Immediately after the Landmark Preservation Commission removed the last hurdle standing in the way of the "Ground Zero mosque," The American Center for Law and Justice announced plans to file a lawsuit to block it on behalf of the family of a firefighter who died on 9/11. ACLJ lawyers allege that there has been "an abuse of discretion" in the Commission’s decision not to grant landmark status to the building currently on the site. The suit probably has zero chance of succeeding, but a 100% chance of keeping mosque opponents on the nightly news. These opponents include Andrea "Unhinged" Peyser, who doesn't disappoint with her column today:
Mosque advocates claim that this exercise in religious will and real-estate acquisition was an example of a people flexing their freedom of religion. It was not... For months, mosque opponents have watched mutely as cheerleaders do everything but stick ball gags in their mouths. Where I come from, that's called trampling upon one's right to protest. The right to free speech? If you object to the mega-mosque, you have none... I thought people had a right to question authority. That right has been hijacked by the Ground Zero mosque.
You've got to admire the courage it takes to speak out in the face of such a repressive regime; at this very moment Bloomberg's goons are probably kicking down Peyser's door and dragging her off to some re-education camp on the Upper West Side. Why, just listen to what Bloomberg had to say yesterday about those who dare object to the mosque: "This country is not built around a state religion. It's not built around only those religions or clergy people that we agree with. It's built around freedom. That's the wonderful thing about the First Amendment—you can say anything you want." Oh well, we'll just have to settle for our fantasy about shoving a ball gag in Andrea Peyser's mouth.
Below, the Wall Street Journal's reaction, plus video of Bloomberg's speech. Though yesterday the Daily News reported that Bloomberg choked up during the speech, today the Paper of Record describes him as becoming only "slightly" choked up. The moment comes at about the 5:25 mark, and it speaks volumes about Bloomberg's usual temperament—which seems to oscillate between peevish and indignant—that anybody even noticed this almost imperceptible flicker of human emotion. But it's there... we think?
Like Peyser, Dorothy Rabinowitz at The Wall Street Journal files from Upside Down Land, those who support religious tolerance are demagogues, and the flag-waving Islamaphobes are the oppressed: "The center may be built where planned. But it will not go easy or without consequence to the politicians intent on jamming the project down the public throat, in the name of principle. Liberal piety may have met its match in the raw memory of 9/11, and in citizens who have come to know pure demagoguery when they hear it. They have had, of late, plenty of practice." An excellent point, until you wrap your head around the fact that she is NOT referring to Sarah Palin, New Gingrich, or Rick Lazio. We're actually not sure which demagogues Rabinowitz is alluding to, but that's okay because she probably doesn't either.
Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
STUFF IT RACISTS!
justthinkin
Maybe the take-away point is that any religious doctrine can be warped in such a way as to defend acts that are most antithetical to those very doctrines, such as mass-murder and pederasty
justthinkin
That was supposed to have been a reply to youngpro, whose comments betray his youth, but certainly not his professionalism.
streber
"Why should Muslim-Americans that had nothing to do with 9/11 "seek peace?" "
Because everyone should.
" It's like saying, "Yes, we did it and we are sorry, we will stay away now." They didn't do it. Crazy nutballs from Saudi Arabia did. "
Why isn't it like saying; "You are confused, upset and hurt. I did not hurt you then, and I do not intend to hurt you now. As an olive branch, I am going to make this sacrifice in the hopes it will open your eyes to your ignorance. I want peace for us, the innocent, and you, the injured. We will be peaceful brethren in the future, not through more conflict, but through more sensitivity. Since you seem incapable of taking this first step, I will."
mrnoah
Can we New Yorkers please just secede from America now? The cultural, economic, and political chasm between NY and the Rest of America is too great (and only worsening). Better to leave now then to have Kansas drag us to hell with them.
FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'
I just viewed the clip and that Quinn is really fugly.
justthinkin
Agreed. Can we thow a burka on her or something? The video would have been much more effective if I wasn't distracted by trying to decide who was uglier...Quinn or Eiffel's mother.
FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'
does anyone know who that Friar is? He is Father Brian Jordan who fought for the officers who sodomized Abner Louima. He also fought and won the early release for officer Charles Schwarz, one of the officer involved in the attack against the immigrant. Father Brain Jordan is the epitome of corruption and perversion in the Catholic Church. He has a foul mouth and no kindness in his heart. He also support the cruelty of NYC horse carriges. He invoke the name of St. Francis to justify the horse abuse. This is why the catholic church is a JOKE. it is a SICK JOKE.
I would advice all to boycott the chruch of the holy name of jesus in the upper west side until this brian jordan, piece of shit, is removed.
why do you always have to spin shit to fit your agenda? this article has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CATOLIC CHURCH.
mote
If they get a mosque at Ground Zero, we get a Hooters in Mecca.
bleeckerite
lol. I hear from so many Americans who look at the world condescendingly: "I pity the rest of the world...they wish they were like the US, they want to come here because of our freedoms. We're the only ones who get it!"
Then there's people with your thinking. If we're going to stay on our pedestal of self-righteousness we have to stand up for it, not conveniently forget our values.
nyc113
Aren't these the same people who threw a hissy fit over Kelo? Now they fully support the government telling a property owner what they can and can't do with their PRIVATELY OWNED land?
Hypocrites, all of them. Their faux-outrage is not fooling anyone in New York.
ozik
Exactly! Why do Republicans stop respecting capitalism when convenient?
Peter
Whether the building is to be used as a mosque is irrelevant. It could be used to have a club that has a party on 9/11, where they toast s'mores in the shape of the World Trade Center. It could be for a group that wants to impose Sharia law.
Their right to do that, or simply pray for peace, is pretty much absolute, as long as they aren't violating any building/fire codes. (So they'll have to use a microwave for the s'mores).
I'm sure this is much more about raising money for GOP coffers. So what if it gets someone killed?
Use an RSS reader to stay up to date with the latest news and posts from Gothamist.
Want Gothamist's suggestions on what shows to check out, where to eat, what to buy, where to go for a quick trip? We'll be bringing you some exclusive tips and ideas via email every day! And don't worry—you'll still get a list of our top stories.
Sign up for Gothamist Daily, which will deliver useful tips—plus Gothamist's most popular stories—to your inbox at 11 a.m. This way, you'll be able to plan your week or month as well as catch up on Gothamist if you've stepped away.
$250 VIP GoogaMooga Tickets: You Would've Gotten More Full Eating The Money
Your Summer 2012 Top 10 Blockbuster Movie Guide!
Photos: Experience "NASA's" Amazing Mission To Mars Inside The Park Ave Armory
7 Best Rooftop Bars In NYC, For Your High-Altitude Drinking Pleasure
White Fence's Tim Presley Talks Recording With Ty Segall, Brooklyn's Blandness, & Peeing With His Cat
24 Magnificent Photos Of Manhattan Peacocks To Take The Edge Off Today
Mike Birbiglia Ate In An Airplane Bathroom, And Other Stories From The Moth Ball
John Hodgman Talks Nick Nolte, His Deranged Mustache, & How Money Buys Happiness
Videos: Mourning And Celebrating Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch
Photos: Police And Protesters Clash By Wall Street After Euphoric May Day March
