt

[FarPoint]

19. Bravo!

It pleases me that the Muslims recognize that the wounds inflicted by their peers remains festered in America...Ground Zero. Sure...freedom of religion is Constitutional ..... good manors are acquired....

[MsPithy]

38. OK, no Catholic churches near schools!!!!

It pleases me that Catholics recognize that the pedophiliac wounds inflicted by their peers remain festering in America.

( I heard this on the radio this morning, it is not my original thought )

[FarPoint]

81. Your off point of the issue as my point is not about religion at all...yes;

the Muslims indeed have a Constitutional right to build the Mosque on private property...yet, the stain of their Muslim brothers with the 911 Attack rubs salt into the wound right at the pulse of America...it is disrespectful on a global proportion....If the Muslims want to blend with America...they need to respect America in the same step. Their choice of site is insulting.

[Bluenorthwest]

45. Dozens of Muslims died in the Towers

Business people, restaurant people, NYPD, pregnant women, Muslims of all walks of life were victims on that day, just like everyone else there. Just fyi. Just over 10% who died that day came from other countries as well, did you know that? 310 victims were not American at all. The UK lead the list with 68 lost. 16 from Jamaica, a small nation to lose so many so far away.Jordan, South Korea, Congo, Germany, Japan, Columbia, Argentina, Lebanon, China, the list goes on. The globe, every faith, every economic strata, every color and creed we come in as human beings was attacked that day, and all have a right, and should have our welcome, to commemorate that shared loss as they see fit.

[Hissyspit]

51. I'm glad you're pleased with the Muslim-free zone

Disgusting.

Also, this story seems to be false.

[EFerrari]

75. And respect for good manors. n/t

[Binka]

80. Holy Shite! Glad You Saw That Too Beth

Manors? :wtf: how rich! Hey buddy good to see you and :hi:.

[EFerrari]

82. Binka!

:hi:

[GeorgeGist]

56. Obviously ...

you favor bad manors to civil rights.

[Arrowhead2k1]

57. The people who are going to be hurt by the mere presence of this religious center need

to understand that these Muslims had nothing to do with what they lost on 9/11. Their pain in this case is irrational, and American Muslims aren't responsible for it in any way.

[MineralMan]

60. Blippo! Thanks for posting the right wing meme on this subject.

Now we see you clearly. And what are "good manors?" Nice looking McMansions?

[mbperrin]

65. So now will you pester the Westboro Baptist Church terrorists to stop

their harassment at dead soldiers' funerals?

Will you join the movement to tear down churches in the immediate vicinity of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, leveled by that Christian terrorist?

Will you join in to demand that what's left of the Branch Davidians get the fu** out of Waco after their grand Christian scheme ended in loss of human lives?

Or is it okay for Christians to have bad manners, and only Muslims need to toe the line?

[FarPoint]

83. I would indeed

confront the Baptist at the soldiers funeral....and no doubt need a little bail money at the end of the day. :patriot:

[EFerrari]

74. You cannot be serious. Was the Oklahoma City bomber your peer?

[mbperrin]

92. Not MY peer. I'm an atheist. HE was a white male Christian.

So was David Koresh. Why were the Branch Davidians allowed to stay in Waco after what they did? They're there now.

[Obamanaut]

94. Yes, "...good manors are acquired..." (sic) if one has the money. But

acquiring manors has nothing to do with any of this.

[kiranon]

21. Let's see where they want to build it and what kind of opposition they

get. Hopefully, it will be next to a church/organization that many Republicans who objected go to or something equally interesting.

[Dappleganger]

23. Great...the bullies win! nt

[Papa Boule]

24. If true, it's a good decision from a religious standpoint

I mean, if Christians were planning to build a church somewhere controversial and provoked a similar amount of ire over it, if they followed the New Testament's exhortations, they would choose the path of peace and find a new location. They would walk the walk of causing no offense. "We had our hearts set on taking off the top of that mountain and putting a megachurch up there. But we understand the anger over our plans and we don't wish to do harm to the cause of Christianity. So we'll build elsewhere and be content."

It's a far better testimony of the nature of their religion if they set aside belligerence --- even if well justified --- and make concessions that show they are committed to what they profess, and that what they profess really does produce better-behaving, peaceful, loving people.

I imagine right wing Christians expected a war from Muslims over this. What a shock to their systems if Muslims are better at "Christianity" than Christians.

[MineralMan]

61. Oh, not really. In reality, they'd scream and stamp their feet

until they got their way. Happens all the time.

[mbperrin]

66. Please see my post 65 above and respond, please.

America is under siege by Christian terrorists. Will you help?

[Douglas Carpenter]

25. Mayor Michael Bloomberg: 'Sad Day For America' If Ground Zero Mosque Plan Is Killed

NEW YORK — New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg says it would be "a sad day for America" if opponents successfully kill plans for a mosque proposed near the World Trade Center site.

Bloomberg has been among a few outspoken elected officials supporting the plans for an Islamic center and mosque two blocks from ground zero.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/16/bloomberg-sad-day-for-ame_n_683692.html

"Let us not forget that Muslims were among those murdered on 9/11 and that our Muslim neighbors grieved with us as New Yorkers and as Americans. We would betray our values – and play into our enemies' hands – if we were to treat Muslims differently than anyone else. In fact, to cave to popular sentiment would be to hand a victory to the terrorists – and we should not stand for that." Mayor Michael Bloomberg

/

[SILVER__FOX52]

27. The bullies won............

To bad. I wish they would have fought through this. I'll bet just about anything that MONEY was the real factor, here.

[harun]

30. I'll wait for a second source.

[Canuckistanian]

89. Always wise advice

Either wait 24 hrs or second source from TRUSTED outlets.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

91. Unless They Are Libyan Terror Bombers

I wish that Europeans who released the Libyan terrorist under the guise of a compassionate release would have waited for a second source/opinion.

[RufusTFirefly]

31. U-S-A! U-S-A!

The Ground Zero mosque that wasn't actually a mosque and wasn't even going to be at Ground Zero will not be built.

It is indeed a great day for ignorance and religious intolerance!

[no_hypocrisy]

33. Any confirmation on this?

[harun]

71. I see no other sources reporting this.

[oberliner]

34. Update (from NY Daily News): "That's complete misinformation. That's crazy," El-Gamal said.

UPDATE from our Sam Goldsmith, who's been following this issue and just got off the phone with Sharif El-Gamal, the developer of the project:

"That's complete misinformation. That's crazy," El-Gamal said.

"That's totally totally wrong. This is more misinformation in this web of misinformation."

"We've never even talked about this as an idea. Everything is on track and moving forward at the same location."

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/08/developing-haaretz-reporting-m.html#ixzz0wnpmE3RJ

[cosmicone]

35. It was probably not a good idea to plan this center so close

to the elections anyway. They could have acquired the land via third parties and then announced in December.


It became a victim of election politics far more than repuke/teabagger intolerance.

[damntexdem]

39. When good caves to evil, evil triumphs.

What a shame.

[lunatica]

46. I find this sickening

I'm deeply embarrassed by the assholes who call themselves Americans and pushed against this Muslim Center. I have very close and dear friends who are Muslims and this just sickens me. It makes me want to weep in disappointment.

But they probably received plenty of death threats so they decided caution was the best move.

[Xipe Totec]

48. The Crusade for Religious freedom is making progress, I see nt

[Hissyspit]

52. @Park51 Twitter: "There is no truth to Ha'aretz story"

@Park51 "There is no truth to Haaretz story. It is wholly incorrect. We will be publishing a press release regarding this shortly"

[oberliner]

58. This does not speak well for Ha'aretz

I wonder what their sources were and why they were confident enough to run the piece.

Normally, they are a pretty well-regarded news outlet.

My apologies for posting the story if it turns out to be baloney.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

54. Remember 'Raisin in the Sun'? Money very well may have changed hands

to move the site elsewhere. The Governor of NY State offered to subsidize another site months ago.

Life may have imitated art--an object lesson in bigotry that opened on Broadway 51 years ago.

[lanlady]

55. now, if only we could stop the wholesale bulldozing--

--of my community to make way for mega-churches and their mega mega parking lots, I'd be a happy woman.

[PSPS]

59. In the domestic propaganda press, it's always referred to as the "GROUND ZERO MOSQUE!!11!!@@"

[Karenina]

64. We can help truth getting its shoes on by NOT parroting M$M's language.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8952319

[Taverner]

67. If so, Racism wins

Too bad...

[mbperrin]

69. Not all 911 families have trouble with it.

Quite the opposite.

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/08/16-8

Pro-Mosque Mom Who Lost Pregnant Daughter In Trade Center: 9/11 Families 'Not Monolithic'
by Christina Bellantoni
As plans to build an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero in New York City become political fodder for the fall elections on a national scale, it's become shorthand to imply that all 9/11 families oppose the erection of the mosque two blocks from the site where terrorists downed the World Trade Center nearly nine years ago.

But in fact, no cohesive position has emerged from the thousands of 9/11 families who have been politically influential on many issues in the past. One group which has opposed war has come out strongly in favor of the mosque project, known as Cordoba House. Others have avoided even addressing the issue.

"There is no simple, singular 9/11 group who really should or could speak for all 9/11 family members," said Donna Marsh O'Connor of September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, a coalition of more than 250 families which recently endorsed the mosque. Since the endorsement, the membership numbers have grown, she said.

O'Connor told TPM in an interview that it's unfair for groups like Debra Burlingame's 9/11 Families for a Safe and Strong America to act as if they are representing everyone who lost loved ones in the attacks. O'Connor's 29-year-old daughter Vanessa, pregnant at the time, was killed working on the 93rd floor of one of the twin towers.

[EFerrari]

76. Debra Burlingame is a wingnut who fell righ in with BushCo

to exploit 9/11.

[Odin2005]

86. Crap. this will just encourage the lunatics.

[asdjrocky]

87. This is the second time this has been posted with this as the only source.

Like I said the first time, I'll believe it when it's sourced by more than "inside information."

This story is, and should be suspect.

[backscatter712]

90. Let me know if this story's confirmed. I smell bullshit. n/t

[EstimatedProphet]

93. I hope they don't. The bullies need to lose.