The proposed Mosque site near ground zero (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
Updated: 8/18/2010 11:31 a.m.
NEW YORK (CBS 2/WCBS 880/1010 WINS) – There was a possible resolution in the works in the debate surrounding the proposed mosque and Islamic cultural center near ground zero.
It looks as if the developers of the mosque may be willing to budge and move away from the Park 51 location where they originally planned the construction, CBS 2′s Marcia Kramer reports.
So will the mosque be moving?
LISTEN: 1010 WINS’ Steve Sandberg reports
RELATED STORY: 9/11 Responders Slam Obama On Health Bill Silence
LISTEN: Ed Koch Weighs In On Mosque Controversy
New York Gov. David Paterson plans to meet with developers of the controversial Ground Zero mosque as early as this week to offer them state land – at another location – for their cultural and religious center. Paterson told Congressman Peter King about the meeting, and King said the governor asked him to make it public.
“The purpose of the meeting would be for the governor to discuss with the leaders of the mosque where state property is available,” said Rep. King. “Whether or not people from the mosque would be willing to consider that property.”
King added that the governor “seemed very enthused” about the anticipated discussions.
For at least a week, the governor’s message to the developers has been one of hopeful understanding.
“I hope that the type of cultural understanding that they’re trying to promote when they build the center could be practiced right now,” Paterson said.
Sources tell CBS 2’s Kramer that Gov. Paterson is concerned that Mayor Mike Bloomberg, a staunch supporter of putting the mosque at ground zero, and President Barack Obama, might be advising mosque leaders to dig in their heels and insist on the present location.
But there was a glimmer of hope that they are open to a compromise.
A Tuesday tweet from the Park51 Twitter account said:
“For the past week, we have focused on trying to respond to attacks and detractors of our project. What’s become clear is – they won’t listen.”
In the next 140 character post, they added:
“Starting today, we’re going to begin addressing questions regarding park51. We’re open to any sensible discussion.”
Paterson’s office confirmed that discussions between his staff and the developer’s staff have been ongoing and said the governor expects to have a meeting scheduled in the near future.
Congressman King said the openness of the developers to a compromise will be the real test of their intentions.
“If the leaders of the mosque take up the governor on his proposal, it would show that their real intention is to bring people together, build bridges,” he said. “And not just make a political statement by having a mosque at Ground Zero.”
There’s also the issue of separation of church and state, and whether the governor should provide state land for a mosque.
King said in this case it would be okay, especially if the compromise meets the need of both sides.
As for the debate over the mosque in its current proposed location, religious leaders said Monday they are worried this one building is leading to a nationwide backlash.
It is the question Muslim leaders and those of other faiths are asking.
“How far is too close? If two blocks near the Burlington factory is too close is that far enough?” said Mahdi Bray, the executive director of Muslim American Society Freedom.
Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch spoke with WCBS 880′s Rich Lamb and defended the right to build the Islamic cultural center saying that the Constitution provides that where you can build a church or a synagogue, you can build a mosque.
But, says Koch, “I also believe that most people, myself included would think it’s insensitive to build a mosque so close to the 9/11 catastrophe.”
Koch added that if the people building the mosque don’t think it’s insensitive, then the government has an obligation to protect their rights.
Officials said the ground zero mosque controversy is just one of many attempts to prevent mosques from being built all over the country, and that it may have emboldened other protestors.
Protests have been held on Staten Island, and California, and Tennessee, Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida.
“The building of mosques and the resistance from the buildings of mosques has increased throughout America as well as the destruction and vandalizing of mosque, including a pipe bomb placed in a mosque in Florida,” Bray said.
Leaders of other faiths joined the Muslins American Society Freedom on Tuesday.
“I know how I would feel if people started saying there were certain places you weren’t allowed to put up a synagogue and therefore I know what should not be done to people who want to put up a cultural center which will include a prayer space,” said Rabbi Aurthus Waskow, the director of the Shalom Center in Philadelphia.
Signs of support were also seen Wednesday morning at the proposed site for the mosque on Park Place. Defenders of the Islamic cultural center wrote out in sidewalk chalk, “I thought this was America” and “Mosque Yes, Hate No.”
But on Tuesday at ground zero many said they were opposed to putting the mosque so close to where the 9/11 attacks took place. They are not against mosque construction in other parts of the city.
“It’s the location, yeah, this is holy ground. A lot of people died here,” said Steven Van Cook of Queens.
“My objection is ground zero. This is a holy place. It should remain as a holy place,” added Steven Goldberg of Bayside.
What about building it in another place in Manhattan?
“No, I wouldn’t mind because you know it’s freedom of speech in the country, but I object to it being here,” Goldberg said.
When asked is he is opposed to the location or the building mosques in New York City, Vito Serzelczyk of Marlton, N.J., said, “Location, location, location. This is a very sensitive area. I was here on Sept. 11. It was a terrible, tragic event and I feel sorry for the families of those people, victims, and this is not really the place to build a mosque.”







488 Comments
California is watching. The same yielding to Muslims is already going on with illegal aliens. Non-naturalized below-border come to US hospitals in Orange County, bear their many young at no cost and, by law, are required to be given car seats, 6 months’ money, clothing, food or WIC or stamps…at taxpayer expense. Muslims think themselves ‘gracious’ Israel’s holy week, instead of day and night worship at King David’s Tomb, they ‘expand hours of worship’ to one night between 11pm-1am. Don’t think for one minute US citizens will receive more ‘grace’ from Muslims. Look at UK. Look anywhere. Disgusting circus!
August 17, 2010 at 6:46 pm
It’s incredibly expensive real estate. The local Muslim community is not financing it. There is no reason at all why it needs to be right THERE. It’d be cheaper elsewhere. The money is coming from overseas. There is only one reason why THOSE guys would want to put it at Ground Zero: A political statement! A deliberate insult and a monument to their great victory. This is so obvious I find it hard to believe that even a liberal can’t see it.
And it’s public property. Why is it being giving/sold to ANY religion for purposes of building a church? Only Islam can do that. Nobody else could pull it off.
August 17, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Wait a second — has ANYONE heard of separation of church and state? These same people will lose their everlovin’ MINDS if you say thanks to God at a breakfastm, but now they want to GIVE land to a religion? Over my dead body!
August 17, 2010 at 6:45 pm
“An eye for an eye” is SO old testament. And it’s the reason Islam and Christianity find themselves at odds today. Christ preached “turn the other cheek,” which would go a long way towards improving the situation here and abroad.
August 17, 2010 at 6:45 pm
“Turn the other cheek” sounds like “take some more abuse”, but it was really a cultural insult, forcing the master, or dominating person to back-hand you with his “clean” hand…that is, not the one he uses to wipes his bum….
August 17, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Well, it wasn’t easy for Christ, so why should it be easy for us sinners? Showing your enemies friendship (even though there is NO PROOF these muslims are even remotely connected to any terrorists) is difficult; I’ll be the first to admit it. But the potential for reconciliation, and the risk of horrific consequences should we pursue a rigid, intolerant path, are too great to ignore.
August 17, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Gabe, that’s not what the Bible says. 2 John 1:10-11 says, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” So what you’re calling showing friendship to Muslims is really okaying a political system that beheads those who disagree with it. With 90+ % of all current conflicts in the world being Islam-related, you can’t separate it or its teachings from terrorism. Those who seek to overthrow the Constitution are not protected by the Constiution.
August 17, 2010 at 9:53 pm
why are the people in this country too stupid to see what muslims are all about. The ones that wouldn’t actually cut your head off would condone the fact that the rest of them would do it!
August 17, 2010 at 11:02 pm
thank you thank you thank you gabe hernandez
your comments are some of the only truly american, truly christian things said on this board so far.
your detractors are sorely misguided.
August 17, 2010 at 10:50 pm
There’s no proof?….Actually, there’s plenty of proof! Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the joker who has spearheaded this nonsense has had plenty to say about what he thinks about the United States! Unfortunately, only certain media outlets have bothered to do their jobs of researching and reporting on his activities and the “fundraising” that has gone on in the name of Islam! Bet you didn’t know that the nearly bankrupt United States is paying for him to travel around and do who knows what?…..Can you imagine the uproar that would have occured if George Bush had started paying Pat Robertson to travel the world and speak?….So much for the seperation of church and state! WAKE UP!
August 18, 2010 at 1:18 am
And Isiam teaches kill the Christians. THAT is why Islam and Christianity are at odds
August 17, 2010 at 7:46 pm
turn the other cheek and they’ll cut your head off.
August 17, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Gabe, Jesus also said that those who are not for Him are against Him. If you befriend the enemies of God, you are, yourself, fighting with Him. They worship the moon god. Allah is not the same as Jehovah, or Jesus Christ.
August 17, 2010 at 9:54 pm
The meanest peole on earth are Christians who have just come out of a Sunday church service.
August 17, 2010 at 9:58 pm
oh brother
August 17, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Rich – Christians coming out of Sunday church service don’t make a habit of beheading people. Just sayin’.
August 17, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Only if it was Revrerend Wright’s church,. Now go back to blogging on Moveon.org you idiot, you’re making a fool of yourself here….and probably everywhere else.
August 17, 2010 at 10:21 pm
REALLY? TAKE YOUR DAUGHTER DRESSED NORMALLY AND A BIBLE AND GO TO A MUSLIM COUNTRY AND SEE WHO IS MEANER?
August 17, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Christ also taught that if you have 2 clocks to sell one for a sword so don’t give me this turn the other cheek crap. He said that just because his will needed to be fulfilled.
August 17, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Cloaks I mean. Read the scripture Gabe. Don’t just pick piece meal of what you want to read and what you don’t want to read.
August 17, 2010 at 10:05 pm
It’s Hammurabbic law, not old testament.
August 17, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Yes, but Islam doesn’t have a “new” testament. They’re still totally “eye for eye”. (well actually they’re “death for an insult”, but you get the idea)
August 18, 2010 at 6:15 am
Why are people calling this the ground zero Mosque? It’s not at ground zero.
August 17, 2010 at 6:45 pm
People aren’t calling it that: the right wing is calling it that. If you were able to find this building on the horizon from the top of the new Freedom Tower (what irony there!), they would still say it was in the shadow of the WTC. The fact this misinformation’s taking hold speaks volumes about the public’s lack of desire to uncover the facts themselves, instead of relying on pundits to spread dangerous lies.
August 17, 2010 at 6:50 pm
How do you figure that? It was in an area that received debris from the destruction. That IS ground zero.
August 17, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Maulibucky;
The building at the current site had the landing gear of one of the planes crash through the roof. That is ground zero.
August 17, 2010 at 6:51 pm
So by that logic, the buildings and streets that were showered with the dust from explosion would also qualify as ground zero?
August 17, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Yeah Chaz, le’t us your logic: Dust = Aircraft debris. Thanks for pointing that out.
August 18, 2010 at 6:42 am
If body parts and landing gear landed on the roof, it’s close enough to call it Ground Zero.
August 17, 2010 at 7:10 pm
excellent point.
August 17, 2010 at 7:42 pm
It’s right next to it
August 17, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Why don’t they find some land or help for the Orthodox church taht was destroyed and has been waiting 9 years for anew place of worship. This isn’t compromise… it’s a buyout!
August 17, 2010 at 6:45 pm
I dare say, they actually built a church at the site of the Oklahoma City Bombings! How could Christians be so insensitive? Didn’t they realize that Timothy McVeigh was Christian? If they can build a church at the Oklahoma City site, then they should be able to build a community center several blocks away at the location of an old Burlington Coat Factory.
Most of you sound like hypocrite religious bigots.
August 17, 2010 at 6:43 pm
I can’t wait to get a real American in the White House. America is one nation under God, not all nations under God. We need real Americans to run this country.
August 17, 2010 at 6:42 pm
The fact that we as a nation no longer believe we are “One nation under God” may explain some of the ISSUES in this country of late.
August 17, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Separation of Church & State. Why are we giving away govt’s land?
I object!
August 17, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Incredibly insensitive of the Muslims to want to build a mosque there! Unbelievable lack of taste.
August 17, 2010 at 6:41 pm
You’re surprised? This is from the same “peace lovers” who lob missiles at civilian targets in Israel every day.
August 17, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Not insensitive – deliberate.
August 17, 2010 at 7:03 pm
This will be a tremendous blow to Democrats who thought Ground Zero would be a perfect site for a 13-story mosque.
August 17, 2010 at 6:41 pm
I agree with Peter. If they give the land to build a mosque they must do the same for other religions as well. First in line to get government land, if it is being handed OUT, should be the Native Americans. I do not see anyone bending over backwards to make things RIGHT for them. It is about time, don’t you agree?
August 17, 2010 at 6:41 pm
The relgion of peace.
lol
August 17, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Giving Land to Islam? Typical progressives.
August 17, 2010 at 6:40 pm
I dare say, they actually built a church at the site of the Oklahoma City Bombings! How could Christians be so insensitive? Didn’t they realize that Timothy McVeigh was Christian? If they can build a church at the Oklahoma City site, then they should be able to build a community center several blocks away at the location of an old Burlington Coat Factory.
Most of you are hypocrite religious bigots.
August 17, 2010 at 6:39 pm
NO AND NO!
JUST SAY NO TO A MOSQUE ON STATE LAND!!
August 17, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Amen!!!!
August 17, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Why do they now get state property? Can someone explain?
August 17, 2010 at 6:38 pm
People of many faiths died.
WHYNOT AN INTERFAITH MEMORIAL CENTER FOR ALL?
August 17, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Pingback: Ground Zero Mosque On The Move? | Chicagoan's Conservative Chronicles
Putting a religious buidling on state property? What happened to the separation of church and state? You know, that little prohibition in the U.S. Constitution.
August 17, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Hi Just Wondering… That’s not in the constitution. Have you read it lately?
August 17, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Read the first amendment
August 17, 2010 at 6:53 pm
People are SO ignorant. But they can VOTE… And, they can BREED.
August 17, 2010 at 8:08 pm
I think you mean “that little prohibition that isn’t actually in the Constitution, but we have been beaten over the head that it is there for the last 40+ years.” But yes, that’s the one. I’m surprised you didn’t know that only applies to Christianiy and Judaism.
August 17, 2010 at 6:53 pm
There is no such thing as a separation of ‘church and state” in the Constitution. Read it or yourself before you write about it. The concept of separation between church and state came from Thomas Jefferson’s private letter to the Danbury Baptists.
August 17, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I do not think land should be given by the state to build a mosque, but separation of church and state is not found in the Constitution.
August 17, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Better reread the Constitution. There is nothing about the separation of Church and State…only that the Government cannot establish a theocracy.
Funny how plans for the mosque were expedited, yet the Greek Orthodox are still waiting for approval to rebuild their church that was destroyed on 9/11.
Aside from not wanting the mosque built on hallowed ground, I find the motive suspect, since Muslims have historically built mosques upon or near areas, churches, etc., they have destroyed and conquered.
August 17, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Correct, no such prohibition in the constitution.
August 17, 2010 at 8:10 pm
really?
August 17, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Just where in the Constitution do the words “separation of church and state” appear? I can’t seem to find it in mine. I’m just wondering, too.
August 17, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Separation of Church and State is only valid to Dems when it’s Christianity.
August 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Does it change the fact the the imam is a Hamas supporter who believes the US was responsible for 9/11?
August 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm
No Truth it is not ‘a great place for the mosque to be built’. Sorry.
August 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Agreed. It’s a horrible place for a mosque to be built…
Unfortunately, private property trumps the arguments of both sides, and therefore it is not an issue that any law or “resolution” needs to be confounded upon.
August 17, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Ground Zero is a shrine to INNOCENT AMERICAN lives lost to the hands of Islamic terrorists, end of sentence. They (all religions) have every right to put mosques virtually anywhere they want in this country – and they do – just not at Ground Zero. As a NATION, the USA is more tolerant than any on the planet when it comes to religious freedoms. At teh same time the cowardly actions of Islamic jihadists cannot be condoned – overtly or tacitly – with the placement of the center at this location. Good for you, Governor.
August 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Sounds like a typical Law&Order episode protection racket to me…. “Hey, I’m gonna build this here UNLESS you give me lots of money and set me up with some free land or something over here…..”
We’re not all stupid out here….
August 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm
As long as their funds or other means of support are provided by our enemies, I don’t see why they should be asked to move. It’s not like Americans have been concerned about the building of many thousands of christian houses of worship in the shadows of the many sites where Native Americans were slaughtered by the millions over centuries.
To quote Ben Franklin: “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
August 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm
The state giving land for a religious facility? can NY do that?
August 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I am hearing rumor that the Imam in charge of this project is considering naming the mosque and community center after Barack Hussien Obama for his unconditional support on the matter. Is their any truth to this ?
August 17, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Bravo Mr. Paterson. I live in Kansas but do not want this mosque built. 9-11 happened to all Americans. God Bless you!
August 17, 2010 at 6:34 pm
What about separation of church and state the libs are always screaming about.
August 17, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Great point.
August 17, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Liberals only invoke the “separation of church and state” arguement when Christianity is the focus.
August 17, 2010 at 9:44 pm
How ’bout we hold off building any new mosque in the US until there’s a new synagogue in Saudi Arabia. Fair is fair.
August 17, 2010 at 6:34 pm
A mosque on state land is beyond all doubt in violation of the First Amendment.
August 17, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Governor Paterson,
If you are able to accomplish this, I would love to shake your hand and buy you a beer. Thanks for even attempting this.
Best of luck.
August 17, 2010 at 6:34 pm
I think an important point is brought up in this article: The idea of bringing people together. What is the solution that will most bring people together? If the parties can get together and figure that out, there is hope for this whole situation.
August 17, 2010 at 6:34 pm
This is a GREAT place for a mosque! Islam is a peaceful religion. Hateful extremists attacked the WTC, not “Muslims”. That is the first fact that needs to be understood before you can discuss this.
August 17, 2010 at 6:33 pm
You need to be an American first before you can discuss this.
August 17, 2010 at 6:35 pm
100% CORRECT! WIth legal documentation!
August 17, 2010 at 6:40 pm
why would one need to be ‘America’ to make any kind of opinion about this issue? People like you, abhorrently ignorant, is whats bringing the decline of America.
August 17, 2010 at 6:47 pm
I think 6 million American Muslims count as “Americans.”
August 17, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I think not
August 17, 2010 at 7:37 pm
They are Muslims first and Americans second.
August 17, 2010 at 7:39 pm
I think not!
August 17, 2010 at 7:39 pm
No, we call that an invasion!
Wake up! Their religions calls for the death of Christians. If you are atheist, don’t worry, they will get you too!
August 17, 2010 at 8:29 pm
What is it that makes one American? Selecting which amendments of the Constitution to uphold and which to vilify depending upon when it is convenient? I live in the America that was built by the rule of law and the Constitution of the United States of America. I do not belong to the United States of Christianity.
All of those opposed to the Mosque are entitled to their opinion, even though that opinion has been formed by a small-minded narrow world view dictated by fear, religion, and paranoia whipped up by politicians, the media, and religious rhetoric. Al-Queda attacked America, not Islam. The irrational belief in an invisible man in the sky has been the cause of so much hatred in the world, can’t we just leave our Bronze age superstitions at home and keep them private?
August 17, 2010 at 6:59 pm
very true
August 18, 2010 at 3:56 am
You are completly wrong! They were all muslims first!
August 17, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Let the Christians build a church in Mecca and we’ll be happy to accommodate the Muslims here in this GREAT country of ours.
August 17, 2010 at 6:44 pm
You got it !
August 17, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Thats true…if you want the USA to be like the KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Saudi is a religious state with religious law. This is the exact opposite of the U.S. Why dont you pick a state where there is a predominantly Muslim population that is secular like Turkey, and try your comparison there.
August 17, 2010 at 6:56 pm
So not building the mosque means we’re just as bad as them huh? You do realize that’s the logical conclusion of your ignoramus argument.
This country is GREAT because we have PRIVATE PROPERTY AND THE 1st AMENDMENT. Meaning FREEDOM OF RELIGION.
Bigots like you are what makes this country a shame.
August 17, 2010 at 9:23 pm
LOL. Absolutely correct.
August 17, 2010 at 6:47 pm
You knocked that one out of the park.
August 17, 2010 at 6:47 pm
You need to study the history of Islam- the prophet and his followers spread their religion by the sword-it is not a peaceful religion
August 17, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Unlike the Christians in the Crusades and the brutal torture of Jews and others deemed heretics during the auto de fe…
August 17, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Another example of how Islam is not a peaceful religion–The Great Crusades
August 17, 2010 at 7:09 pm
The same can easily be said about christianity, which has just as bad, if not worse, a record of spreading faith by the sword… point a finger and see the three pointing back at you…
August 17, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Come on Gabe, when is the last time someone of Christian faith used force to spread their message or because of their intolerance of other religions? Oh that’s right, your equating today with the Crusades. Come up for air once in a while…it’s clouding your brain. Almost 600 years of no Christian violence against other religions. Seems to me that there were some Muslim Taliban that killed 10 Christian aid workers just last week because they were Christian.
August 17, 2010 at 7:47 pm
You night want to read up on the Crusades, and the actions of the “Christian” knights.
August 17, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Funny how “truth” lies and twists the truth.
August 17, 2010 at 6:53 pm
How long have you tried to persuade yourself that those who attacked the World Trade Center were not Muslims? The truth is they were, as other Muslims attacked and continue to attack civilians in Israel, blow themselves up in the streets of Baghdad, Lahore, Islamabad, and Kabul. All of them are inspired by Koran and financed by Islamic terrorist networks and Islamic states, like Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Like Christianity in the Middle Ages, Islam has become a religion of violence and destruction.
August 17, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Hahaha your ignorance is astounding. There were far more muslim who died in 9-11 than those flying the plane. get a brain.
August 17, 2010 at 6:58 pm
9/11 joke? Classy, sir. As a Manhattan resident who was here on that day, and who fully supports the community center, I don’t see how joking about 9/11 is less offensive than building a community center / mosque for the 99.99999999% of Muslims who had nothing to do with 9/11 or terrorism. Do yourself a favor. Go out, meet someone who looks different than you, realize that they’re not that different, and stop the hate.
August 17, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Yup, “hateful extremists” who identified themselves as Islamists (“Muslims” to you). Peaceful indeed. Cite another religion where the holy text states inanimate objects (trees and rocks) will betray a person who will be killed based on nothing more than not being a peaceful Islamist. If there is to be a shrine built the American people want it to be in memory of those murdered not to the murderers
9trees and rocks 0
August 17, 2010 at 7:06 pm
And pigs fly.
August 17, 2010 at 7:08 pm
You fail to see the forest for the trees!
August 17, 2010 at 7:08 pm
A “peaceful religion”.
This statement speaks for itself.
Pardon me, I have to vomit now.
August 17, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Then why is this peaceful religion at war with EVERY non muslim culture in the world? It’s only peaceful to fellow muslims and that’s the TRUTH.
August 17, 2010 at 9:49 pm
There is a spirit that is coming over America, and it is called “enough with liberal thinking”. I trace this back to the year 1968, when a political coup occurred in the Democrat party. Used to be that the Democrat party represented conservatism, and most of Texas voted accordingly. In the first 100 years of Islam, they killed and conqured Israel, Palestine, Turkey, North Africa, Greece, Rome, But when they tried to take France, thats when the crusades started.
August 18, 2010 at 10:41 am
Partial List of Muslim 9/11 Victims:
Note: This list is as yet incomplete and unconfirmed. It has been compiled from the Islamic Circle of North America, the Newsday victims database, and reports from other major news organizations. The victims’ ages, employers, or other personal information is included when available, along with links to further information or photos.
Samad Afridi
Ashraf Ahmad
Shabbir Ahmad (45 years old; Windows on the World; leaves wife and 3 children)
Umar Ahmad
Azam Ahsan
Ahmed Ali
Tariq Amanullah (40 years old; Fiduciary Trust Co.; ICNA website team member; leaves wife and 2 children)
Touri Bolourchi (69 years old; United Airlines #175; a retired nurse from Tehran)
Salauddin Ahmad Chaudhury
Abdul K. Chowdhury (30 years old; Cantor Fitzgerald)
Mohammad S. Chowdhury (39 years old; Windows on the World; leaves wife and child born 2 days after the attack)
Jamal Legesse Desantis
Ramzi Attallah Douani (35 years old; Marsh & McLennan)
SaleemUllah Farooqi
Syed Fatha (54 years old; Pitney Bowes)
Osman Gani
Mohammad Hamdani (50 years old)
Salman Hamdani (NYPD Cadet)
Aisha Harris (21 years old; General Telecom)
Shakila Hoque (Marsh & McLennan)
Nabid Hossain
Shahzad Hussain
Talat Hussain
Mohammad Shah Jahan (Marsh & McLennan)
Yasmeen Jamal
Mohammed Jawarta (MAS security)
Arslan Khan Khakwani
Asim Khan
Ataullah Khan
Ayub Khan
Qasim Ali Khan
Sarah Khan (32 years old; Cantor Fitzgerald)
Taimour Khan (29 years old; Karr Futures)
Yasmeen Khan
Zahida Khan
Badruddin Lakhani
Omar Malick
Nurul Hoque Miah (36 years old)
Mubarak Mohammad (23 years old)
Boyie Mohammed (Carr Futures)
Raza Mujtaba
Omar Namoos
Mujeb Qazi
Tarranum Rahim
Ehtesham U. Raja (28 years old)
Ameenia Rasool (33 years old)
Naveed Rehman
Yusuf Saad
Rahma Salie & unborn child (28 years old; American Airlines #11; wife of Michael Theodoridis; 7 months pregnant)
Shoman Samad
Asad Samir
Khalid Shahid (25 years old; Cantor Fitzgerald; engaged to be married in November)
Mohammed Shajahan (44 years old; Marsh & McLennan)
Naseema Simjee (Franklin Resources Inc.’s Fiduciary Trust)
Jamil Swaati
Sanober Syed
Robert Elias Talhami (40 years old; Cantor Fitzgerald)
Michael Theodoridis (32 years old; American Airlines #11; husband of Rahma Salie)
W. Wahid
http://events.nytimes.com/2003/03/09/national/portraits/POG-09HAMDANI.html?ex=1282104000&en=e6e467a0f77a1dc9&ei=5070
http://islam.about.com/blvictims.htm
August 18, 2010 at 12:25 am
No way they should be given land!!! The mosque should be moved and they can buy their own piece of property just like any Church. We suck up and act scared of the Muslims and that is not right.
August 17, 2010 at 6:33 pm
State land for a Religios center? What? What about the separation of Church and STATE!!!!!!
August 17, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Nowhere in the Constitution is separation of church and state mentioned.
August 17, 2010 at 6:52 pm
The phrase “separation of church and state” was in a LETTER that Jefferson wrote to Danbury Baptists in 1802. It is not used in the US Constitution
August 17, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Right Hockey Lady, it was his opinion, not US law.
August 17, 2010 at 9:09 pm
“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.”
August 17, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Good then they can start donating land to MY church for new facilities…and to everyone else’s church building projects. We are coddling terrorists…What the hell is wrong with you crazy people? Wake up — they are here to hurt us.
August 18, 2010 at 1:16 am
Contrary to what you may beleive there is no mention in the constitution or bill of rights that says that there is seperation of church and state. What it does say is that congress may make no law respecting the establishment of religion. Distinct difference there. they cant make laws bolstering one religion over another.
August 17, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Regardless, this issue concerns ONLY NYC and its residents. Not an issue that needs any input whatsoever from D.C. While I disagree with the concept of giving away state land to ANYONE (slippery slope), I pay no taxes to the state of New York or NYC.
August 17, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Well free land seems to be bolstering their religion, dontcha think?
August 18, 2010 at 1:17 am
It doesn’t apply to Islam. Our government has been bought with Saudi $$$$$. They will kiss every Muslim’s you know what, all the while dissing Americans who have been here for generations.
August 17, 2010 at 7:18 pm
The State and Federal government trade and sell land all the time to many different groups and organizations. What does it matter if it is a Church. Non-issue
August 17, 2010 at 7:58 pm
trade or sell is not the issue…giving away land is
August 18, 2010 at 3:39 am
Wait and see; they’re going to offer a site to these people for free; you betcha!
August 17, 2010 at 6:33 pm
I hope they are charging rent to the mosque for the land. But it seems Patterson is the only politician in NYC with principles and sensitivity.
August 17, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Nana is absolutely wrong. Islam is just as wonderful as Christianity. Muslims died in 9/11, too.
Objections to the Cordoba community center are childish at best, hateful at worst.
August 17, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Tell me about the terrorists in the Christian church. How many Americans have they killed?
August 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm
What a classic left wing moron you are Ron. Please go back into your basement and keep worshipping your Obama shrine, and let people with an IQ > 50 debate here.
August 17, 2010 at 10:09 pm
It has damaged relations badly already…there was a bombing in Fla. and there are picketers protesting a mosque in Tenn. already. IF they build that giant mosque I doubt that it will not be defaced or worse. People are not in a tolerant frame of mind just now…Their relatives are still overseas dying at the hands of Muslims…there is a reason they are afraid…9/11, Ft Hood, and so many other things. They are not intolerant – they are afraid and there has been ample reason to be afraid. This whole thing is doing nothing but promoting ill will and anger. It’s a bad idea to bulid this thing anywhere right now. Why don’t they plan a simple building and do this gigantic thing when it all cools down? If they are interested in bettering relations..sometimes it all hinges on timing. They ahve not been very flexible – they need to be if they are all about what they say they are and they need to be sensitive to the people they are supposed to be building bridges to…This is not making much sense to me…
August 18, 2010 at 1:12 am
Perchance you may recall that wee little Christian torture and murder spree callled the “Crusades”, or this great group of fellows, I think they’re some sort of club, they wear crisp white uniforms that cover their adoring humane faces as they burn crosses on the lawns of persons of ethnicities and color other than white or Christian, oh yes they’re named the Ku Klux Klan. Heard they had a hand in the murder of Edgar Medgers, burned down quite a few churches where persons of color attended murdering 5 little black girls as well. Ron, perhaps I’ll end here I just thought these little deaths may have escaped your hate filled wee mind.
August 21, 2010 at 7:42 am
Are you crazy! When was the last time Christians STONED people to death and the last time Muslim’s did; how about just the other day! Get real or end up dead by the hands of these haters.
August 17, 2010 at 6:40 pm
I presume you’re referring to your own hands, Mark, sir. You are indeed a what you termed so eloquently as a “hater”, correct? Education certainly does a mind good, perhaps you might check into classes in Constitutional Law then provide lawful, patriotic nurterer’s of our Nation exactly what you deem the Founders had in mind when they provided even decimator’s of The Bill of Rights like fellows of your ilk, Mark sir with that thing many great American’s call the First Amendment, if you kindly would please.
August 21, 2010 at 7:32 am
Yeah…the muslims who died were the ones WHO FLEW THE FRIGGN INTO THE BLDGS MORON.
August 17, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Islam beautiful? C’mon, beautiful how? Like, BOOM, look at the beautiful colors? Peaceful, peaceful how? LIke, BOOM, look at all the dead Americans, listen to how quiet and peaceful it is now! Wake up people, wake up and smell the bacon grease! Islam is a murderous cult. They worship a pedophile. Mohamed was a snake oil salesman.
August 17, 2010 at 6:45 pm
right, we’re hateful. Muslims are murderers and treat women as dogs, but we’re hateful.
August 17, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Nana is right, islam is nothing like Christianity or Judaism, neither of those religions want to kill and destroy civilization. Building the masque there is spiteful and hateful at best.
August 17, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Yeah – they were the ones flying the planes into the buildings.
August 17, 2010 at 6:49 pm
The terrorists don’t count!
August 17, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Yes I love how Islam will not let women in the mosques and how they burn girls schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan and then burn the girls . Women are like cattle in Islam and progressives will not admit it .
August 17, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Sir, you are indeed an idiot it appears on this board you’ve all managed to propagate enough lies, hate, inhumanity and ignorance of our Bill of Rights to have allowed al Qaeda to win their battle against mainly Americans, but we do come in all faiths and ethnicitities and colors. The billions of Followers of al Islam are threatened, murdered, denied their First Amendment Rights for the egregious acts of a few. Using your rationale you have along with the rest of these hate mongers allowed al Qaeda whom committed these atrocities to win their war. Great job folks!
August 21, 2010 at 7:53 am
So you would guarantee that no terrorists would go there to worship or commemorate the deaths of all the infidels on 9/11 ? We Americans are not that gullible even if our leaders are ! How about a compromise ? We will allow the Mosque at ground zero if you let us build a Christian church on the temple mount . I would bet that that will not happen due to a lack of compromise on the Islamic side. You see we are not that different so don’t cry foul because it will fall on deaf ears ! That is the real truth !
August 17, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Of course muslim’s died on 9/11 I can think of at least 19 of them.
August 17, 2010 at 9:43 pm
childish at best, hateful at worst are the only reasons to insist Cordoba house being there
August 18, 2010 at 3:37 am
Pingback: MOSQUE ON THE MOVE?
I wish him well, but there have already been reports from inman someone that this isn’t going to happen. I’ll be shocked if they agree,
Nana, they 0, cuomo, bloomberg) haven’t forgotten, they just don’t care. It’s all about them, that’s all it’s ever about.
August 17, 2010 at 6:31 pm
I want to know if the land proposed will be sold or state owned/leased? In todays world no state property by law is to be used to resurrecting a house of worship. I want to know how this will be accomplished.
August 17, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Why is the state giving them land? Would they do the same for a Christian church. I don’t think so!
August 17, 2010 at 6:29 pm
This is a compromise. Nobody wants a mosque there, but there is no legal way to stop it. It really is win, win.
August 17, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Win-win. I agree. The terrorists AND the radical Islamicists win. They are given free land by a country that would have to break it’s laws to bend over backward to accommodate the religion responsible for 99.9% of all terrorism being perpetrated in the world today.
August 17, 2010 at 6:57 pm
WHEN YOU HAVE A MUSLIM PRESIDENT, IT HAPPENS.
“HAUX AND CHAINS”
August 17, 2010 at 7:32 pm
I am sure they are doing a land swap. I would expect the mosque would give its trade center land to the state.
August 17, 2010 at 6:47 pm
maybe they are swapping. if so, this is encouraging move. The Muslims motives on the choice of site is questionable but we too have to much at stake if we ditch the constitution..”.just this one time “
August 17, 2010 at 6:56 pm
There is a time and place for everything. This is not the place for a mosque.
August 17, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Does New York provide state land for churches and synagogues?
August 17, 2010 at 6:27 pm
But Federal Govt. and States prided millions to Churches and Synagoges after 9/11 and are still providing……………..
August 17, 2010 at 11:44 pm
It’s a done deal that this mosque will be moved, even though Ha’aretz was called a liar when they reported it.
August 17, 2010 at 6:26 pm
i concur
August 17, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Mr. Paterson, if you accomplish this we Americans will hold you up on a pedestal, you are the only one that is going to try and relocate this mosque, you are showing regards, respect, for all the families that lost relatives, this is not about freedom of religion but regards and respect for 9-11, how could obama, como bloomberg, forget that awful day. God Bless you, and if you run again I surely will vote for you thank you
August 17, 2010 at 5:51 pm
I can’t vote for him as I live in California, but if manages to do this, then he is one of the few officials who listen to what the people want. God for you Mr. Paterson!
August 17, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Then indeed being from Calufornia you should mind your business to the business of Calufornia. My daughter arrived home on an earlier train that day missing her death by 3.5 hours. She then suffering from PTSD due to the attack moved to LA, she said, “Mom, these people out here act as if nothing happened, they haven’t been affected by it one iota, they don’t even speak of it!” why is it you care about a First Amendment issue in Manhattan, is it due to it being a Mosque, is it because they are followers of Islam. Does it perhaps vother you because it’s a Community Center with a Culinary School and s basketball court? Oh noo Sir it’s those darn two top floors to be used for prayer, yes? “God for you Mr. Paterson”, why because he’s not Muslim because the Imam is involved in these conversations but what do you think
August 18, 2010 at 2:32 am
I agree. What could they possibly be thinking. Bring those troops home…and have them protect New York city. The whole purpose for sending those troops over was to keep the war away from home. Well looks like this isn’t the case. Oh ya and now tax payers now will have to pay for extra security to protect them. I am sure if we set up a protestant church in the middle of middle east cities, we would be met with open arms. NOT… or a matter of fact, have woman enter a country alone without any head gear NOT…so why is it we have to bow down just because.
August 17, 2010 at 6:44 pm
The building of this community center (not Mosque) is a symbol of how we are of a different mold than the totalitarian governments around the world that limit so many freedoms. We have to remember, every religion has had their share of disgusting and vile periods of time. Islam is a young religion, and rapidly growing. It’s not coincidental that they find most of this extremism at a time when they are experiencing rapid growth in the world. Of course if you go to another country you would get treated horribly for not being a Muslim. But this is America, the bastion of freedom and peace. We pride ourselves on the fact that you can practice your religion and faith without having fear of persecution! To even compare ourselves to middle eastern countries is an insult to the people who died that day. They died because of the freedoms that the terrorists hate here, the fact that all religions can live peacefully, in unity. Don’t feed into their hatred, we’re better than that.
August 18, 2010 at 1:56 am
There are plenty of Protestant and Catholic churches all over the middle East, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and just about every country in that area. Do your homework before you speak.
August 25, 2010 at 11:02 pm
What about the fact that the imam is a Hamas supporter who believes the US was responsible for 9/11? Still happy about it getting built elsewhere?
August 17, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Where has the imam specifically said that he believes the US was responsible for 9/11 beyond the statement on 60 Minutes that U.S. policies were “an accessory to the crime that happened,” and said, “In … the most direct sense, Osama bin Laden was made in the USA.
August 17, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Absolutely not. No mosque on state land. Every symbol of our Christian heritage has been targeted for removal by the Left, and the ACLU. How dare government provide for land for a Mosque.
August 17, 2010 at 7:11 pm
I agree with “noway”. If the state were offering land to a Catholic or Baptist the dems would come unglued. No state land. No mosque near ground zero. Take your hate-driven, intolerant, anti-Christian, anti-Jew “religion” and get out of Dodge. As an American, I don’t want anything islamic in my country. It’s not a religion, it’s an excuse for beheading those they disagree with, raping their women, and stoning couples for being in love.
August 17, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Let them build it on state land and then sue them. That way millions of dollars would be wasted by the terrorist supporting group. that money would go to NY workers instead.
August 17, 2010 at 9:39 pm
I agree! No government land, just tell them to move somewhere else.
August 17, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Cheers! Here Here Nana!
August 17, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Amen. This could be something Patterson could be proud of the rest of his life.
August 17, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Arab Leaders are against building this Mosque:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article104957.ece
But what do Arab Muslims think about the so-called “ground-zero mosque”?
“Many Muslims fear that the mosque will become a shrine for Islamists, which would remind Americans of what Muslims did on 9/11,” Dr. Gamal Abd Al-Gawad, director of Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo told The Media Line.
“Some people express concern that if the mosque will be built, it will harm Muslims and Islam in America. It’s not good for Muslims and Islam to be in the heart of such a controversy,” he added.
August 17, 2010 at 7:50 pm
I think what Gov. Paterson is offering could work if the developers are willing to compromise and really show that it’s not about the location but about reaching out to America as a whole. However, I don’t think that the state land should be given without some monies being exchanged. I would propose that they pay annual land tax on the property that is assessed according to the taxes in that area.
August 17, 2010 at 5:43 pm
You people are simply cowards, and your not AMERICANS. YOU support the building of a Mosque on STATE OWNED LAND? When was the first or last time the government supplied property for a Christian Church, or a Jewish Synogogue for that matter?
Democrats are the party of coward appeasers, and your proving it more and more every day. COWARD!
August 17, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Exactly! Why is this a state approved religion?
I thought the muslims were screaming about first amendment rights and now the state wants to violate it for them?
Fair is fair.
August 18, 2010 at 12:08 am
Why do muslims get an exception to be given state landed? NY politicians have embraced their dhimmituse. They are the muslims “Useful Infidels”!
August 18, 2010 at 12:24 am
Bravo! Well said.
August 18, 2010 at 1:06 am
I agree. It might be worse to allow the mosque to be built on state land. C’mon democrats, put your brains in gear!
August 18, 2010 at 1:18 am
Where did you get this hair brained idea this is state owned land? It’s the prior location of Burlington Coat Factory, this is Private, understand Private land they purchased and got the proper permits and all necessary permits necessary for construction. Remember that wee thing called the First Amendment? I would say that in Istanbul was the last time one of the worlds largest Synagogue and many churches were built on state owned land in a 98% Muslim country.
Sir, if it were a Synagogue or church your so called Patriotic[ indeed, Patriot, I say you are the coward and completely unpatriotic without an iota of understanding of The Bill of Rights ]name for yourself is a feel good name to call yourself and you, Sir, are an appeaser of those with hate in your heart and an apathetic, inhumane, egregious hatred of all Mudlims for the criminal acts of a few. Shameful…
August 18, 2010 at 2:15 am
calm down, no one is a coward.
August 18, 2010 at 4:10 am
I agree patriot, building a mosque on free government property is worse than where it’s already proposed…lol
August 18, 2010 at 7:22 am
I totally agree. State land should not be used for religous purposes. Any religion for that matter. This is an solution that is just as bad as the developers wanting to use land near Ground Zero in the first place.
August 18, 2010 at 8:00 am
Good for you, I M Patriot. My sentiments exactly!
August 18, 2010 at 8:39 am
No dude, you are the coward. You should be ashamed of yourself for saying something so horrible. I am an ex-Marine and I have fought and taken several bullets to protect the constitution and the liberties of every American. Yes, that includes the 10 million peace loving Muslims who live and work and pray in this country. Don’t think that you are any better than them, You are NOT!! we are all equals, under god and the law. We are not at war with Islam, we are at war with Al-Qaida and the Taliban., the same Al-Qaida and an that kills terrorizes and tortures thousands and thousands of peace loving Muslims around the world. They don’t need you to violated by us as well as the Taliban and neither do the Muslims who live either. You sir are an ignorant person. And I am a proud New Yorker and a Catholic, just so you know…
August 25, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Why are the Muslims being offered the land for free..? No other religious organization would receive this special treatment.
August 17, 2010 at 10:31 pm