Where do Maine's Top Dems stand on the Ground Zero Mosque?

Not sure I want Maine elected officials taking positions on New York City land use.

It's much more than that, Dan. Much more.

Yes, it would be good to know who thinks that our Constitutional provisions for freedom of religion were collateral damage in the WTC attacks.

Threeifbywire, it certainly seems as if many Americans -- politicians as well as citizens -- believe that the Constitution is something that is to be our foundation in times when we agree with things, but that we can chuck it when our "feelings" dictate something is distasteful.

Everyone has the right to freedom of religion. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Pagans, humanists, atheists, people in prison, people in schools. Everyone.

No matter what way they go at it -- historical landmark, zoning, whatever -- the fact is that the push is for this group to be denied their God-given rights.

While I find it repugnant that they would even consider building there, I would protest any politician, any organization, and any government which advocated denying them the right to build a Mulsim recreational center -- or mosque, or whatever -- in a building they have a right to.

Hmmm, a God-given right to worship Allah?
What about Exodus 20:3? Thou shalt worship no other Gods.

Added later: My question is NOT the right to freedom of religion, it's calling it a God-given right.... Michelle posted it was their God-given right, which prompted my question. Yes, I agree that we have a right to freedom of religion... but don't call it a God-given right. God didn't write the Constitution.

Nobody is saying they can't build their Mosque..In fact there are MANY in NY City...They just shouldn't build it there...I would feel the same way if the Japanese were to propose a Bushido Temple beside the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor...

Michelle:

You are absolutely correct.

This thread is getting off topic. "Where do they stand?" is the question.

Bob:

It is my firm hope that they do not and will not take a stand on same -- repubs too. However, if any Maine candidate is stupid enough to "take the bait" on the issue, he or she deserves to lose whatever election they are in.

I support it 100% !

ListenASec: America isn't a Theocracy: Nobody is requiring you to worship Allah for heaven's sake !

What does "take a stand" mean?

It's one thing to legally deny the permits, etc.

It's quite another to declare the plan a slap in the face.

Are we into "non-judgmentalism" at all costs again?

What about "healing" and "just getting along?"

Statements by Bloomberg and others have been inane in my view.

The site isn't AT ground zero, it's NEAR ground zero, a block and a half away or so. How far away would it have to be for no one to care?

My opinion; they can build it wherever they want to, and Maine's delegation shouldn't get involved in the debate.

"How far away would it have to be for no one to care?"

Take all of the political speeches that have spoken recently on the subject, then figure the average length of said speeches. THEN, start a stop-watch and start walking away from Ground Zero. When you have walked for the average length of political speeches, then you can plop a place of worship down unless, of course, there are any other places of worship that are already closer. If so, then that distance between the closest place of worship and Ground Zero becomes the length of the radius in question... I figure that formula is as good as any... It is up to NYC.

Ground Zero isn't just "a piece of NYC real estate" - it has national (and international) significance, but I can see both sides on this one.

I agree with Dan, and think Maine's legislators should stay out of the discussion.

Mel:

Just as they have a first amendment right to build a mosque, you have a first amendment right to voice your objection to them building anywhere, or at all. I support both rights. I had BIG problems with the Dearborn injunctions re the Muslim celebration. You may call them all whatever you like -- and even throw in a cartoon of the prophet.

Howie says Greg Gutfeld is planning a Muslim gay bar right next to the mosque to increase "dialogue" or some such rationale.

Good. I can't wait for the freedom foils to chime in.

outreach bar

I'm announcing tonight, that I am planning to build and open the first gay bar that caters not only to the west, but also Islamic gay men. To best express my sincere desire for dialogue, the bar will be situated next to the mosque Park51, in an available commercial space.

This is not a joke. I've already spoken to a number of investors, who have pledged their support in this bipartisan bid for understanding and tolerance.

As you know, the Muslim faith doesn't look kindly upon homosexuality, which is why I'm building this bar. It is an effort to break down barriers and reduce deadly homophobia in the Islamic world.

Melvin, are you a supporter of gay rights? You're posting of this pretty much proves you're pro-homosexual. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Ah...the "open and affirming" angle comes in.

Am I for "gay rights?" Define "gay rights." I'm not aware of any rights that I have that gays don't.

I am just pointing out that you're apparent support of a gay bar next to a mosque suggests you're pro homosexual.

And my "apparent support" is evidenced by what?

By not saying you are opposed to a gay bar next to a mosque you show your support of the gay bar. That seems to be the measure on this issue. If you're not with us, you're against us. Or something like that.

Hopefully, there are no "blue laws" which forbd siting a bar within close proximity to a church / mosque.

Great idea, a gay bar next to the Muslim center at Ground Zero! That way no worries about anyone's "sensitivities".

Are AMGers for religious freedom or not?

Its 1.5 blocks away. Not "at" the site.

Something else to think about, Harry Truman, our president was a Baptist. He ordered the 2 atomic bombs to be dropped. Should we, and the world go against all Baptists and their churches? No.

The people who caused 911 were not true Muslims. A real muslim would never do that, its against their religion. So the real problem is you just don't like Muslims, just like some people don't like jewish, colored people, etc.

Its a free country, you can do what you like, but don't confuse the 911 people with normal folks from one of the worlds largest religion.

The building of a Mosque has the same connection to 9/11 as Sadam Hussein did.
The "news" entertainers got the sheep all lathered up......... again.

Interesting how this thread brings out the Usual Suspects.

Interesting how this thread brings out the Usual Suspects.

Yes indeed. And let's have a round of applause for the penetrating insight they bring to the discussion.

NRO reports on the CNN opinion poll on the overwhelming opposition to the mosque location: 70% oppose

(And, I agree that Outfidels! works as the name for the proposed gay-muslim bar next door)