From TPM Reader HK, an American Muslim …
What has been conspicuously absent from most coverage of the “Ground Zero Mosque” has been actual Muslim American perspectives on it. I wonder how much of this is simply because of foresight, or rather because of a semi-willful lack of touchpoints between the political blogosphere and Muslim community leaders and activists.
In a dark moment like this when expediency and emotion are carrying the day, I’m thankful that we have a robust and growing political movement which supports a consistent and absolute adherence to the Constitution in all matters, everywhere and at all times.
Richard Hanna, the Republican House challenger in New York’s 24th district was that rare Republican standing up for the right for American Muslims to build a mosque in Lower Manhattan. Until his Democratic opponent, Rep. Michael Arcuri, came out against it. Now Hanna’s decided he’s against it too.
I find it a tad rich that Gov. Christie (R) of New Jersey is saying that both sides are using the mosque controversy as a “political football” since pretty much all the political advantage appears to be on the one side and this has all the appeal of kryptonite for Democrats. But give the man credit for being a lonely voice in his party pushing back at least a bit against the current anti-Muslim hysteria.
TPM Reader GP:
Isn’t the quick, easy and proper response to the “hallowed ground” argument to say that the Constitution is ALSO hallowed? How many people have died defending that over 235 years?
It’s an embarrassment that Democrats don’t know how to make the Constitution itself as American as the WTC. Nothing is more American, and turning the tables on the Republicans would make them turn tail with this bogus critique.
I’ve been waiting, watching to see how long it will take to get close to the language of blood libels and stabs in the back as the various demagogues and haters up the volume on the anti-Cordoba House agitation. Well, not too long apparently. Says Sarah Palin, the decision of “those Muslims” to build near the WTC complex “feels like a stab in the heart of collectively American who still have that lingering pain from 9/11.”
See the video.
Roger Simon explains that President Obama has proven unable to adopt the moral flexibility and expediency of which great presidents are made.
The conservative-stacked US Commission on Civil Rights is asking Congress for permission to sue the DOJ over the nonsense New Black Panther episode.