Radicalization and violent jihad are phenomena intimately linked to the United States' homeland security efforts. Those who buy into transnational terrorism's violent ideology are threats to America, but just as important to U.S. security is how the American public understands and responds to Islam.
I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan.
A strong statement. A bold statement. A statement of leadership on our country's values. In commenting on the proposed mosque (albeit indirectly), Obama sent a message to the country -- the mosque should be built because our national principles demand it. Well said, Mr. President.
But then, on Saturday, Obama amended his statements for reporters. Quoted in the Wall Street Journal, he said:
"I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque near Ground Zero. 'I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding.'"
Did I miss something? His position on Friday seemed fairly clear, particularly because the mosque-in-NYC issue had been made so salient by constant media coverage. What else could he have been talking about? Yet on Saturday, the President's stance was far less sure.
Read Full Article
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Company