Fiorina to Muslims: "Bridge divides and encourage understanding. Withdraw and find someplace else."

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Fiorina says NY Islamic center should be moved

By JUDY LIN , Associated Press
Posted: 08/18/2010 06:47:14 AM PDT

SACRAMENTO -- California GOP Senate challenger Carly Fiorina said Tuesday the group planning to build a $100 million Islamic center near ground zero in New York should choose another location.

The issue is about being sensitive to those who suffered in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, not religious freedom, she told reporters.

"If people are really focused on bridging divides and encouraging understanding, then now would be a time for the proponents of that mosque to withdraw and say they will find someplace else where their objectives can be met instead of continuing to inflame the passions of the people who lost and suffered so much," Fiorina said.

Edina Lekovic, a spokeswoman for the Muslim Public Affairs Council, an advocacy group based in Los Angeles, said the Park 51 center is a well-intentioned effort to promote cooperation. She said Americans should not sacrifice their values of religious freedom and tolerance by punishing all Muslims.

"I find it deeply saddening that the Park 51 center is being used as a political football by candidates like Carly Fiorina to exploit the anguish we all feel as a result of the painful memories of 9/11 to score political points for their campaigns," Lekovic said.

Debate over the planned mosque and center erupted last week after President Barack Obama called it a matter of religious freedom.

Fiorina's opponent, Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, said the mosque was an issue to be decided locally.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15814805?nclick_check=1

[spanone]

1. people who have no clue of the constitution should not be allowed to run for office

[pinboy3niner]

2. If only she'd take her own advice!

:evilgrin:

[Fire1]

3. Good one!! LOL!! n/t

[WhiteTara]

4. she has such a mean face

I hope that Barbara doesn't lose to such a terrible human being!

[red red red]

5. Really Fi-Fi, really!...

is that the way you plan to govern if you win - Interesting! The old "I'll tell you what to do" thingy! ummm ummm ummm

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

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[blondeatlast]

7. EuuuuwCarly--just another in my never-ending quest to find an apprpriate unflattering

nickname for Ms. Fiorina, for whom I have a special little hole in my heart thanks to her "treatment" of my HP friends.