(Aug. 13) — President Barack Obama gave a thumbs up today to a proposed Islamic community center and mosque that is slated to be built two blocks from the site of the 9/11 attacks in lower Manhattan.

“Let me be clear,” Obama said at a White House dinner celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, “as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.

“That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances,” Obama said,


What’s your take on Obama’s stance on the mosque?
Thumbs down 89%
Thumbs up 11%
Total Votes: 16,014

How do you feel personally about plans to build a mosque near ground zero?

I’m completely against it 90%
I’m OK with it 6%
I completely support it 4%
Total Votes: 17,852

Politicians such as Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich have opposed the mosque, citing their view that the former site of the World Trade center is “hallowed ground” and that building Cordoba House in such close proximity is an affront to the memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“This is America,” Obama declared today, “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. The writ of our founders must endure.”more http://www.aolnews.com/surge-desk/article/president-obama-supports-ground-zero-mosque/19593492?icid=main|aim|dl1|link1|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fsurge-desk%2Farticle%2Fpresident-obama-supports-ground-zero-mosque%2F19593492