People hear the word "Muslim" and the very first thing they say or think of is "Terrorists"... Get over it already.. I can always tell who knows someone that is Muslim compared to the people who don't..

It a shame that people still can't th...ink for their own in this country.. Your FEAR only makes your enemies stronger..

To me, this subject was never about terrorists, it was and still is about why pick the location they picked.  I do not think of Muslims as terrorists but I do think of terrorist as being from the extreme RADICAL Muslim community, I said EXTREME RADICAL Muslim community.  There is a BIG difference and if you do not fear these EXTREME RADICAL Muslims then I don't know what to say to you.

Congratulations KCRep

KCRep: You Rock!!!

I didn't like his answer at all...Matter of fact I didn't like many of his answers...

My Dear Brothers and Sisters, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike... Today marks the great feast of Eid-al-fitr! As far as I'm concerned, we are one family and we have an obligation and responsibility to look after each other... These are strange times indeed, where the more intelligent we become, the more connected we are through technology, the more opportunities we are imbued with to help one another, there is so much suffering and violence in the world...

We are faced with difficult situations where our own faith (whether we believe in a God or not) is stretched to the extreme... The radicals and extremists from every religion compels us to brand the religion they represent as "Evil" and "Unholy"... My brothers and sisters, let us NOT give into generalizations and stereotypes... As highly sensitive souls and empaths, it is our duty to look out for our brothers and sisters and UNITE to bring about the downfall of radicalism and extremism in every religion, so that we may live in peace and communal harmony for the very foundation of every religion and being a human being in general is "Love"... This is my Eid message and this is what I hope for a better future on our little blue planet...

Thank you!

Eid Mubarak!

These are NOT the Extreme Muslim Terrorists that you claim to fear. These are everyday Americans that happen to practice a religion that you fear. The same can be said about other religions, like Baptist.. The Southern Baptists are pretty extreme in their beliefs.. While the regular Baptists are down to earth. It seems to me that most people have blinders on and don't or can't tell the difference between the two..

The guy was trying to be friendly & informative only to be stuck down by people that can't accept the freedom of religion...

DaElmer...I do not fear any religion.  Why do you insist on saying things like that?  And, who can't accept freedom of religion?  Or freedom of speech for that matter.   This is all about sensitivity or the lack of.

I think the question of "hallowed ground" has been dealt a blow, for me, with the discovery that there is a strip club at Ground Zero.  Not something I would expect on "hallowed ground".  If you don't fear the religion, just the extremists of ANY religion, and you are for freedom of religion, then WHY NOT the mosque?

Peace can't be found on a battlefield. If you want peace, offer to share your peace with others. If you're not at peace, look at the reasons why you're not.

If we're fearful, it's often because we feel we are not equal to others(lesser or better).

Maybe some of our past actions make us feel guilty. Guilt often makes us feel that we need to attack others before they attack us the way we would attack them.

The real trick to dealing with guilt is to know that guilt and sin have to do with the past, they don't cause what's happening now.

Right now, this moment, is the only place that we can see what's real. Breath deep, let's move forward together. Have the strength to believe in peace. We get nowhere standing around throwing stones at one another.

So what other location? California is about as far away from GZ as one can get, but yet a mosque project there is under fire. So, how far is far enough? And who decides? There is no logical answer to these questions, so it is an absurdity. And let us not forget that there were Muslims working in the WTC who were also brutally murdered and left behind widows and orphans. This was an attack on America - on all Americans. Opposing the project means segregating American Muslims from Americans in general.

Well since us "americans" are requesting where we want particular buildings to go, I would like a few companies that took place in the slave trade to move away from me! The Wachovia down the street is plain disrespectful.

Honestly how could that not satisfy her question? What does she want?

I mean how is this different from our treatment of the Japanese after Pearl Harbor? Our distrust of the Japanese is even in our language (You got japped!) We will not trust them even to this day. Americans need to get rid of their xenophobia.

DaElmer! your comments are very logical

Only a fool would believe anything these murderous fanatical deceivers would say or do for the simple fact that they employ the principle of Al Takeyya, which permits Muslims to lie and deceive the infidels or non-Muslims as a mean of furthering Allah’s cause, thus promoting Islam. Muslims are also permitted to deny their faith in order to deceive the infidels, as long as they do not mean it in their hearts. Al-Takeyya is based on the following Quranic verse: “Let not the believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers, if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah except by way of precaution (prevention), that ye may guard yourselves from them (prevent them from harming you.) But Allah cautions you to remember Him; for the final goal is to Allah.” Surah 3: 28 In other words, Muslims can smile outwardly, and appear friendly while inwardly they are full of hate. A highly regarded Sunni scholar recorded that fact for Al Takeyya, “We smile in the face of infidels although our hearts curse them,” and Osama Bin Laden said, “We love death. The US loves life. That is the difference between us two.”

The answer to the question is so simple:  why should they?   Assuming that that location is inappropriate assumes a whole bunch of things that are just factually untrue.  It's like asking why a Catholic church should be build near a school, because there must be an ulterior motive there.  It's just a nutty question based on attributing the acts of a few crazies to an entire religion.  As such, I would argue that it's not even worthy of response.

ITT: a bunch of xenophobic bigots

Good for you Kathi ! After seeing the Imam talk on LKL, I don't believe his guy is a true moderate and peace maker. he is a stubborn, narcissistic idealogue and has a facade of being a moderate. He is hell bent on this mosque, not truly symapathetic to the sentiments of the families, was cagey about where the money would come from, and clearly spelled the threat of Islamists around the world retaliating if this mosque was not built now.

Its like saying.. 'You better let this mosque be built, or else Americans will suffer'..

YOU KNOW WHAT IMAM RAUF.. I support free practice of religion UP TO A POINT. And that point is when a threat is made. And you just crossed that point. If nothing else, you should be denied the mosque just because you & your wife Daisy Khan made that threat.

We live in a civilized society where these threats are not tolerated. Maybe your mindset belongs with the Hamas, Islamic radicals. But these type of threats should NEVER be allowed to fly here!

mreed54- good idea!  There's a prop 8 supporting mormon "temple" about a mile from me that I find extremely offensive.  They should move it.  Preferably closer to UT.

Islam also took pride and pleasure in overbuilding Solomon's Temple. This is a betrayal American grandchildrem will never forgive and Muslims will celebrate for generations...

Amazing how Muslims are causing trouble and friction where ever they are.

I am all for "freedom of religion".  No one is telling them not to practise Islam.  The question iReporter is asking is why there? I cant understand why people keep talking about freedom of religion when it is not about that.  It's about the wisdom of putting it 2 blocks away from the fallen towers.  The imam says they want to be "foster peace" and be part of the solution".  I fail to see the honesty of this statement as CNN is already reporting that 70% of new yorkers are asking him to move his mosque. He knows about the sensitivity of this issue.  Instead he warns of us of repercusions and what the moslems around the world will think or even do.  Is it about face all of a sudden?  Then it's not the first ammendment he is  worried about.  Although it's being used as a reason.  And dont call us "fearful" or "Islamaphobia".  That is the last thing I am scared of.  If there is anything I am scared of, it's our economy and no one seems to know what to do.

I'm a new yorker. We have mosques, synagogues, church of satan, etc. etc. We have always been tolerant.  If we harbored any ill will against the moslems, we would have shown right after 9/11.  Not 9 years later.

What if they want to create a monument for the Brave Muslims who gave their life to kill Americans? Would they come out in public and say so?

There should be little doubt that this building if it's build will become a meca for future Terrorists and for people who support them.  If you argue otherwise you are not in touch.  It's why Germany struggles with trying to control places where Nazi groups can group and celebrate past events and possibly plan future ones.

No one will ever tell you the truth if they know you don't agree on a National Scale.  From the moment they say They didn't expect all this Contriversy you have to know they are either ignorant, or they are starting the dialog with a lie.  Then you have to ask how deep that lie goes.

Don't burn the Quran or some Muslem's, not us, will kill Americans, don't stop us from building our monument or some Muslem's, not us, will kill solders.

I have to ask, if we do nothing at all will the Quran still advocate the destruction of nonMuslem governments? Will it still approve fathers killing their daughter, brothers their sisters, Baby girls being forced into Marriage? Will they still in mass pray for the destruction of Isreal?

Christian's had their day or attrocity.  What was done to my Native American Ancestors was evil and if there is a Hell then many "Christians" are no doubt there or on their way.  But what was done in the name of God in the past should not justify more horrible things today. The Christian Bible says very little that can be used to justify horrible things.  The words have to be manipulated and the people who do that can be called Extreemists or Radicals or whatever.  They act based on Emotion or an ideological idea of what God intended, not words attributed to God directly. The Quran is full of words that cover reasons to kill and reasons to abuse and harm others. You do not have to add perversion, it's there for the reading and if you read the book and act on it's words you may find yourself struggling with taking a life.  This is called a Fundamentist and I suspect there are far more of them than we are told. Islam is a religion of action and that makes it very appealing to many people. 

Wisdom tells us not to hate anyone but it also should tell us not to assume someone is our friend simply because he or she says they are.  Motivations are not always what they appear and any dialog started with a lie might be entirely a lie.  Reguardless or why they want to build this place we have to ask how it will be used.  In the Muslem world it will be seen as a victory and a monument to a handfull of Brave men who sacrificed their lives to deliver a blow to the infidels.  The Quran apparently says it's ok to kill infidels and not radicalization of the text is required.

When we establish military bases in Muslim countries, we reject arguments that these actions are "insensitive" to the "feelings" of the local populations because we recognize that irrational feelings don't constitute a legitimate objection.  The irony is these xenophobes, recognizing no legal options to circumvent the Constitutional rights of American Muslims, are attempting to use the very same weak "sensitivity" arguments.  All Muslims are terrorists just like all Christians conspire to murder abortion doctors.

MichaelChatt,  AGREE.

I have a sister who was in school in penang, malaysia and said that everyone in her class cheered when the towers fell.  The normal moslem students cheered.  not the radicals, the students.  

I'm not sure if it's 100% true or not, but I found an article that said through the ages when the Islamic folks 'conquered' an area, their practice was to build, not a small, but a MAJOR Mosque on or near the site to commemorate the 'victory'. It gave references for many Islamic battles and showed the Mosques.

I personally don't believe anyone should be burning Quarans or doing harm to anyone. But I am totally baffled in considering why folks from another Country want to come here .. whether the Middle East or Mexico and demand we speak their language and follow their laws. This is AMERICA, we speak English and have a Constitution to guide us. If they want to live here, we welcome them, but please don't change us. If you want to live the way you did in your own country, then I think you should stay there. I wouldn't go to France and demand they speak my language, give me things I didn't work for and follow the tenants of the USA Constitution. We should all have tolerance yes, but that means ALL ... not just a select relative few. So I agree that another site should be found for the Mosque.

America is being lied to, and about, by this very clever and very deceitful man, just as so many others do every single day all over the world. He and Obama are cut from a very similar cloth.  Clever, worldly, shameless about their deceptions, have outwardly nice and calm appearance, lots of privilege and formal education, smooth words, but they are evil in their hearts because they are not telling the truth. Anyone that points that out is branded a fool, a bigot, and worse. Ever heard the old analogy "I'm just the weatherman?"  well, the signs of deception are clear as day here, and as usual, those who know we are being deceived by islamics (who actually really do hate a great deal about our nation and our values, and want to eventually impose harsh, cruel law upon us by careful stealth, no matter how long it takes to do it)--- once again those sounding the very justified alarm are being called all sorts of shabby things. We are being laughed at by those who want us conquered for good. It is men just like this- they are wealthy, they are islam-trained, and they are leading the smooth-as-silk charge. America, how long for you??

after reading all of these posts i believe i have to chime in...

when did not wanting the mosque built 2 blocks from ground become a freedom of religion issue, thats as ridiculous as when they brought the racial issue in at the oj trial...

this is about radical muslims coming to america and destroying the twin towers and killing 3,000 innocent people without provacation...

those radical muslims used a jihad for their actions, that means war, they started it, now, since we're are involved in a jihad that we had no plans of then we are at war with all muslims, good or bad, it's not america's responsibility to seperate the good muslims from the bad and if you are a muslim then you're involved in the jihad, american born or not...

so, since you muslims are at war with us where do you get the nerve to demand to build anything 2 blocks from ground zero...

its not america's responsibility to quell your insurgents either, if you want to be respected as american muslims and you want to practice your religion in peace then you go after your radicals and encourage your fellow muslims to discourage anything to do with them...

earn your place here, don't think just because you're here you're american, american's love their country and they die for it, you're gonna have to do the same thing, hey i have an idea, why don't you just go back where you came from or are the countries you come from too out of control for you, is that why you're here???

the mosque shouldn't be built near ground zero, and thats to prove to your radicals that they or you don't control what goes on here...

maybe you haven't read about the other mosques in america that are being burnt or blown up in the recent months, it's not going to get better, so back off...

@KCRep:  you don't have a constitutional right to "not be offended."  They bought the property, they've been using it and praying there.  NO ONE has the right to tell them they can't.  If you don't understand that, then you need to go read the constitution, especially the 1st Amendment.  Freedom of Speech isn't there to protect speech you like; it's there to protect speech you don't like.

He had to be asked some questions more than once before he would give a clear precise answer. Most of his responses seemed shady like he was trying to avoid giving an answer and only when question twice would he give an answer (most of which made him look worse). Like will he take money from extremist groups, he only said no after being asked more than once. The blatant comment that our security was at risk was just too much. He knows who's funding his "mosque" and who's told him to build it. He's so deeply ruled by extremist that his own life is in danger if he gives the wrong answer. Talk about someone that can't win for loosing, must suck to be him. If moderate muslims don't have the same beliefs that extreme muslims have then why don't they help the rest of the world in getting rid of these extremist instead of harboring them in their countries. You would think they would want their children to be able to run and play outside without war or the fear of some extremist blowing up a bunch of them to get their 100 virgin brides. What a crazy world when people kill to obtain "peace".

Salam - I am a muslim and believe that the Imam should build the Islamic Center in other location. Islam teaches us to respect others, in this case the 70% of new yorkers.

Mohamed

Hmm, Its a Question of Respect. Instead of building bridges he is burning them. And if it does get built. You're going to have some crazy nut job bomb it, and then guess what...another war :( 

He does have the power to get out of it, its just that he does not want his Muslim friends to see him as weak.

Let not anyone take away his right to build there, even though Christians can't build in their countries, they should be allowed to build in ours, even if they are being rude about it.

Xenophobes?  My neighbors and co-workers are moslem. Some of them are my close friends.  GypsyRed, "sensitivity" arguement is not lame.  YOu obviously were not there.   As for the establishment of military bases in muslim countries... thats a different story. Blame the government for that.  But it shouldent be the reason why the Imam should push his agenda.  Please stick to the issue about the wisdom of putting the mosque in lower manhattan. 

If Mr. Rauf really wants to "contribute to the rebuilding of lower Manhatttan" as he states, then perhaps he should redirect the $100 million from the Mosque Center project to the new construction project taking place at Ground Zero. That would be a nice gesture to NYC.

When Sept 11 happen it open our eyes to the EXTREME RADICAL and  word of Holy War which even our president use to identify our reaction.  Many people turn their views unfairly to the Muslim faith and many faiths have proven to have their own extremist proclaim their action is based on their faith we know this not to be true and for me prove of that is by not separate ourselves from the Muslim faith  but to the extremist.  Ground Zero should be a place of unity with all faiths and only together can we have a better future for our world.

JRKY Well said!!! Mohamed

In the interview, Imam Rauf said that if the mosque's proposed site is moved, radicals might do something violent.  I'll put aside the thinly veiled threat that those radicals would do his dirty work if he doesn't get his way.  The fact remains that now the mosque MUST be moved to a different site, or the radicals will have won, and we will have shown that if threatened, we will back down and do their bidding.  This would only embolden and encourage more violence from those radicals.  We cannot negotiate with terrorist.  If we don't show these radicals that threats of violence will not deter us, then we will only get more violence in the future.

Constitution requires an allowance of free worship. It does not require the allowance of free worship anywhere. It does not require that the cultural religion be muffled.

We live in a country of religious freedom. They have the right to build the Islamic Center where they want to build it.  If you are uncomfortable with that idea then consider moving. This country allows freedom of choices.  Look, even the fat iReporter has the right to be ignorant and obtuse instead of taking her fat butt to the gym.  God bless America. Its simple, they have the right to be there because we created that right almost 250 years ago.

Alexj1970- The issue is the respect for Americans who happen to be Muslim and letting the better nature of the freedoms enshrined in our nation's founding win out against the irrational fear of an entire religion based on the actions of a few.  The sensitivity argument is lame because it attempts to attribute the motivations of the 9/11 terrorists to all Muslims. 

Mohamed, (NYAmerican)... Thank you.  I deeply appreciate your comments. Hopefully we would be able to return the kindness of your understanding.  Salaam. 

Really? what does it matter to anyone against its being built? Once the news stops paying attention to it, you'll soon stop caring. If it was never in the news, and you walked by the place after it was built..you might raise an eyebrow...then look at the strip club across the street...and then keep walking.

The only reason why most of you are so enraged is because of a mob mentality...this has become a focus for whatever hate you have against Muslims.

Its amazing how all these people have concern over victims of 9/11 or the families, but probably don't give a flying fig about tragedies that happen all over the world. You people are using the 9/11 victims as scapegoats to justify your own hate.

kcrep - why do you say: "but I do think of terrorist as being from the extreme RADICAL Muslim community" - educate yourself. go look up the "List of designated terrorist organizations" and you will find a HUGE number of groups. many of them having no association with islam. fromt he ira to aum shinriko to the shining path.

GypsyRed, as you can see from my other posts.  Some of my best friends are moslems. some practising, some non-practising.  I am sorry if others generalize that all moslems are terrorists. That is not the case with me.

Wow! This is the first in a long time where a reporter has actually related the hard questions instead of taking the politically correct route.  Building a mosque anywhere near the former twin towers isn't acceptable.  Further, Americans do not need to be reminded of what their core principles truely are (free speech, freedom of religion, etc.)  It is because it is so imbedded in our society that we feel all Americians should understand.  This severely troubles the sensibilities of most Americans.  This isn't an issue about what is legally acceptable.  This is about what is morally correct. 

Unfortunately, our society has forgotten to discern between morals and law. This absent-mindedness has caused many issues in financial and political questions.  However, religion aside, deciding what is allowable by law, should not always be the answer to what is morally acceptable and correct.

well said.  Carlam1.

Alexj-  Then what is motivating the animosity towards building this particular community center?  If not the religion of those building it, then what exactly makes its construction an insensitive act?   

carlam1-  There is no moral obligation to acquiesce to the irrational feelings of others.  One might argue it is a moral virtue to resist intolerance. 

Feisal Abdul Rauf, toll us  that IF Amricans do not let  him the Contruction of the Cordoba Islamic Cultural Center , the terrorist will damage  to our Natinal Security...

I this man "NUTS", we Americans not Isamics will never  surrender to Mohamed belivers

Give Liberty or give dead , no way no now not ever will bend_over to the ISLAM , we prefer to died ....for our Freedom to be anti-Islam

What is wrong with people don't they have something better to do i mean really this whole matter of mosque near ground zero and burning the quran is useless i would say let him burn the quran and he will live with the consequences whether coming from Allah or Muslims and for the ground zero well i still would not   believe this job is done by alqueida no way i would not believe that you have to be really dumb to assume that, honestly, man get a life. The main reason people moved to this country century ago was freedom of religion so why people still fighting about this if they respect the constitution why i need an answer.

I have to have debates with my friend about democracy vs. dictatorship.  I tell why I feel that democracy is better.  What do you believe is better carlam1? If you think Morality should be over the law of the land of the free..

What it comes down is this: some non-Muslim Americans are treating all Muslims with the same discrimination we last saw perpetrated on African-Americans before Civil Rights.

As far as these "Ground Zero Mosque" bigots are concerned, Muslims in the U.S. should be "separate but equal" -- meaning separate and not at all equal, in case you don't know about that era.

Funny that Americans so easily "forget" the torture, slaughter and general mayhem we've wrought on hundreds of nations that couldn't defend themselves, not even counting the genocide right here against Native Americans.

As for "sensitivity" I agree with whoever asked 'how sensitive are we?' I don't think launching this decade's retaliatory wars against people who've done nothing to us, and causing the deaths, maiming and displacement of 5 or 6 million people is very 'sensitive.'

It's not "insensitive" to build a community center that will welcome people of all faiths on a site completely removed from the World Trade Center (which is what we downtown Manhattanites call it). The center has the support of nearly all the residents of Lower Manhattan, except for a few virulent "Christians." If the Cordoba center shouldn't be there then nor should the churches and synagogues.

In any case, despite our appalling treatment of Muslims, there are Muslims doing everything possible to bring people of all faiths together. Instead of showing human goodwill you Tea Parter followers want to alienate and vilify people who have the best of intentions. It's perplexing that so many white Americans are so infantile and willfully ignorant, and for that reason so very easily manipulated.

I think this woman is a fat white whore.  Oh, and it's their damn constitutional right, that's all I care about

I'm going to show my ignorance here since I know nothing about the bible or the quran or why people feel the need to force their God on each other when they should just pass out a pamplet and let people decide for themselves and let God pass final judgement on who was right or wrong. Sorry if I'm wrong but isn't there a piece of land that the muslims have that Christians have wanted for ages to build or rebuild the last temple on to start the return of Jesus? Why is it that muslims can't let them build the temple just to end all this nonsense of who's God exist? If the muslims are correct then there will be no return or Jesus and if the Christians are correct then the end of times are here and everyone winds up where they're tying to get to anyway, The Promised Land. They could even loan the land for so many years and if Jesus doesn't come back in a required amount of time then the temple can be torn down and the land returned. Land and religion the start of many a pointless war where the only losers are those left behind grieving.

Carlam1 - your hypocrisy is appalling. you whine about the IMmorality of this man inviting EVERYONE to gather in peace, yet nobody protested the adult stores and strip clubs that are much closer to ground zero than this MUTLI-FAITH center is, not one complaint. yeah, that's genuine honor and deep respect for sacred ground...with p0rn as all the victims' grave neighbors...right. real brilliant.

yes we do "hear the word "Muslim" and the very first thing they say or think of is "Terrorists"...

no I'm not get over ...   Muslim compared with any other religion in this XXI Century along  let see NY city 9.11 , Marid 2005, Lodon many tinme , Inida 2009 and Isalam attack , Autralia 2002 2006 the same , Rusia , France , Sudam christina persecution 2001 presentm 2010  10 Dr Chritian in public help kill in Afanistan  I have to stop all this page will be over the limit , Islam is terrosim get over

Being German doesn't make you a Nazi and being Muslim doesn't make you a terrorist. The Islamic Community Center will be 2 blocks away from ground zero not on ground zero, not across the street, you won't be able to see it from Ground Zero. How much further away is acceptable..if it moves 6 blocks away will that be ok or will people still have a problem?! When the memorial for September 11th opens at Ground Zero will Muslims be banned from going there? When will it stop?

It's an unfortunate situation and peaceful Muslims in this country are in a difficult place. It's sad the extreme negative view that many Americans have of Muslims. However, sometimes you gotta pick and choose your battles for the greater good of your cause. If Muslims want to be accepted and understood in this country, there's a better way to go about it. The center is not the hill to die on. They can still accomplish their goal for the use of the center by building it elsewhere. They have options.

Right froggs, there are strip clubs, bars, and betting shops, no one has ever complained about them...

and why are office buildings and shopping ok on "hallowed ground" -- a discount store reopened soon after 9/11 right opposite the site, and no one said it was immoral!

the whole whipped up opposition thing is so hypocritical and disingenuous.

@Melanie202 "Sorry if I'm wrong but isn't there a piece of land that the muslims have that Christians have wanted for ages to build or rebuild the last temple on to start the return of Jesus?" the Muslims have a mosque on the land, so that's why they won't hand it over. It's not an easy fix.

And another thing: When Bush 2 realized his planned "Crusade" didn't go over too well anywhere in the world --check out what the Crusaders did -- he made a speech saying we should not see all Muslims negatively just because of the fanatical Muslims who committed the crime on 9/11.

Bush asked us all to treat American Muslims with dignity (not that he did). Wonder why the Tea Party types have ditched that admonition, maybe it's because Bush taught them to speak out of two sides of their mouths.

We need to STOP this freedom of religion bullcrap RIGHT NOW or the terrorists will win!! They will be playing basketball, they will be swimming, they will be Muslim, and they will be rubbing it into our FACES right by ground zero!

Seriously... the Islamic community center NEEDS to be built, if only to prove we are still a free country. Some people (probably many of the people who oppose the Islamic community center) say terrorists hate freedom, and that's why they attacked us on 9/11... so what cuss? Who seems to hate it more? This isn't intended to be a slap in the face to anybody. The only slap in the face is the one being done to Islam. They are standing up for their rights, and the people who oppose them are sinking to the level of terrorists, using terrorist threats.

The way I see it, there are three types of people who oppose the Islamic community center: those who are ignorant of the fact that Islam and terrorism are separate and distinct, just like Christianity and the KKK are separate and distinct; those who say know there is a difference, but are still afraid because they don't really believe there is a difference (they usually take the position of it being "morally wrong" or "insensitive"); then there are those who just hate Muslims.

Members of the KKK are Christian, would it be insensitive to build a Christian church near a landmark commemorating people who died as a result of racial violence? It's not an Al Qaeda Community center being built at ground zero, y'know.

I bet most of those 70% New Yorkers are hypocrites. Ask them how would they feel if the Islamic center (it's not a mosque, to the misinformed) was 10 blocks away. I am sure they would say NO. They don't want the center ANYWHERE. The issue is not about the center being too close to ground zero. It's about these being bigots & intolerant.

The media is a big part in this mess. If the center was built quietly and muslims were praying quietly in it, no one would have noticed and no one would have opened their big mouth. Most people are just following the herd.

This guy is very evasive. He is a liar like most of the other Muslim leaders around the world. The end justifies the means for these guys. You show me even one, honest Muslim leader.

Listen everyone!  I am a Christian.  Terrorist claim to be   Christian Like Timothy Mcveigh, the KKK, White supremacist and many more.  They AREN't Christian!  They obviously don't, and can't believe in Jesus Christ because they go against everything the Bible teaches.  People live in fear so much because they are uneducated about others religions.  It is so absurd to hear other people telling us what Muslims believe and what they don't. If anyone has any experience in any church or any religion then they would know that unless you are a member of that particular religion or church you can't  fully understand it. People read things they take them out of context, or blatantly make stuff up.  If people took half of the time to blast the Muslim faith and actually educated themselves they would find out what the religion is truly all about.  One of my best friends is Muslim, and he truly leads by example to everyone he comes in contact with.  I wish that I had half of his dedication toward loving his fellow man and trying to make this world a better place.  Finally, if we don't allow this Multi-Faith Center to go up, then we need to remove all of the churches within a two block radius of the Oklahoma City Building, and all of the churches in south!  Lets make it fair. A terrorist is a terrorist.  If you are going to lump a whole religion by people who say they are Muslim but don't follow the Koran than we MUST add the American terrorist to the list as well.  It easier to swallow a Caucasian terrorists with origins from American isn't it? 

Sincerely,

Prod American who loves our Freedoms of Religion!!!

THIS IMAM REMINDS ME OF THE STORY OF THE SCORPION AND THE FROG.

ITS IN THEIR NATURE TO GET A FOOT HOLD AND SPREAD THEIR TERROR.

WHO DO YOU THINK IS FUNDING THIS PLACE - iRAN, sAUDIA aRABIA, yEMAN.  ALL COUNTRIES WHO WANT DEATH TO AMERICA.

YOU LIBERALS JUST LOVE INVITING PEOPLE INTO OUR HOME JUST TO HAVE IT ATTACKED FROM BOTH SIDES.

Did she just list "diversity" as one of the negative effects of the new mosque?  Talk about "very telling" ...

Somebody should ask Rauf the following questions:

1) Where do you stand on these passages from the Koran:

-- Surely the vilest of animals in Allah’s sight are those who disbelieve. (8.55)

--The unbelievers are your inveterate enemy. (4:101)

-- Mohammed is God's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the unbelievers but merciful to one another. (48:29).

-- Fight against them until idolatry is no more and God's religion reigns supreme. (2:193)

-- The true believers fight for the cause of God, but the infidels fight for the devil. (4:76)

-- We will put terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. (3:151)

-- I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers. (8:12)

2) Where do you stand on these sayings of Muhammad:

-- Allah's Apostle said, "You (i.e. Muslims) will fight with the Jews till some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O 'Abdullah (i.e. slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.' "

-- Mohammed said, "I have been ordered to fight with the people till they say, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and whoever says, " None has the right to be worshipped but Allah , his life and property will be saved by me." (otherwise it will not).

-- Mohammed said, "Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him."

-- Muhammad said: "Fight in the name of Allah and in the way of Allah. Fight against those who disbelieve in Allah. Make a holy war, …"

3) Where do you stand on the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam which ALL 67 Moslem-majority countries have subscribed to? THis Cairo Declaration makes Islam legally superior to all other religions; it makes ALL human rights subject to sharia law. Sharia law, of course, provides for the legal subordination of non-Moslems to Moslems and of women to men. It mandates death for apostates, blasphemers and homosexuals. It defines jihad as making war on non-Moslems.

Let us see what Rauf has to say about all of this -- if only the people in contact with him had the knowledge and the sense to ask these important questions.

To me, the real question is why some woman in Fullerton, California who probably does not know anyone who died on 9/11 and has probably never even been to Manhattan, feels like she should be able to influence how New Yorkers develop their city. Rauf is a New Yorker. I live in NYC, was in Manhattan when the towers fell and knew people who died and although I might have preferences for how land here is developed, I don't think it's any of my business if the owner of the land has other ideas. This is not a national issue for a bunch of xenophobic conservatives to use as a talking point during an election. It's a local land use issue. BUTT OUT!

I am curious as to what the response will be when it is shortly discovered that this "interfaith Center (hharhar) is used for organizational meetings for terrorist attacks and other means to cause the US great damage, financial hardship and great loss of life.

Name any country in the world where muslims are that is peaceful and tolerant. There are none because peace in islam is an oxymoron. The muslims even engage in wholesale slaughter of each other and have for centuries.

If this is an interfaith center as claimed. stop using the term islamic center and introduce us to the Rabbis, pastors and priests who will be holding services and classes.  BTW Christians LOVE pot luck dinners and BBQ pork is on the menu. Get used to it.

Who are you? KCRep... An iReporter? And your opinion matters why? Get a life and do something with it. This guy is doing something with his, something positive.

Let's try to clarify this debate:

This is not a "mosque", but a community center with a prayer room. Are those opposed to this center saying Muslims should not be allowed to pray within two blocks of Ground Zero? If not then how far away must they pray to show the proper level of sensitivity?

To wit: does everyone understand that the 1st amendment also provides the right to be insensitive? This applies to the developers of Park51 as well as those who oppose them. From Nazis marching in Skokie to flag burnings to the Phelps homophobes disrupting soldier's funerals, we tolerate these things because doing so defines us and our nation.

If you believe the Global War On Terror is a reality, do you also believe every Muslim is our enemy? If so, we're outnumber 5 to 1. If you want to get the majority on our side, does an Islamic YMCA represent such a great sacrifice?

Lastly, when Muslims protests notice they burn U.S. flags and not the Bible. Because Islam is an Abrahamic faith, they consider the Bible as a precursor to the Quran. Just thought you should know.

The Holy Qur'an

# God does not prohibit you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. God loves the equitable.

# God prohibits you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.

To be honest, that seems pretty moderate to me. Stick up for yourself, but be fair to others too. I know of lots of places in the Bible where things are a lot worse than that.

If you think there are ulterior motives to build the mosque near that location, wouldn't the same logic suggest that there are ulterior motives to have churches in Salem, MA? Or, since Christianity was used to justify slavery, should all churches be banned near former plantations? Of course, as a Christian, you would hate it if all Christians were painted by the same brush.  But that's exactly what you're doing with Muslims.  You insist they have ulterior motives.  In other words, you believe all Muslims sympathize with the acts on 9/11, and you see them all as potential enemies.  Have you ever heard of the golden rule?

We're ALREADY used to you eating pork. We were born here and raised here. You have a lot to learn, buddy.

Luckily, they don't need the permission of any of you complete idiots that are commenting on this board to build the mosque.

This wasn't even an issue locally.  They want it, the community they are in wants it, the city wants it, the state wants it. 

What makes you think that if you don't live in this NY neighborhood you even deserve to have an opinion?

@Gizmologist: Talk about paranoid! Of all the Mosques in the U.S., you think THIS Islamic community center is going to be a terrorist training camp? Hahaha!

Q: "Name any country in the world where muslims are that is peaceful and tolerant."

A: The United States; Canada; Guyana; Suriname; India; and it is the 2nd largest religion in all four countries of the U.K., as well as France.

There are 1.57 billion Muslims in the world. If they were all so intolerant and constantly engaging in wholesale slaughter, the world would be in deep, deep trouble.

When are Americans going to learn how to properly pronounce "Muslim"?

After some thought on this I have decided that you have a man that on one side is faced with extreme terrorist killers and on the other side very angry Americans. Both are going to make this an issue of standing their ground. This man is not in any position to make a decision now given the circumstances and I'm sure he wishes that someone would just take this decision away from him (I personally would rather face a bunch of angry Americans rather than terrorist that would just as soon kill you than look at you, just my personal opinion). In cities all across America they have taken property from those that don't want to sell for the good of the majority. Fair? No, but it's done quite often. If you want to do it the American way then throw it on the ballad. You could make it a city vote (the center would probably loose), make it a statewide vote to be more fair or since it seems to have made it way all across America put it up for a national vote. Americans seem to be split on this and the majority voice would decide and Rauf could have a probably much wanted way out. I also believe he said there is a mosque or muslim center already a couple of blocks within the proposed center. If that's already there with no complaints then why not just give them a permit to tear it down and build a much larger building. People surely wouldn't complain about building the same thing but on a larger scale.

“…That you want to upset us for some reason. Is that true?”

Why is it always "us" and "them"?  This is where the problem comes in.  We're all Americans.  We're all "us."  The people who are against this are trying to deny US a community center.  All of us.  By using fear, hate, and xenophobia... by using the basest of human emotions.  With so many people on both sides of the argument talking about the lies from the other side, one should step back and look at the heart of the issue: Community.  How can there be one when you fear your neighbor because you don't know them?

6 Billion people on the planet, 1.57 Billion of them are Muslim. Thats about a fifth of humanity. It takes a very paranoid personality to beleive that all Muslims are out to 'get us'. If all Muslims wanted to take us over, they could have done that a very long time ago. Think.

I listened to him closely. he states that the terrorists/extremists would take this as a challenge and find cause to retaliate if the mosque's location was changed to another location from where it is proposed to be right now.

Counterpoint: Why is Imam allowing to be blackmailed by the extremist groups who give Islam a bad name and has made this a very hard move for his people his religion and is now allowing his people to be left open for "harm" that is not necessary. NOT.

On the other level concerning the pastor who is threatening to burn a truck load of the Quran , the extremists are already condemning all of America for something that has NOT happened so  moving a Mosque will make imo no difference what so ever.

Point being that the harm is black mail and it looks like Imam is not willing to look further ahead for HIS religious right of safety for his people . None of this makes any sense.

There are too many emotions so intense on this one subject ,people feel that there was zero thought put into the process of where this mosque was to be built. Of course people ask "why?" many ask and wonder what will happen when the Mosque is done being built . There was zero thought put into this ,zero once Imam spoke and said "the terrorists will have issue if the mosque is built elsewhere now" 

Really?

May I suggest we go back to the interview and fully look into what you meant by that.

And Imam are you controlled by  terrorist's?

To me, a Muslim institution or property at or near ground-zero is akin to planting their national flag in victory. Muslims destroyed American lives and property and are now replacing it with Muslim property and ideals.

The main head-honcho Muslim leader knows very well what this is about and is more than willing to offend every "Infidel" in America for the sake of their false god and false, murderous religion.

1. Its not a 'mosque.' It is a cultural center. It has a swimming pool, a basketball court and a auditorium. Now it also has a prayer area for any denomination. So, think about it. ITS A FREAKIN YMCA! which, for you whom do not know, stands for Young Mens Christian Association. And they also have swimming pools, basktball courts and auditoriums. By golly, they also have prayer and mediation rooms.

2. Telling someone that they cannot build a mosque at ground zero would be like telling someone that they cannot build a christian church near the site of the Oklahoma city bombing. Timothy Mcviegh was a white extremist which was part of christian sect.

3. There is already an actually mosque 4 blocks from ground zero

People want you to think it's all about location. But when there are three so-called Christian pastors threatening to burn the Quran, vandalism and arson are committed on the building site of a Mosque in Tennessee, two place in California have people trying to stop the building of a Mosque, and also one place in Wisconsin, it really belies what is being said. Especially since nobody seems to care about the mosque inside the Pentagon within yards of where the plane crashed into it on 9/11. It's not about location. It's about religious intolerance toward Islam. Christians and Muslims alike worship the God of Abraham. We're religious cousins along with the Jews for heavens sake. I've traveled extensively in the Middle East and will be back in the UAE within a couple of weeks. I've always been treated with respect and friendliness. I'm embarassed now to return.

Open ur eyes and look into the world......... wherever there is uncertenty / terrorisun / fighting one side is Muslim...  Muslims are causing  these problems all over the world.  check these places - Palastine, Kasmir, Iraq, Afghanistan, Indonasia, Checnia, Philipines, lebonon, siriya, Saudiarabia, yemen Russia, some part of China, india, Keniya, Somaliya, Afica, now in USA list gose on and on....  Still they keep saying that they are the religion for peace... 

Struggle for existing ..........!!!!!!!!!!!! that what they say...any way.........??????????

To me it actually makes no difference. Though I am a Christian, I see this insult to Repub/Christian morals and senses as one punishment against them for their criminal behavior. The Repubs/Christians chose to puff themselves up with ego and arrogance and harm the innocent (they know who they are and to whom I am referring) by destroying lives and livelihood they did not need to destroy.

Though this Mosque business offends me, as a true born and bred American, I am for it bringing punishment to the criminals. Ongoing punishment. And I can live delightedly with it knowing it is God's will against the Repubs/Christians.

I wonder where the wisdom of so called wise people have gone.  At one side this guy apparantly trying to look wise and smart trying to play with emotions of tons of people inflicted by the Muslims. If his intent is to create peace, engagement and he knows by building this center at the Grnd zero would actually do opposite (Any fool woudl know by now!!). Other side their is another hardliner - the paster from FL for Quaran thing. To me both of these fellows are just trying to do some of the foolish things even a child will not do. May god (Allah, Jesus) gives some wisdom to these folks.

@GilletteBen: It "is" a mosque, neatly wrapped in a gaudy, gleaming, 13-story, $100 million dollar "cultural center". Why so outrageously expensive? Because modern mosques require lavish adornments. This is no "YMCA", it is a temple. A shrine to the "martyrs" of 9/11 -- the attackers, not the victims. Who is Imam Rauf, really? This video of Rauf does a fairly good job of exposing his utter disdain and condemnation of America: "il.youtube.com/watch?v=c88GKAZkCVc"

Is Rauf a moderate? Hardly. See what "real" moderate Muslim leaders say about him and this victory mosque: "youtube.com/watch?v=73UvB7XG0dM" "muslimcanadiancongress.org"

Has Imam Rauf's charity funded terror? "sioaonline.com/?p=437"

Please, sign the petition: "actforamerica.org/index.php/act/sign-petition"

If we speak loud enough we can stop this dishonor to the 9/11 victims.  Thank you.

It's nothing but misuse of power given by constitution of US. One thing US should learn - Hardliners need to be dealt with hard means irrespective of their location, citizenships, religion...  This guy (Imam) is doing no good for Muslims, Chiristians or and Hindu like me. It's just causing more hatred towards his own religion. I hope other Imam's dont follow this man and create more problems for Muslims.

This Imam is a liar.  If he were interested in peace he would build a memorial to honor the dead, instead of a

mosque.

Excellent commentary by KC.  She hit the nail on the head.

you know we all have rights in this country but if i was going to do something in my rights that was upsetting the people in my community i would just not do it why push the issue if it hurts and upsets the people i live with.  that is not being peaceful its stirring  the pot and that never works out in the end.

Whine,  "This is about sensitivity"  What sensitivity?

I could understand a sensitivity about low flying aircraft but these whiners are invoking a tortured logic about a building in New York City.  What's so disturbing about a building in New York city?  Where did they make the association that a community center causes all of these horrible reminders of the Twin Towers collapsing?  If you want to explore the issue of sensitivity then go live in Srebrenica, Bosnia for a few weeks where more than 7000 Muslims were murdered in a UN designated "safe zone" while the world, including the USA, just watched.

Do you whiners have any idea of the crap people have to put up with in this country because they aren't white christians?  Obviously not.  You whine about sensitivity.

The guy is a forked-tongue lying devil. They know exactly why they want to build the mosque there at ground zero and anyone who believes their muslim lies is a fool.

...iReporter KC says "why would they do that to US" - but who is "US?"- Americans? Christians?

They are "US," we are they. Muslims build mosques; Christians build churches. Get over it.

Just a note of observation, I noticed that the Muslim's who have commented on here are opposed to the mosque/cultural center/YMCA or whatever it's really going to be.  Anyone else notice that?  Oh, and thanks to the people who commented on my looks, very observant and mature of you.  

tweisbec415....Where did I ask that question?

nelg - I fully agree with you but would add a few more examples. How about the carnage visited upon the Palestinians in Gaza and the ongoing oppression in the West Bank. We would be remiss if we didn't mention, tens of thousands of Muslims who died because we invaded their country even though it had nothing to do with 9/11 and was no threat to our security. Perhaps we should also remember that there were Muslims killed in the WTC also as well as Muslim first responders who died. We've more than exacted our "pound of flesh" from the Muslims at large.

Every religion has its radicals including Christianity. Most of the white supremacists claim to be acting as Christians when they commit their hate crimes. The KKK has always billed itself as a Christian organization. It was Christian extremists who visited all the terrorists attacks in Northern Ireland and England.

And as for Sharia law? I'll take that argument more seriously when the Christian Right stops trying to cram Biblical Law down our throats.

And world domination? Christians have used Matthew 28:19-20 forever to attempt to dominate the world. Before we start judging, we need to remember that the Bible says that we will be judged by the same standards we judge others.

I think it is a good idea to have a place where all religious views are tolerated, accepted and encouraged to understand each others individual views. However, knowing that people in the United States are pretty much suffering post traumatic stress from 9/11 should be respected. Granted they shouldn't blame all of Islam for the pain, but it takes time and healing to understand that. Shoving Islam down peoples throats isn't the way to go. People aren't saying 'NO, we don't want a center built' they are saying "we don't think it's a good idea for it to go there." Acceptance and healing can't be forced, it has to be gradually done. I agree with Kathi, in that he didn't answer what she asked. He said what he thinks people want to hear and what he thinks the people that control the building issues want to hear. Until he understands the difference between sincerity and placating, I don't think people will agree with his "Idea".

Kathi Cordsen is obviously opposed to this Muslim community center, but Kathi fails to explain what her specific concerns are.  WHY does this project bother her?  WHY should it be moved now? (After all, the plans have been around for a long time)?  All Kathi offers are her vague, non-specific, unjustified aspersions about the organization's "ulterior motives." CNN ought to set higher standards for featured iReporters.  Seek out the ones who ask specific, trenchant, well-informed questions, and ignore the insipid, substance-free contributions like Ms. Cordsen's.  Lots of people asked this guest interesting questions, so the choice to feature this one was disappointing.

I will be glad to help them build a mosque-500 miles EAST 0f NYC! 

Just go away Like the japanese did.  We solved that problem with 2 bombs.

If we ignore our history we will repeat it. The Crusades happened for a reason. Spain was under Muslim control. What people must ask is what is a Muslim's version of "peace" or "World Peace" sadly "Muslim Peace" means everyone becomes Muslim, which is hardly a peaceful existence.

Please, there is already a Mosque near ground zero, so the purpouse of this mosque is not to be near ground zero. There already is one, and it was there BEFORE 9/11. No more assuming that's why he's building it there. Did you read that it's actually a community center, and the point is to help with muslim relations? Isn't it ironic that you guys can't deal with two muslim related buildings near ground zero, but just one building is fine? What about the nudie bar just down the street? I'm sure that's fine because of their religion?

It is not about American fear of Islam. There are 1900 or so mosques in the US. If we were so afraid, they wouldn't have been allowed. It is not that 9/11 area is holy ground. It IS, however, where a few thousand Americans were recently killed by Muslims.

There's just no way that this guy didn't know how divisive this would be. And the Imam DARES to tell Americans that this is a test of our tolerance? How about Saudi Arabia, where not ONE Christian church is tolerated? Where not ONE Christian clergy  member is allowed to go for the purposes of performing a religious service! Tell THEM to increase their tolerance! My fellow Americans, do not criticize yourselves too much, or feel guilt (guilt that is being pushed on you by this man). You are perhaps the MOST tolerant people on earth. This is absurd.

I think if this Mosque is actually built, the whole community of Jews, Christians, Buddhists and other religious affiliations should regularly browse through ever part of it saying their specific prayers and praising their specific deities...especially in the prayer center.

The people of other, non-tolerated, religions should bring their religious items....the Christians bring Bibles and crosses, the Jews brings their Tanakh and star of David (plainly and clearly displayed) and the Buddhists bring their...erm...selves.

All of these other religions should frequently worship their deities in the prayer rooms and sacred places of this Mosque...ahem..."Community Center".

You'll find out real quick how sacred the CM is.

@MrBrandt - Thank you for saying what it is.

This guy has a great message for America. However, I think he is using the floor which he has now out of the debate to deliver his point, but in a very bad timing.  He must understand that the arguing is not helping any body, it’s not making Americans snoop to his great message. We all know as Muslims that choosing a location for any mosque is not an important issue, so why he is combating for the Ground Zero as if it Mecca, Saudi Arabia!  Yes, he’s allowed opening 100s of mosques all over the United States with the power of low, but what about the people of your country!!!  Don’t you think how important to get their OK before the OK you will get by regulations!! This issue is not about Muslims and non-Muslims, it’s the Mosque’s neighbors matter. I can’t think of it the other way around if this is happing in my country Saudi Arabia “if” the regulations allow such a non-Muslims center to be open even in the desert!! Rules created to be for people not to be against their needs. Sir you should thank god 5 times a day for living in Country where minority have “just the same” as majority !

Meshal, Saudi Arabia        

Sigh...America the Bigoted continues. Clearly the "i" in "iReporter" stands for "irrational." Let's face it, there is nothing this man could have said outside of  "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior" that would have changed this woman's mind. And maybe not even that. Her over-the-top fear of Muslims is an offshoot of ODS (Obama Derangement Syndrome). To people like this, just being a Muslim is a hostile act. So of course, an Islamic center MUST be a hotbed of terrorist activity. "Hallowed" ground my a**. This is the same NYC that RWNJs bash Sunday-in and Sunday-out as "what's wrong" with America (you know, with all their gays and brown people and such), yet somehow this spot is sacred. If people like this REALLY cared about the victims of 9/11, they wouldn't vote for politicians who repeatedly block funding to help the third wave of 9/11 victims: The FIRST RESPONDERS who valiantly answered the call of duty that day, and are now paying the price of ill-health thanks to a criminally deceitful Bush Administration.

Oh, and Mr. Brandt, you're right, there are no Christian churches in Saudi Arabia. Why? Because their country wasn't founded on a core principle of religious tolerance. You know, LIKE WE WERE! We accept ALL RELIGIONS in this country because we're supposed to be leading the way in FREEDOM! That's right, freedom isn't just a stale Lee Greenwood lyric you sing at a VFW picnic. FREEDOM is something you actually have to believe in AND practice for it to actually have meaning!

For me, that means tolerating people who don't look like or worship in the same places as me!

We all should promote religious worship services regularly at this future "Community Center". The Christians should hold Sunday School and bible studies there as well as genuine worship services. And they all should clearly display all of their specific religious symbols. The Jews should hold synagogue there and teach from their Tanakh and display the Star of David and other religious symbols.

Doing this will cleanse the building of all evil intention and it will simply be a building the Muslims paid for  out of their own pockets  for all others to worship their deities there.

Let the Muslims spend their "dime" on this building. We Americans will make it ours. We will sanctify it and make it acceptable for the thousands of innocent murdered victims who died there.

I have seen the nationality mix of those who lost their lives on 9/11.  I have not seen or heard on any of the major or minor news networks anything about the mix of faiths of those same people.  How many believers of Islam were killed that day?  How many of other than those from Judeo/Christian backgrounds?  If there were ANY Islamic people killed, then it is entirely appropriate for an Islamic facility to be built near "Ground Zero".  It is not being disrespectful to anyone or to any other faith.

I think that most Muslims must be really tired of the general US population lumping them in with terrorist groups. This would be equivalent of holding mainstream Christian religions responsible for actions of the KKK. Wikipedia describes the KKK as a Christian terrorist group. They use the same Bible to rationalize their beliefs as others use to condemn them. I would ask any Christian today, do you feel responsible for the Klan’s actions in the past or just dismiss them as radical. Can you see not building a church in the South because the Klan has terrorized African Americans there? The Bible has also been used by cults to control people. One can spin any story by taking things out context and not looking at the big picture. The Quran can just as easily be used by evil controlling people as the Bible, but this question is do we lump everyone into one basket and hold them responsible for others actions?

Your fear has turned to hate. Look at what your doing right now. Can you see peace coming from it? The world is a lesson in healing. Our differences are illusion. Start seeing individuals that are equals. See if it's as easy to hate.

n this video a reporter from CNN sat down with the man behind the Islamic center. His name is Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf. He is the man behind all of this. This interview was based on a conversation with him an a I.reporter Kathi Cordenson. She asked the question to sum it up why did Imam choose to build close to ground zero where the twin towers fell. Kathi felt as if Imam was doing this to "upset" us. He went on to tell her his logic behind building the Islamic center was to pretty much make things with Americans and Muslim-Americans see eye to eye with one another. He wants piece between us. I felt personally that yes he may want piece between us but why build so close to were thousands of Americans have lost their lives because of a terrorist from his country. Yes he was not the one who actually took the time to kill an destroy us Americans but don't you think we have had enough hurt an pain from this tragedy? Its fine for him to build this center but he should think more wisely to "where" it should be. This is not a smart thing to do. I hate to say it but "if " this center is built, it wont stand very long because us as Americans do not now how to forgive and honestly in this situation, how can they. It would be safe for us all if the Islamic center did not go up close to ground zero.

My friend Aaron Graves suggests and I totally support:

Lets have a TRUE INTERNATIONAL INTERFAITH CENTER @ the site, NOT run or  owned by a mosque but organized & run collectively by a unified group of Interfaith leaders! This should end all the controversy once and for all and serve as a tremendous example of world peace.

I totally agree with Giana1 The Interfaith Center should be build to bring better understanding between all religions such as Judaism,Hinduism,Buddism,Christianity and Islam.

Distribution of the Korans to help better understanding...what about distribution of the bible and other holy writings?

Building an Islamic Centre at the site where so many lost their lives is a big "NO!" it shows sign of DISRESPECT.Such plans should not go ahead.Are they trying to mock those who lost their innocent lives and their poor heart broken families?? The International Inter Faith Centre with symbols of all faiths should be more respectful.

Islam Laws- Cant touch Dogs so Dogs are stoned or badly abused or poisoned(even when owners have them locked up in their own backyard!), Cant eat pork or drink alcohol(but many caught sneaking a drink or two),Cant eat at a non muslim home as they are considered dirty as Muslim consider themselves clean,they say we dont let them practise their faith BUT seems in Islam countries they dont let others practise their faith(holy articles are taken away),young minds are taught to look down on other religions and even calling them pagans,when other religions celebrate their festivals such as Xmas they are treaten with raids in Islamic countries....So they demand we give them freedom BUT they dont give freedom?? Is that fair?? Some Islamic countries even force non muslims to learn and must pass subject on Islamic Knowledge BUT why we over here cant make them learn and pass on subject of ALL religions knowledge. Fair is Fair.

I think Muslims should be more open minded and try to understand that God created all of us and every living thing around us.They cant go around bombing everything and demand things...thats not the way. I pity those poor souls who have to convert because they married into a muslim family,its like turning a fish into a cat. Btw CNN try not to report too much on Islam this and that...getting pretty boring....try to report on other religions and what they have achieved. The more CNN reports on Islam the more free publicity it gets and CNN is fueling its violence. Enough is enough. I think better use the phrase"Arab Religion" instead.

I agree they need to lighten up I mean there's not much they can do without "force"... and now even BURNQURAN.COM is for sale on ebay LOL! I hope a muslim buys it otherwise ......

Well, well, see here, if you look at the all answers that came from some of our muslim friends, they are still defending the violent behaviour of their muslim brethern as "good act", or as if we made them do it.  But when "DaElmer," claims that not all muslim countries are terrorists, though I tend to agree with him, the fact that these are imported from muslim countries, where there is only one language and book are being taught.  Being in USA does not change their concept, meaning be a terrorist for God, think of all religion if they had same idea killing other to be with God, if God wanted he would the same for him self, would not you think that?

Why look at India, as soon someone in usa said about the burning of "quran" they already burned catholic church in northern part of india, and started killing other christians and state wide strike in Kashmir, why?  because that is what they are being taught, kill innocent people. 

I did not see any world wide condemation about such unholy and religiious acts, not from a muslims or from their priest or from spiritual leaders.  So how can any muslim in usa claim they are peaceful, while they would love to make us into 'pieces." 

Please let good muslims speak aginst the ignorance and violent behaviour of the muslims, let them be a good example for the muslim religion.

well, as far as this center is concerned, I think there is some sort of hypocricy with those who think that setting a mosque in ground zero area is meant to upset Americans which means that they think Islam was responsable for the tragedy of 9/11 events ignoring that few terrorists cannot represent islam or a bilion and a half muslims all over the world as a pastor who burns Koran cannot represent americans. i think America has to show its strength through tolerance and deep understanding of the differences in culture, religion and race otherwise, it will face the danger of disintegration sooner or later,not physically speaking but morally as USA should be a ground on which Democratic values are set in order to strengthen chances of existing in the future. let the mosque be built in the very center of the ground zero to fight terrorism and intolerance.

Did you say few? Really?... where do you live?  Did you read what I wrote above? These people of Islam are killing Christians(in India) as soon as they heard that some one is going o burn quaran.  What do you call them? Pious or holy people?  They (those who belive in Islam will do anything thier Iman tells them to do for their faith, which will including killing innocent people.  Is it ignorance? yes, I agree with some one who said that islam is 6th century religion still,(in Islam lying is not a sin to promote their faith) people are ignorant, they do not allow their women to study or learn, and for them women is second class citizen to whom men can do anything!!!  So watch out, whatever their imans or spiritual leaders say are lies, nothing but lies!!!

a response to "blackandwhite" : dear sir , I live in a muslim contry whose people suffered a lot from terrorism and as a victim of blind terroriem I can tell you that Islam has nothing to do wjth those extrimists, so it is useless and unfair to generalyze your opinion over the whole nation of islam. my country and my people struggled a lot to fight this form of extrimism and we gave so many martyrs in the field olver 100,000 algerians were killed by terrorists...let me remind you of one important thing: Algerian authorities warned the occidental countries of the globle aspect of terrorism in the late 90's but USA and european countries did not pay any attention to that call. In addition to this, you should not deny that ly country complained to the USA and other occidental countries about feeding terrorists under cover of human rights. Oh yes the terrorists machine found its invention and fuel in those democratic countries whose leaders hypocritely thought as long as they were not harmed by these terrorists they can allow them harm the others...do not forget that in England pseudo charity associations collected money in the red decade as we call it in algeria in order to kill innocent babies, children, women, civilians ect...innocent civilians, so we as Algerians had our 11/9 events repeatedly for a decade without any help from USA and Europe and now that the truth is cristal clear to them, they are showing off with their pseudo war against terrorism. As a muslim whose country was subjected to terrorism during a decade, I say clearly and with no hesitation that Islam is innocent and has nothing to do with these extrimists thge same way christianism is innocent from what did terrorists crusaders to muslims in the past...please read the history of Islam  before judjing Islam and a whole nation unfairly.   

P.S women in Islam have the right to govern, to be judjes, officers ect...where did you get those information from? they are subjective and have no link wjth the truth...traditions have nothing to do with religion in our countries...what will you say if I judge America through Mormons and other sects? it will be unfair! won't it?

I love your candid answer and I hope that there are more people like you out there; and not hindu, christian, jewish and muslim fundamentalist who are willing to kill and use other to do so and not willing to sacrifice or die for.  No religion is bad, just the people.  After all, there is only one God (though everyone call him different names)- the all powerful one that everyone belive in.  thanks for listening.

you know religion is the victim of misunderstanding and misinterpreting of ignorant people throughout the world, we should avoid giving them the opportunity to spoil the great values of each religion: judaism; christianism and Islam and which are love,tolerance and mutual respect. thank you for your understanding Mr blackandwhite.

Is Islam an OCCULT sect? Why members live in fear?Why use so much violence just to prove their point? Occult sects love to keep their members in control by force,use sneaky tactics,cant speak out against the sect,ravings go on and on until members of all sect get brainwashed. Just curious.Apologize for so many questions.Trying to understand this strange world.