The New York Times yesterday posted an article covering part of Soledad O'Brien's recent CNN interview with imam Rauf. He said that "if he had known how much strife would arise over his plan for a Muslim community center and mosque two blocks from the World Trade Center site, he would not have proposed it."

The article also says the following...

But the imam said he could not withdraw the plan because that would embolden radicals of all faiths and create security risks for the United States and Americans abroad.

If we move from that location, the story will be that the radicals have taken over the discourse, he said. The headlines in the Muslim world will be that Islam is under attack. And Im less concerned about the radicals in America than I am about the radicals in the Muslim world.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/nyregion/09mosque.html

"if he had known how much strife would arise over his plan for a Muslim community center and mosque two blocks from the World Trade Center site, he would not have proposed it."

What a load of crap. He is just trying to justify it.

"But the imam said he could not withdraw the plan because that would embolden radicals of all faiths and create security risks for the United States and Americans abroad."

What a load of crap. He is just trying to jusfity it.

If we move from that location, the story will be that the radicals have taken over the discourse, he said. The headlines in the Muslim world will be that Islam is under attack. And Im less concerned about the radicals in America than I am about the radicals in the Muslim world.

What a load of crap. He must really think we are stupid.

This iman rauf is a bullshittin' snake oil salesman. He knew EXACTLY what he was doing & the riff it would cause.

I hate liars, but a "religiuos" liar is the worst kind.

THIS my friends, is the muslim world's leaders. What does THAT tell you?

It's just a small thing, but you'll notice that I used NO capital letters at all. Not in his name, nor his religion. It's just my small way of protesting their entire existance.

i agree that he's just saying all this to justify staying there. I also agree that if they move it's the muslim world of saying their religion is under attack.

they are all full of s***!
that's cool, just keep causing massive pain across the US by continuing the plans for this mosque. don't worry about us, just as long as you're all happy over there!

This Muslim asshole has dug himself into a hole he can't get out of. If he continues on the path he is on, he turns must Americans against him and his faith. If he moves his mosque to a new location to appease the Americans, he loses face in the Muslim world and they in turn will claim that Americans are evil and against them. Damn if he does....damn if he doesn't. Chances are he doesn't. But I do not feel sorry for him or his decisions. Just so long as he does not mind it if some radical American burns it down with him in it.

I JUST ABOUT FELL OUT OF MY CHAIR WITH THAT LAST STATEMENT. I JUST WISH THEY WOULD GO AWAY.