Pelosi: NYC mosque a 'ginned up' controversy by GOP; wants investigation into funding of opposition

[jefferson_dem]

Pelosi: New Yorkers should decide 'ginned up' mosque issue
By Michael O'Brien - 08/18/10 07:39 AM ET

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said a proposed Islamic center in New York City was a local issue, and said that the opposition to the center was worth investigating.

Pelosi told local reporters on Tuesday that the decision over whether to proceed with building an Islamic center, which includes a mosque, near the site of the 9/11 attacks should be left up to the local community.

"I think everyone respects the right of people in our country to express their religious beliefs on their property," she told KCBS radio in San Francisco. "The decision, though, as to how to go forward in New York is up to New York."

<SNIP>

"There's no question that there's a concerted effort to make this a political issue by some," she said. "And I join those who have called for looking into how is this opposition to the mosque being funded."

"How is this being ginned up that we are here talking about Treasure Island, something we've been working on for decades, something of great interest to our community, as we go forward to an election about the future of our country, and two of the first three questions are about a zoning issue in New York City.

<SNIP>

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/114773-pelosi-new-yorkers-should-decide-in-ginned-up-mosque-controversy

[Douglas Carpenter]

1. I'm glad she said that

[karynnj]

10. Me too

There are some great timelines out there - and it seems the typical RW use of the echo chamber. People suddenly hear from many seemingly independent sources the same talking point. In the past, all of us read multiple sources as one way to have a better chance of getting the truth. In there case, they first create the idea that it seems to be true because it was validated.

In addition, the original claims were less flamboyant than they now have become. They are completely distorting the group that was going through a normal NYC zoning process, getting their plan approved 29 to 1 into something it isn't. I have heard (when monitoring talk radio yesterday while driving) that it will be a Sharia law center, that it funded by a foreign county, that they are extremists, and Rush Limbaugh speaking of the "optics". His "optics" are that the twin towers will be replaced by a 13 story mosque "towering" over the hole that is the remains of the WTC. Now, Limbaugh, unlike most of his listeners, has been to NYC and knows that only photoshop would be able to create that "optic".

Here is a satellite google map. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&saddr=51+Park+Pl,+New+York,+NY+10007,+USA@40.71373,-74.01024&daddr=World+Trade+Center,+New+York,+NY+10006,+USA@40.7127,-74.01165&dirflg=w&ie=UTF8&layer=c&utm_campaign=en&utm_medium=et&utm_source=en-et-na-us-gns-dd&utm_term=ddgadget

There are two far bigger buildings that would block any vision of the mosque from ground zero. That means it will be blocked by both of the bigger buildings in your map. (The one closer to ground zero is the NY State Department of Health ) I am assuming that it is across the street because it's number is 51 and Dakota Roadhouse is 43 Park Place.

For those claiming "hallowed ground", I would think that people at Dakota Roadhouse - which is its next door neighbor would be surprised at the designation. Here is a set of reviews on it. http://www.yelp.com/biz/dakota-roadhouse-new-york

Most said it was kind of a dive, with "good" fried food. Definitely not classy. One review (more descriptive and negative than others):

"Welcome to the den of sketchiness made especially for you right here in Tribeca. This place is not for the faint-hearted nor for the priss. Ok, I am exaggerating, but really, this is not the place you want to stop by for drinks for pleasure or business or to enjoy eye candy, unless your version of people watching involves funky porn on a large screen and a rough crowd."

Now, you can look at one block up from where the Cordoba House is planned. On Murray street, right in line with it you have the New York Dolls - and it is not exactly what you would want in the neighborhood of "hallowed ground". You can google to find it is a strip joint.

So, what was an effort by a group of Muslims to find a site and build a facility is turned into a political circus.

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. You know, this is so true.

Does anybody really believe that right-wingers in the red states give a damn about New York? Someone made this an issue.

Quite frankly, thinking about all those federal bailouts we gave the City, now I wonder how much of that money went to Wall Street under the table. I read once that the bailout money came from the money that was owed to the Indian Reservations.

So, in sum, this is an issue that was easily stirred by those who want something from the volatile mix.

[tanyev]

3. Yeah, last I heard, they didn't consider New York part of "real America".

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. If they really gave a damn they would have voted to help the WTC fire fighters.

I think Pelosi may be right.

[liberal N proud]

4. Thanks Nancy

This was a non story last December when it was first published in the New York Times.

Suddenly late in an election year, the fanatics all make this a big issue knowing they will hook several Democratic Candidates after whipping an entire nation into a frenzy.

It was a well concocted scheme on the right wings part and once again, many a Democrat fell for the non story.

[impik]

7. It's this year's death pannels. These fuckers have no shame

[flpoljunkie]

9. Most Republicans will attempt to exploit a potential wedge issue every time.

It's who they are. It's what they do. They lack integrity and have no shame--ready at the drop of a hat to ignore the Constitution they claim is paramount, to exploit a potential wedge issue.

[catgirl]

5. I'd like to know who's funding it

I wouldn't be surprised if the Swiftboat creeps are behind this.

[timo]

8. hmm

will that include harry reid?