A crowd of 700 protesters both for and against a proposed Islamic community center, now called Park5, gathered near Ground Zero in Manhattan yesterday. Police estimated the crowd at about 450 against to 250 for the building of the mosque.
The crowds were chanting, singing and poster waving in what has become a political national debate. Even though it was a rainy, overcast day in New York City, the crowds were not deterred. Police stood between the two groups and kept them apart.
The protesters against the community center and mosque were asking trade union workers to join their protest by agreeing not to work on the building once construction begins. They were wearing hard hats in protest with the word mosque with an X through it.
The protesters, a block away, in favor of the mosque, carried signs supporting freedom of religion and tolerance. They reminded the crowds that hundreds of Muslims also died in the attack on 9/11and their relatives should be able to pray for them nearby.
The subject has become a very hot political topic. President Obama and NYC Mayor Bloomberg have both come out in support of Park51. New York Governor Patterson, while not endorsing the project, said "What that tells me is the wounds of 9/11 haven't healed, and I think if they haven't, perhaps we can find ways to bring about that healing by perhaps creating a situation where people will feel more comfortable,"
Paterson also said there is no local, state or federal statute that prevents the construction of the facility.
Meanwhile, Republicans are stirring the pot about proposal. Sarah Palin, in a mild statement compared to some I have read, tweeted "Peace-seeking Muslims, pls understand, Ground Zero mosque is UNNECESSARY provocation; it stabs hearts." That one of is mild. New York republican gubernatorial candidate, Carl Paladino said last week, "The mosque is a symbol of the triumph and conquest of Islam and they want to celebrate that triumph in the dust of the World Trade Center." National Public Radio just did this story about the movement, Anti-Islamic Rhetoric on the Rise.
I have written before on this subject, observing that it is not a mosque, and it's not at Ground Zero, but the argument has transcended fact or location. It's an emotional issue that is turning ugly and almost racist. People on both sides of the disagreement have suggested that the project be moved farther from Ground Zero.
Daisy Khan and her husband, who are in charge of the development of the project said moving the project to another site is not under consideration for now.
"We have to be very careful and deliberate in making any move," Khan said. The group has already purchased the building, which was damaged in the 9/11 attack and has been vacant the last nine years.
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