DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Obama Strongly Endorses Islam Center Near 9/11 Site

**LoisCampon** · 08-14-2010, 03:26 AM

NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/14/us...er=rss&emc=rss

Obama Strongly Backs Islam Center Near 9/11 Site

President Obama delivered a strong defense on Friday night of a proposed Muslim community center and mosque near ground zero in Manhattan, using a White House dinner celebrating Ramadan to proclaim that “as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”

“I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground zero is, indeed, hallowed ground,” the president said in remarks prepared for the annual White House iftar, the sunset meal breaking the day’s fast.

But, he continued: “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are.”

In hosting the iftar, Mr. Obama was following a White House tradition that, while sporadic, dates to Thomas Jefferson, who held a sunset dinner for the first Muslim ambassador to the United States. President George W. Bush hosted iftars annually.

08-14-2010, 03:26 AM	#1
LoisCampon Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 393 Senior Member	Obama Strongly Endorses Islam Center Near 9/11 Site NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/14/us...er=rss&emc=rss Obama Strongly Backs Islam Center Near 9/11 Site President Obama delivered a strong defense on Friday night of a proposed Muslim community center and mosque near ground zero in Manhattan, using a White House dinner celebrating Ramadan to proclaim that “as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.” “I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground zero is, indeed, hallowed ground,” the president said in remarks prepared for the annual White House iftar, the sunset meal breaking the day’s fast. But, he continued: “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are.” In hosting the iftar, Mr. Obama was following a White House tradition that, while sporadic, dates to Thomas Jefferson, who held a sunset dinner for the first Muslim ambassador to the United States. President George W. Bush hosted iftars annually.
	Quote