As distasteful as this Mosque by WTC seems I refuse to suspend my American beliefs to deny anyone religious freedom. I feel the day I deny my fellow Americans the right to practice whatever religion they believe in then that is the day I seized being an American and became one of them.

I am an American and believe in America's ideals and principals and that means that sometimes I will have to tolerate things I don't like. But I will, because the ideology this country was built on is greater than me or my opinion.

If members of any religious group plan on breaking the law then they should be arrested and prosecuted for it, until then we, as Americans, have to accept the freedoms of every American citizen. It's all or nothing, we cannot begin to chose which group gets freedom and which group doesn't because then we are no better than the Taliban or Al-Queda.

But let's be clear, I am not defending Islam or any other religion, I'm defending America and it's ideals and principals. America's principals and ideas are bigger than you, me or them. We can not let current events or dislikes of certain people, deviate or change America, because the day we do then they really won.

For the record I really wish this group found a more suitable, less controversial place to build their house of worship and if the politicians or community board finds some technicality to block it I will not shed a tear but I can not deny that it is their right as American citizens to build their mosque wherever they please.

Life, liberty and justice for all, even those we dislike.

I generally respect your comments but dude; it's not a mosque.

I'm sorry I refer to all of them as mosques but I understand its some kind of cultural center just like the one on 96 Street which is huge, takes up about half a block. It hasn't created any problems. Just people praying.

Here's a link

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/UES/UES091.htm

Like I said I don't like the idea and sympathize with the families who lost loved ones there but to blame and condemn 1.57 billion people on the actions of a few is not right. As Americans we preach tolerance now it's time to live up to it.

We have to move away from this America vs Muslims rhetoric, it's very dangerous. Our enemy is the terrorists, we need to focus on them.

I suppose the fact that people 'just don't like the idea' is what bothers me. The board's approved the land use, but what really grinds my gears is this incessant association between a proud NYC-based group with extremists from another country, simply because they share the same religion.

Bad things have been done in the name of Christ as well, and many other names. It's true; you're entitled to what you believe in but unfair association? There comes a time where there aren't any real excuses to hide childish/immature views - IMO of course.

You sound like a terrorist-sympathizer... this is only the gateway to sharia law!! YOU HATE AMERICA!!111one

Not at all my brother. I hate terrorists but that doesn't mean I hate Muslims, or Arabs for that matter. Above all I love America and what it stands for and I won't allow them to change that, because then they won.

A terrorists job by the very definition of the word is to incite terror. They do this by creating fear. When I look at these protests and I see a lot of anxiety and anger fueled by irrational fear. I refuse to be scared into changing my way of life or my belief in America's principles because if I do then I'm playing right into the terrorists' hands. That's exactly what they want. These terrorists groups know they don't have the manpower to fight a war with us but if they can turn this into a Muslim vs America war then they have a much better chance. These protestors are feeding into that and slowly giving them the advantage they seek. One can only wonder how many once neutral Muslims are looking at some Americans hatred towards them and beginning to slowly sympathize with terrorists since they've been condemned by many Americans already. I can only hope that they realize that these protestors do not represent all Americans, just like the terrorists don't represent all of them.

A friend of mine lives across the street from the huge mosque on 96 Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan and it's been there for a number of years now and you know what has happened? Nothing, nothing has happened. Just people going to pray to their God and then going home, that's all. As far as I know, no hate speeches, no Sharia, no terrorist recruiting, nothing. It's just a place for them to worship their God, it's harmless, much like this place would be.

According to Pew Forum's there are 1.57 billion Muslims in the world that's about 22% of the world's population. It's the second largest religion in the world. I think that judging all of them based on some radicals, fanatics or extremists is irrational. All 1.57 billion can't possibly be terrorist or terrorist sympathizers but I'm sure the anger, bigotry, and hate displayed at these protests is making them all reconsider. How long can someone say they hate you before you start hating them back?

I'm a proud Catholic but I would hate to be judged by the worst in my religion. I wouldn't want to be labeled a pedophile because of the recent scandals, or a terrorist because of some bombings or violence at abortion clinics or the IRA's bombing campaign in the 90's or the atrocities we committed during The Crusades. I'm pretty sure most Jews wouldn't want us to judge them by the actions of the JDL, Gush Emunim Underground, Defending Shield, or numerous other radical organizations. In fact I see many Jews throughout the world that don't agree with many of Israel's actions and don't feel they should be judged by Israel's actions. As I'm sure Muslims hate to be judged by the likes of al-queda, the taliban, or certain rogue countries. Like any other religion, especially one with 1.57 billion members, there will be bad apples but we should not alienate and condemn all the Muslims in the world. We should only hate terrorists and try to destroy those who support or participate in terrorism.

Like I said in my previous post, I do find building this mosque by the WTC somewhat distasteful but being an American that believes in the Constitution I can not ignore their right, as Americans, to build it.

Lazio and the rest of these politicians looking to get votes by promising to halt its construction are full of shit opportunists, playing a dangerous game. I'm sure there's enough Jewish lawyers in this city that have looked into the matter and have realized that legally there's no way to stop it, unless we change the Constitution of the United States of America.

And when, or if, they build this mosque you know what will happen? Nothing. They'll go in worship their God and go home, like the hundreds of other mosques throughout this city. The only thing that might happen is that more and more neutral Muslims throughout the world will see the video clips of these protests and hear this hate filled speeches and decide that America hates them and they can no longer remain neutral, in this "war against Muslims".

Ladies and gentlemen don't fall for the propaganda, all these people want to do is pray. Let's focus our attention on the ones trying to kill us.

Lazio stated he wants to use eminent domain to stop the mosque, if elected.

I'm no lawyer, but it seems clear to me no politician is going to get this through the courts. Therefore, all this is political electioneering at its worst.

If you hate the mosque, don't vote for Lazio, because what he's talking about will not work.

It was Paladino who said he'd use eminent domain. Youre getting your Republican gubernatorial contender assholes mixed up.

ITS CONTAINS A MOSQUE, YOU MORONS, and its being built by the CORDOBA initiative.

"CORDOBA" is to memorialize the main mosque that was put up when ISLAM CONQUERED SPAIN.

The imam BLAMES AMERICA FOR 9/11.

And its to be opened on SEPTEMBER 11th, 2011.

Are you all so STUPID you don't see these muslims are SHITTING IN YOUR MOUTH?

Or are you so full of self-loathing you WANT TO HELP THEM?

You're right, we need to vote for Cuomo.

/sarcasm off for the short bus crowd.

Not only will he insist on a mosque within shitting distance of Ground Zero, but with any luck he can cause another mortgage crises.

You're right. It's so hard to tell these clowns apart, you betcha.

"Cultural Center" Bwahahaha, yes please, Islamic culture, that's what my life is missing. After all, I never really did learn how to use an abacus well, or how to stone a mother to death.

Your life is missing far more than that, cupcake.

yeah, I get to drive, have a job, enjoy a glass of wine with friends at a bar, walk around unchaperoned and feel the sun on my unburqaed face. I'm more deprived than Anne Frank.

And this cultural center will take all that away from you. Interesting.

No stupid, its the camels nose under the tent (aside from PISSING AND CRAPPING ON 9/11.)

What are you, some jihadi asslicker or just a stupid truther.

"Ha, how could the terrorists possibly think we're dumb when we're engaged in such a rational, insightful debate?"

Easy when they have John Del Signore and gothamist doing their propaganda for them FOR FREE.

Hey John, read the fine print - that jihad pass is only good until enough of the Jews and Christians are done, then you get the useful idiot "Pearl" necklace.

VIDEO FACTS ON THE MOSQUE BEING BUILT TO DESECRATE GROUND ZERO.

John Del Signore: fuck you. Seriously, fuck you. I am so tired of reading your smug bullshit on this issue and seeing you act as if anyone that disagrees with you has to be a complete idiot. Nobody is impressed by your worthless gawker-esque sarcasm and shitty writing. You are really the last person who should be broadcasting their opinion on this issue, you clearly cannot formulate the simplest argument without being a smug, ignorant, pretentious cretin. So in closing: fuck you.

your language is the worst example of Intolerance. Go take wudu please.

JDS, your writing on this issue has been excellent. sure, you're totally dismissive of the opposing viewpoint, but sarcastic dismissal may be the best way to deal with such blatant bigotry.