Bloomberg again defends religious freedom

[babylonsister]

Bloomberg again defends religious freedom
By Justin Elliott


New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has been at the forefront of the fight in favor of religious freedom in lower Manhattan since the beginning of the "ground zero mosque" debate, weighed in on the issue again tonight at the annual Iftar dinner at Gracie Mansion.

The prepared version of Bloomberg's speech, which you can read in full below, hits many of the same notes that his speech at Governors Island did earlier this month: vigorous support of religious freedom; opposition to those who are painting all Muslims as terrorists; and rejection of a "compromise" plan to move the planned Park51 Islamic center.

Here's a taste:

“I understand the impulse to find another location for the mosque and community center. I understand the pain of those who are motivated by loss too terrible to contemplate. And there are people of every faith -- including, perhaps, some in this room -- who are hoping that a compromise will end the debate.

“But it won’t. The question will then become, how big should the 'no-mosque zone' around the World Trade Center be? There is already a mosque four blocks away. Should it too, be moved?

“This is a test of our commitment to American values. We must have the courage of our convictions. We must do what is right, not what is easy. And we must put our faith in the freedoms that have sustained our great country for more than 200 years.

Full prepared remarks at link~

http://www.salon.com/news/ground_zero_mosque/index.html?story=/politics/war_room/2010/08/24/bloomberg_on_the_mosque_again

[saltpoint]

1. Bloomberg shoots & scores on this issue, while

his predecessor and Newt Gingrich dart about the country fanning flames of ethnic division.

The solution would be to have Islamic Centers of all kinds built only in Utah.

"Utah -- the Mormon and Muslim State." The alliteration is catchy, plus it would preserve the holiness of hallowed ground at the site of the former Burlington Coat Factory in lower Manhattan.

- - -

:hi:

[babylonsister]

2. Yes, I too give major props to Bloomberg for getting it so right

on this and not backing down.

:hi:

As for Utah...:spray:

[saltpoint]

3. : )