Tonight on Larry King Live!

The MUSLIM phylosophy is that lying, cheating, or stealing from a christian is not considered a wrong doing

IT'S A FACT.

Subject: Fw: German View of Islam

> This is by far the best explanation of the Muslim terrorist situation
> I have ever read.
>
> His references to past history are accurate and clear.
>
> The author of this email is said to be Dr. Emanuel Tanay, a well-known
> and well-respected psychiatrist.

> A man, whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War II,
> owned a number of large industries and estates. When asked how many
> German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide our
> attitude toward fanaticism.
>
> 'Very few people were true Nazis,' he said, 'but many enjoyed the
> return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care.
>
> I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools.
> So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we
> knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the
> world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up in a
> concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.'
>
> We are told again and again by 'experts' and 'talking heads' that
> Islam is the religion of peace and that the vast majority of Muslims
> just want to live in peace. Although this unqualified assertion may be
> true, it is entirely irrelevant. It is meaningless fluff, meant to
> make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the specter of
> fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam.
>
> The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history. It
> is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who wage any one of 50
> shooting wars worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically
> slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout Africa and are
> gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is
> the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, or honour-kill. It is the
> fanatics who take over mosque after mosque. It is the fanatics who
> zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and
> homosexuals. It is the fanatics who teach their young to kill and to
> become suicide bombers.
>
> The hard, quantifiable fact is that the peaceful majority, the 'silent
> majority,' is cowed and extraneous.
>
> Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in
> peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of
> about 40 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant.
> China's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists
> managed to kill a staggering 70 million people.
>
> The average Japanese individual prior to World War II was not a
> warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way
> across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the
> systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by
> sword, shovel, and bayonet.
>
> And who can forget Rwanda, which collapsed into butchery. Could it not
> be said that the majority of Rwandans were 'peace loving'?
>
> History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our
> powers of reason, we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of
> points:
>
> * Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence.
>
> * Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don't speak up,
> because like my friend from Germany, they will awaken one day and find
> that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have
> begun.
>
> * Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs,
> Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many
> others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until
> it was too late. As for us who watch it all unfold, we must pay
> attention to the only group that counts–the fanatics who threaten our
> way of life.
>
>
>
> Lastly, anyone who doubts that the issue is serious and just deletes
> this email without sending it on, is contributing to the passiveness
> that allows the problems to expand. So, extend yourself a bit and send
> this on and on and on! Let us hope that thousands, world-wide, read
> this and think about it, and send it on – before it's too late.

If the good pastor in Florida is a true believer that he is doing God's will by burning the Koran, and if he is sincere in his statement that he does not want to endanger US troops, then he should leave the cover of his Florida hideout and travel to "the lion's den" , any Islamic country, to do the burning of the books.

If he is doing God's work, he will not be harmed. If he is not doing God's work, then only he will be harmed by enraged believers of Islam.

Hi Larry,
Despite the onslaught of the Islamophobics whose campaign is self defeating in as much as it is prompting people to learn more about this religion, the proposed Community Center should go ahead.

A lot of propaganda, lies & half truths have been spread around to turn Americans against Muslims but Americans are Americans, thank God for that, we will therefore, now & always stand up to intolerance, racism, hate & bigotry.

That self styled 'pastor' may burn as many Qurans as he pleases, I see a vast number of folks & clergy turning to their Muslim neighbors or those who share their community in an out reach & interfaith dialogue.
God Bless America & Americans.

On Monday September 6, 2010, I visited Park51. As I looked for the precise location I asked about 7 people (all of whom appreared to be locals) where the proposed sight was, and only 3 of them knew, even though they were all within approximately 200 feet of the site. One of those I asked was a police officer and another was a fellow standing about 15 feet from the front door. My point is, if people (I realize my sample is small) don't know the location of this "apparent" place of evil, although they are standing within about 30 – 200 feet of the site, then truly, how serious and /or interested are people, "really"?

Brian

Respected Imam,

Will you and your mosque recognize the Muslims who are persecuted in countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia to be actual Muslims? The Ahamdiyya Muslims and Shi" ite Muslims in Pakistan have been attacked routinely because they are considered non Muslims with the recent triple suicide bombings in Pakistan minority Muslim sects to prove this continued intolerance. Will you publically declare members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as well as the Shi'ites as Muslims welcome at your mosque? Or will your mosque continue to perpetrate intolerance against those who wish to be identified as Muslims?

I'm a Muslim out of Tulsa, OK and my question for the worthy Imam is "Is he not feeling guilty over International Burn a Quran (shariff) Day which is an apparent response to his plans for building the Mosque close to Ground Zero? Would it not be appropriate to teach tolerance amongst the Muslim brethren rather than attempting to educate those who are well educated? For example, our father was thrown out of the Mosque in Tulsa, OK for writing an op-ed piece in the Tulsa World condemning terrorism 4 years from now."

We are four Muslim kids out of Tulsa, OK and our question for the worthy Imam is "Is he not feeling guilty over International Burn a Quran (shariff) Day which is an apparent response to his plans for building the Mosque close to Ground Zero? Would it not be appropriate to teach tolerance amongst the Muslim brethren rather than attempting to educate those who are well educated? For example, our father was thrown out of the Mosque in Tulsa, OK for writing an op-ed piece in the Tulsa World condemning terrorism 4 years from now."

How can anyone discern between “jihadists” and Muslim worshippers, as they both draw their inspiration (misconstrued or legitimate) from the same source, i.e. the Holy Koran?

Larry, please ask the good imman how many churches/synagogsin his country?

The placement of mosques throughout Islamic history has been an expression of conquest and superiority over non-Muslims. Muslims built the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock on the site of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in order to proclaim Islam’s superiority to Judaism. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus was built over the Church of St. John the Baptist, and the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople was converted into a mosque, to express the superiority of Islam over Christianity. Historian Sita Ram Goel has estimated that over 2,000 mosques in India were built on the sites of Hindu temples for the same reason.

But the Ground Zero mosque, or mosques, won’t be another example of that Islamic supremacism, will they? After all, the mosque initiative’s organizer, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, has said that the building of the mosque by the World Trade Center site was intended to make “the opposite statement to what happened on 9/11

Although, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf's intentions may be honorable from a non-extremist muslim point of view, and would like to use this proposed mosque as an icon to spread the word of Islam. Who is to say that the radical extremist muslim (Bin Laden) would not use it for their strategic recruiting advantage or the pinicle of his conquest in the U.S.

I am appalled that so many of my friends are against the mosque near Ground Zero. We should allow it in order to promote tolerance. I propose that a gay nightclub be opened next door to the mosque to promote tolerance in the mosque. We could call it "The Turban Cowboy" or "You Mecca Me Hot". Next door could be a butcher shop that specializes in pork and across the street a very daring lingerie store called "Victoria Keeps Nothing Secret”

Who's paying for this Mosque is it the American tax payer .

To: Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, This country opens its arms to all who want to come into this country. We are very sympathic to everyone's needs as evident by over 2,000 Mosque's in the US.. So with that being said, why can't you, Sir, be sympathic to the needs of the American people and build your Mosque somewhere else in the United States.

Thanks for your time.

This Mosque has caused civil unrest in America why are you going forth any way .

don't you think this mosque would be rather risky for the local muslims to attend to?

How about Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf spends his $100 million helping the millions of flood victims in Pakistan and not insult and offend the 100's of millions in America.

What the Imam is saying is he opened a can of worms on America abd we have no choice but to build a Mosque there .

@Gerald
prophet mohammed said :"i am the adversary of anyone who takes anything from a non-muslim, and anyone who obliges them to pay what they cant (tax)"..

whats next? muslims bake pies with the blood of christian babies? sounds familiar

Had a Christian extremist group attacked the World Trade Center instead, and some years later someone wanted to build a church near ground zero, would there be as many aruments? And would it then also be insensitive? Some would say no, which is unfair.

This Imam needs to be replaced A.S.A.P.

Throughout history humans have fought over whose God is better, now seems to be no different. My hope is that humanity can learn from its mistakes. However, if we continue to only give attention to the outrageous then we can't complain about what we get in return.

Can the Iman please point out exactly in the Koran where it is being perverted by the Muslim "extremists?"

Soledad, I want to know where all the money for his mosque is coming from? I would also like to hear what Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf thinks about Muslim countries funding mosques in America.

I think we should also ask why he did not reveal plans earlier of integrating other faiths and only did so after members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community made the suggestions openly and was noted most recently in the New York Post? Feelslike his saying this now is an afterthought, not an initial intention.

This man wants Sharia law in US, blamed USA for 9/11, and is being funded by Saudis. He is preparing to spend huge ammounts of money at a time when the world agencies are strained to help people in need. It is no secret there is a underlying agenda of Muslim domination in the world. Fundamentalists come both openly and disguised as great and clever speakers.

The issue is NOT about rights, it is about sensitivity. Let him not USE terms like, "rights of people", "national security", "separation of religion and state", for his own political and religious benefits.

Please don't let him. This is a test of the fundamentalist Muslims vs US. Please don't let him make a mockery of the freedom of religion in the US.

Inevitably there is a part of the population that will react with extremism such as burning koran's or bibles or books deemed "evil". I think we forget how far we've come. When I grew up 20 years ago in Mississippi it wasn't "ok" to date a person of color, african-american, arab, hispanic–it really didn't matter, if they weren't white, it wasn't ok

The money's are going to come from the tax payers that's why its such a big secret .

Would the Imam support building a christian church three blocks from mecca or some other major muslim site?

If feel it is your right to build the mosque but I find it intresting the same thing would never fly in other countries.

You messed up Mr . Imam you opened pandoras box .

I find it hard to tell if the Imam done this without foresight or not .

Before your interview I wasn't sure now NO!, Mr. President I hope you are listening, because their is one more American joining the other 71%, real American's. God help us!

He is a "wolf" in sheep's clothing. This is not about moderates. This is a clever man, talking politically correct buzz words to push forward their personal agenda.

Why not change the Islamic center design so that it includes at least a non-denominational chapel and identified Christian ministers and Jewish rabbis who would hold services therein, to demonstrate that this center is a venue for multi-religious integration rather than separation?

As a Muslim American with middle eastern roots I oppose building the mosque next to ground zero out of respect and considerations for my fellow Americans, this country and its people gave me and my family a great life and I would not dream of offending anyone by pushing my beliefs in their face, there are a lot of places to build a mosque but ground zero, and any one who thinks he is being a good Muslim by supporting this project should take a hard look at his own situation where he or she get paid every week with American money originated from liqueurs, tobacco and bank interests which the Quran strictly prohibits any Muslim from accepting monies from such sources, to me that is hypercritical.

My mother died in a hospital, a victim of the current health system, forgotten in a sea of victims. Can no one ever build on the site she died? How about a block away? How about two blocks?

The quickest way to solve this Mosque issue is to have the Cultural center built , but it should be a center shared by all faiths not just Islam..
This will send a positive message around the world

I guess now we know how the native americanss feel – we took over, built on and destroyed their sacred ground, didn't we? And, people need to think about this. All muslims are not terrorists, not all cahtolic priests are pedophiles, etc...etc... etc....

Let's stop the hate, each body is holy and belongs to God. War will never stop unless we learn to love each other.

Why don't they build a congregation of all religions on Ground zero instead of just a mosque? This way Ground Zero stands together with a message of peace from all religions and goes against radicalism from all world religion.

I as a Canadian want to hear a good reason why,the Muslim can't pick another neighbourhood. I have junkies and crackheads that we've ran out of our neighbourhood. BUT! I also have many many many friends and family in the U.S.A that want to know what I fel let alone how they feel about the Muslim finding a different hood. Thank you for your time. Yours truly Claudia Mooney from I AM A CANADIAN!!!!!! 🙂

What part of "guilt by association" do you not understand Solidad. You are blinded like a hurt child. Just because the RADIACLS flew into a rage and killed thousands in the towers nearby does not give you the right to lash out at everyone who is the same religion. Maybe we should lock up all the Irish catholics because of a few RADICALS who bombed funeral parties because they were Prodestant.

Think about what you are saying . . . use a little critical thinking for a change instead of sensationalism . . and stop probing the hate mongering

Its simple if we move the mosque we go to a holy war .

Is the Imam concerned that his sensitivities towards and accomodations of Americans, Jews and Christians, will generate bad feelings towards him from more radical Muslims? Why not?

Some Americans claim that this mosque will be a tribute to some kind of Muslim victory on American soil. Does the Imam refute that? If some in the Muslim world still regard the new mosque as described, will the Imam work to put down referring to the mosque as a monument of sorts among Muslims?

How about he builds the mosque somewhere else and Terry Jones agrees not to burn the Koran. Can we come to some kind of deal here?

Can the Imam please explain to us how a holy prophet of God could be dead wrong about so many things of science and of nature, i.e.:"Seman comes from the back or kidney area, not from the testicles." (The Women 4:23 Al-Nisa; The Heights 7:172 Al-Araf.)
Fact:: Seman comes from the testicles.
Is it not true that one of the key tests to know that a prophet is a true prophet of God (Allah), or not, –is that he is never wrong?

It seems to me that the only good response to the pastor in Florida is for those of us in this country who disagree with him to fund the publication of 1,000 qu'an for every one that is burned. This way, he can burn as many as he wants, but the world will understand that America does not agree with this fanatic. (Provided the media gives the publication story more attention than it is giving the burning)

Soledad, please ask the Imam to comment on the following:

The concern is that the radicals overseas will hurt us if we move the center to another location. Can't the Imam explain to them that the outrage behind burning the Quran shows how the US is united behind muslims?

When they burn the Quran's on 9-11 were going to have a Holy war any way .

Just as the lunatic radical pastor in FL, who wants to burn the Koran, does not represent all of christianity, neither do a few lunatic radical hijackers represent all of Islam. The Bible has been used by several radical christian groups through the years to validate all kinds of terror on humanity. I am christian, but it is time to stop fighting each other and fix the situation between the three Abrahamic religions...for our childrens sake.

This isn't why I pay taxes. I pay taxes for the right to participate in a free society, one in which all people can participate, that all people are created equal.

Why doesn't the Imam move the mosque saying that because radicalsattacked that area. We will not support the radicals by building a mosque near where they attacked.

After watching him dodge question after question about the reason they want this location.....I DON'T TRUST HIM!!!

I hope we don't fall for this ridiculous hype – radical Muslims in sheep's clothing. That's how they operate!

NEVER FORGET 9/11!

As a survivor of WTC and resident of tribeca, I find this insensitive and out of place. I believe that Muslims should be able to worship freely and have their places of worship, our constitution gives everyone this right. We are a free society I say no, whether the structure is visible or not. The city is big, find another spot. I don't want to see it everyday or any day where I live and almost died.

How many blocks is acceptable?
We have to be careful letting grief or fear make public policy or change laws. Yes we all have the same rights so let's let everyone exercise these rights... Now say you have the right but only if you don't choose to exercise it

they can move the mosque from near ground zero

Soledad, why do you want the Imam to say "They will not build a Mosque near ground zero?"

How refreshing to have for once an intelligent interviewer who knows how to ask a smart question, and to have a relevant guest on the program. Well done. Keep Soledad every day and make this important program relevant again.

is abdul rauf saying that if he and his people don't build his mush building that his people will go to war in this united states agaist the american people

Soledad,
The answer is very simple, there is no conflict between Muslims and America. Moving the mosque is acknowledging that Muslims in general are responsible for what happened on 9/11/2001. This is an ignorant view since we have more than 7 million Muslim Americans who share your feelings about the 9/11.

That's exactly what is going to happen, he is going to build the mosque, someone will attack it, this will cause far more harm to our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. I'm starting to believe Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Could this be what he wants?

Respected Imam,

Your pledge of moderation is inconsistent with your accusation that America was an accomplice in the 911 attacks and your refusal to condemn Hamas as a terrorist organization. Please explain.

"If this isn't handled correctly, it could explode the Muslim world? If this isn't handled correctly, it could be bigger than the Muslim cartoon problem?" Is he kidding? I USED to be on this guy's side. I am now fully convinced that putting the mosque where they plan to put it is a bad idea – just for the sake of national security. I now know where he can put it. Wow!

The New York officials should be held responsible for this 100% .

Could the Imam please address the naming of the mosque the "Cordoba Mosque", he must recognize the significance here.

This gentleman, who is so "sensitive" to everything EXCEPT the blackmail he is presenting (either this project goes forward or there will be attacks on the western world) is totally insensitive to the tactless ultimatum he is presenting. He preaches "peace" but is resolute to force his plan through and is not in the least prepared to show consideration for the widespread objection. "The whole world is watching" he said. Yes, but the whole world is listening right now to his blackmail. Marlene in Portugal

Can the Iman please explain such of the many like statements from Allah (God) found in the Quran: ""The unbelievers among the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) and the pagans shall burn forever in the fire of Hell. They are the vilest of all creatures." (The Proof 98:6-7).

Ms O'Brien:
You are asking tough questions and are not losing your professionalism.
I believe that this controversy is a distraction from what we Americans on which, should really concentrate.

If the Imam wants to ensure the moderate voice leads the conversation in the Muslim world then why doesn't he demonstrate it by kindly showing respect to the sensitive Americans at this still recent time since disaster from radicals. It sounds like he wants to hang a noose over our heads "Allow our mosque in this specific place or else." He is saying we should ko-to to the radicals and be hostages in our own country. I am not even the least bit nationalistic (think its exclusive and dangerous to world peace) and this is what I hear being literally pounded into us by him. This kind of insistence can not inspire peace.

kate

Very disappointed with Imam. He was not able to explain his interfaith efforts. To me, the consequences of not building related to national security is threatening. Outside USA Muslim cant decide how this society live with each other? Pls probe more on it.

I am wondering when the country will be above religion? The sentiments of majority of our country be respected. No religion is above country and we must consider emotions of our fellow country people.

America is under the gun because of this Imam.

They don’t allow us to carry bible in public in middle east

In my opinion burning the Koran is wrong but protected under our constitution. Also in my opinion, building a mosque near Ground Zero is wrong but Muslims have a right to build it. According to the vast majority of americans both of these acts are wrong, so why do it if many people will be provoked?

I hear what the Imam is saying and I hear what the Preacher in FL. is saying also. Would it be possible for the Imam to move the Mosque back a few blocks from Ground Zero, if the Preacher promises to NEVER to burn our Noble Quran?

If he is so concerned with anti Islamic sentiment – Why build this mosque. Now HE will be an accessory to any future crimes against Muslims.

I was supporting building of mosque but not anymore after watching Imam and his logics.

what better place to have a place where all religions can come together which when and if we can ever slove that problem the world will start to have some similarity to the being of the humans we are suppose to be! just the talk of religion is the start of terroism just listen to yourselves! how else can building a church in another name create such hate grounded on being to close to sacred ground! my case rests!

Feisal, there's MUCH more than a national security issue at stake in this debate. What's REALLY at stake here is the soul of America. If you give in to ignorant bigotry about Islam you yield to the worst kind of stereotyping and you fail to stand up for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. You did not ask for this fight, but it has been thrust upon you and, like many loyal Americans before you, now is your time to reassert and stand for the essential Constitutional principles that are at stake in this conversation. If you agree to move the site of this project one inch, the next question will be, "how far is far enough?" - ten blocks? 20 blocks? Is Tennessee far enough? Obviously not. Hang in there, your the latest chapter in the noble history of this ongoing experiment called America.

Your a smart lady Solidad ill trust your judgment on this one .

Let's be fair; let those who lost loved ones in the Twin Towers vote whether or not to allow this new Mosque to be built.

A question for Soledad. So 71% of Americans do not believe the mosque should be built there. How many of those 71% will ever come within 100 miles of that location? What do the people that acually live and work in the neighbourhood believe?

Perhaps we should let the local community worry about who they let build what and where.

Without taking a position as to whether the mosque should or should not be built near ground zero, my question is why does one need to reference an alleged potential repercussion of a radical I Muslim as a factor that needs to be taken into consideration should the mosque not be built? Is that not basing one's decision on the basis of fear of reprisal? And letting a threat of reprisal influence decision making?

I am a Moroccan muslim living in America
The actual question is why should they build a mosque in that specific location but my question is WHY SHOULD THEY NOT BUILD IT ?

The Imam is correct. Should we ban/remove all Buddist Temples from Hawaii? (since alot of Japanese are Buddist?)

This is the only way I can get this message out to all of you!! The murderers of 9/11 had three missions. 1. To destroy the economy of the United States and the western world. 2. To destroy the relationship of this country with it's allies... in Middle East! 3. To start a religiouse war! If we stop the community center in NY, we have played in the hands of terrorists.! Just think, when the murderers of Oklohoma city Federal building bombing where Christians, is this mean they can not build a church near the Federal building?! We the American people shold not allow murderers use any religion for their crminial acts!!!!!!!!!!!! God bless the Untied States!!

Its crazy makin this as a topic of debate in a country which expresses freedom of religion. Ok let the imam back of an let an able sounded christian, jew etc propose to build another religious center there. Will yes be the answer or is it a taboo to build any religious center there.

hi from denmark here... i was listenling to the words from the imam.. and what he tries to do is what any priest in a civil world he try's to easy the situation. wich is good but also double standard..in 2006 flags with our cross was burned in various places in the middleeast cuz of the "drawings" the goverment in denmark are pro Americans. (i cant talk for the people here) but we also reject the "power US posesses in dictating the world through UN..we must have a size envy ..Anyway there is so many double standards in understanding the goverments contra religion. We ourself here have a strouggle and are devided in the matter of mosques here in denmark..anyone wonder if we are oposing the rights of building a mosque in Denmark?

When you ask if the Muslim center should go ahead, ask yourself how many Japanese citizens or Japanese restaurants are in the Hawaiian ialands. Or if there is a church with in the Oklahoma bombings site. Repeatedly on tonight's show, she has asked why not just move it? How many times does he have to answer the question!! And has anyone considered the Muslims that were at work and lost their lives in the WTC? Anderson Cooper named them by name last night.

I AM WATCHING THE PROGRAM NOW. SOLEDAD HAS SURPRISED ME BY SO FAR DOING A FANTASTIC JOB !!

THE IMMAM KEEPS THREATENING THE U S WITH DIRE CONSEQUENCES IF THE CTR IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE BUILT ON THAT SPOT !

HE IS A SINISTER MAN AND SOLEDAD WILL DEAL WITH HIM. SHE IS LEADING THE TALK.

GO SOLEDAD. I DID NOT THINK YOU HAD IT IN YOU.

If Imam is sensitive, why should he not care about the sentiments of 71% Americans? If he wants an Islamic center , why it has to be at ground zero, and not somewhere else?.
He wants to make memorial of 9/11 victims in this center. Why the families will like to have a memorial of their kins at an Islamic center, when they were killed by Islamic extremists. Does he intend to also have a memorial of the 9/11 hijackers at this place and make it a show piece of Islamic conquest of America, using its laws of freedom?
What will prevent this center from being used by extremist in future?.
From his interview it seems he is under threat from extremist to build
this at ground zero

When the so-called Christians in the Serbian army were slaughtering Muslims in the 90s there were no calls to stop building churches in Sarajevo.

Now the media is giving a small amount of air time to a moderates, after giving radicals filled with willful ignorance and hate far more air time than intelligent and moderate people; After all, controversy increases ratings and ratings, not truth are what the media is about now.

But tomorrow they will continue to give air time to extremists filled with hate. When is the media going to start being the esteemed fourth estate again instead of helping drive America back into the dark ages.

We will find out where the money's are coming from after midterms when they tell us the tax payers are footing the bill .

Soledad Obrien is not contributing to the stated purpose of peace with her questioning which sometimes comes across as badgering. It is overly aggressive and she seems to be taking sides in this issue. As an interviewer, she needs to moderate the discussion and get the Imam to express his views on all the issues. Larry King would have handled this very differently.

Please ask the Imam to address as aggressively the radical muslims as he argues for the freedom afforded him in The United States of America? Why does he keep referring to separation of church and state? Why does he not address that in a muslim country? His "bridge-building" commentary is unbelievable unless and until he addresses the freedom and human rights issues in Muslim nations. Imam, begin your bridge-building in Iran, Iraq, Egypt, etc.

With all due respect to the Imam, he is quite happy to accept the rights and priviledges of our country. He might show himself to be a better man by returning to his home country and petitioning to build a church next to a synagogue. He might also petition for the right to carry a Bible. Just a thought.

Like many Americans I feel strongly that this mosque whatever they call it MUST not be built a ground zero. I've read too where placing mosques where these muslims feels victorious is an award and not some peace loving bull they trying to sell. I don't for the love of me understand why these people can burn american flags, say whatever the hell they want, wish death on american and when we response its such a deathly fear of what they gonna do. Although I won't condone that crazy looking pastor who sounds like he is a drug meth head or something, he has a point about why should any american giving their first amendment has to fear these people. For christ sake you can't even mention their God they wanna kill you its about time some body, country or nation stand up to these crazy lunatic fanatics. From the interview it seems like Imam Feisal Abdul has second thoughts but I swear he too is afraid that by not going through with their symbolic victory by building the mosque, he will receive death threats.

Just listened to what he said after 911.That sums up what he's about..He condemns the attacks,but theres always a but with these guys.

Moving the location of the Islamic Center will indicate to the extremist that all Muslims are guilty for the acts of those cowards on 9/11 . Also, the location of the proposed mosque is not on ground zero.

please stop allowing him to equate americans, some of whom have legitimate concerns about the building, with islamic jihadis. when he refers to them both as radicals repeatedly, don't let it slide.

please ask about the funding of the mosque. please ask about the developers and their background.

will you please address islam's history of taking over the religious sites of others, following conquests, and denying the legitimacy of the former occupant's concerns.

please stop asking him about feeling over and over again. and, please stop asking him why he couldn't choose a different site like.

this is shaping up as fluff so far

How can those of the Muslim religion be trusted, when Allah (God) says, in the Quran: "Freedom from obligation (is proclaimed ) from Allah and His messenger toward those of the idolaters (Christians and Jews) with whom ye made a treaty" (Qur'an 9:1).

i am an arab israeli christian palestinian, a palestinian that stayed on after israel took our land, 2 points

1-if we allow mosques the arab world should allow churches be built ,now churches are beeing burned in iraq,christians are getting killed in egypt, our muslim brothers do not consider us arab christians why
2- hamas might be fighting israel and they have the right and to some in the world they are a terrorist organization, beeing an israeli arab the state of israel is a nazi organiztion ask me i lived it.

3-you should have an arab on

Why doesn\t this Imam answer any questions directly? He refuses to answer the money question succinctly for example.

Feisal has admitted his decision to erect a mosque near ground zero was a mistake. Now he is forcing the US to negotiate the demands of radical Muslims usinf fear. Not constructing the Mosque is not an option. This sounds like Al Qaeda's position and tactics. It's their way or the highway. Where are the voices of Islam condemning radical Muslims and Wahhabi? Their silence is deafening.

The Imam is correct. Asking them to move is like us asking the Japanese to move their Buddist Temples out of Honolulu! They bombed us too..AND stated a war!

As a Roman Catholic and American, history tells us that at one time in America, Catholics were forbidden to build churches in certain places, luckily the constitutional rights of every American was honored then as it should be now. Our men and women are fighting in a moslem country to preserve this right for Americans. As I listen to Soledad O'Brien, she seems to be mouthing the sentiment and hidden agenda of the radical right or CNN?

This Imam done this with intent .

If the Iman wants to build a "platform for peace" then he should agree to donate the building to have a multi-faith organization dedicated to promote healing among the major religions. Then the building can be a symbol of humans committing to repair relations instead of promoting hate

Are you kidding me? Do you really think that this government will ever openly condemn the Islamic faith? Never gonna happen. Political parties & figures can continue to drag this into the mud but it will not change reality. The right wing and left wing fringes can talk about this and debate til the cows come home, in this country there is freedom of religion and freedom of speech and there is no way anyone will ever take us far enough into the dark ages that we take away those rights. Its the one thing intelligent humans understand. Complain all you want, in this country that is your right.

Hey they (NYC) should close that place now for code violations, man what a dumpy entrance and messed up building…In that location…and a total redesign would be necessary if that scary picture of a building I saw earlier is what they are thinking of putting up there in lower manhattan….good luck

The NEW PANTHERS and the NEW MUSLIMS

~~Welcome ALL to GROUND ZERO….where anyone can be a HERO.

Thank you for a great interview. I hope more Americans can hear this message. Let's keep talking and listening to each other. We are not an island.

Some of you missing the point, they can build a mosque in New York but for the fact they want to build it where the worse tragedy in American History took place says that it has a deeper meaning for them and its exactly what I said – placing the mosques as a sign of victory based on the tragedy. Its no accident that this location was choosen and the mere fact that they are resisting building else where just prove they can't be trusted. As for Imam Feisal Abdul don't buy that peace loving tour bull, bet he already raised enough money from the muslim world on his so called tour, just looking at him he seems all sneaky and untrustworthy and to all New Yorkers who stand up speak out I say Kudos.

As an American-Shia Muslim, who grew up in NYC, I strongly believe that the founders of the Islamic Cultural Center, Park51, which is near Ground Zero should move the location of the project.

This endeavor was supposed to establish peace, oppose radicalism and bring unity among the Abrahamic Faiths. Unfortunately, it has become a political hotbed bringing with it deep resentment and division. Proceeding with the present plan is counterproductive and defeats the very purpose that was intended.

Without a doubt, we have a constitutional right to build a place of worship, guaranteed by our Constitution. However, as Muslims, we need to keep in mind that Prophet Muhammad said, " Islam is submission to God's will and kindness towards humanity." Continuing with the Park51 site is not an act of kindness, if it is causes further grief to any of the victims' families who lost loved ones in the monstrous 9/11 attacks. The founders need to extend an olive branch and bring a harmonious end to this controversy.

@ mary.
someone is incorrect, here. WWII japan was motivated by imperial (divinely mandated) shintoism, not buddhism. not even close. please try again

Sounds to me like the United States is his home country. Didn't your ancestors once come from a different place on the planet? The big difference here is that current immigrants just want the right to live within the rules of their new country, not like what our ancestors did and stole everything from the aboriginal people and force their culture and law on them.

Great interview!!! Hope lots of folks will realize that he is not the trustworthy and able leader

You`d have to know a lot about Islam and then you`d know what and how much he is llying ! Oh, man !!! Kuran says to kill – Read it if you don`t believe it ! Kuran talks about Peace only under a Islam World Order. Yes it`s true.
....and you know what ? I`m not sorry to say that Islam is a Demonic Religion. Yes, I say this cozz I have proof. And my greatest proof of testifying it is: I WAS PART OF IT !!!

Please, stop them building it ! Or God Will – but it`s gonna hurt !!! yes...it`s gonna hurt !

Why is it that the islamic nations do not allow other faiths freedom in their nations???? But they expect us to tolerate them !!!! I like what the Australian PM said: If you want to live in our country then accept the way we live and our lifestyle..... If you do not like it then leave and go back to living the way you want where you came from. Women in burqas covered because of islamic rule can stay covered in their own country. They have no tolerance here!!!! You are not in your country and no one is going to stone you to death because someone saw your face!!!!!! If they do not want us to see the faces of their women then STAY HOME. Why should the rest of the world pay for your short comings. YES IT IS A NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERN FOR THE MOSQUE IN NYC.

Soledad,
Your statement that the mosque should not be built because 71% of Americans are against it makes as much sense as saying women's rights or slavery should not have been banned because in their time they were also widely supported. Tell me, since most Amercians are against equal rights for homosexuals, are you also opposed to equal rights for homosexuals?

Please ask Mr Faisal:
why not spend the money to bring different Muslim faction stop from killing each other like shias and sunnis in my country Pakistan.It will be a brave thing and a much greater service to Islam to bring peace among Muslims over there.

I have practiced Islam in US for 30 years in USA without fear but I am scared to go to a Mosque in Pakistan.

this money will be better spent over there to bring people together.

I plead to Mr Faisal, please do not drag my religion Islam through the streets of NYC and head to the voice of the majority of the NYC citizens.

Now are we going to be held hostage to Islam our are we going to fight back .

ask if mosque is built jn NYC will he back and openly ask if he will work to built a church in Mecca.

@jay wilkes Are we no better than this "home country" of the Imam that you are referring to? Of course a mosque can be built in this country next to a synagogue, why wouldn't it be? I was raised Southern Baptist, then explored the Church of Christ then the Catholic Church. Now I pray from home, why shouldn't I be allowed the right to attend a mosque in New York close to Ground Zero? Would you deny my rights? I was born and raised in MS as a Southern Baptist, my ancestry is European...........but does that really matter?

How can the Iman say Islam is a peaceful religion, when the Quran states otherwise?
"Those who avenge themselves when wronged incur no guilt." (Council 42:42-43).
""When you meet the unbelievers in the battlefield strike off their heads...retiation is decreed for you in bloodshed:" " (Mohammed 47:3-5).
and on and on and on...

Too many AMericans still don'T get it! Those of you who fall for the trtipe of funadamental/radical CHristianists( my nomenclature fo9llowing those "PASTORS" who call Muslims”Islamists") are playing right iintotthe hands of those (including Teabaggers and Super Connservative/ Raqdical Right COmmentators, blah blah blah) who wants to ride the fear and ignorance and create more tension.

IT IS UNCHRISTIaN to not accept our Muslim, Budhist, and Jweish brothers

Please ask the Iman why no christian temples are allowed in moslen countries?
Could he proposed to Saudi Arabia to allow a christian temple with the same interest for peace that he uses to build a moslen temple in our ground cero although 76% of the people opposes?

State department has to fire him

If people only listen to the Imam with an open mind, we may make some progress towards peace. He seems to be the moderate voice of Islam. I don't think most people know that Sufism is very moderate. I learnt this recently.

To the question that 72% or the majority of americans do not want the Mosque there. In 1950 the majority of americans didn't want African Americans to have equal rights. Just because the majority of americans disagree with something does not make it right.

I am very disappointed in the view and stance that Soledad is obviously taking in this interview as I watch it unfold.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is articulately describing very valid reasons for not changing the location of the mosque at this point. Extremists will use whatever validation they can to further distort American values, or better yet, the values we Americans like to pretend we hold dear. Moving it at this point says: "Yes, Americans say they are tolerant, that they do not judge all by a few, but look how they mock Rauf's difference from us. They mock themselves, as usual, instead."
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf's message that this pressure, including the biased questioning (delivered in softly spoken words) portrayed by Soledad (so surprised at your lack of professional journalism, Soledad) is detrimental to continued national security. It actually appears as if Soledad is trying to be 'the one' that changes Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf mind, when if the decision is changed we actually say, Sept 11 terrorists won.
The changing of the location at this point does not say America has won anything; it says America -foolish as usual and so engrossed in seeing who 'wins' –has lost; has validated everything that extremist terrorists attempt to accomplish.
US policies are at fault for a great many disasters..we all know this, despite our trying to persecute those who voice these sentiments. Soledad trying to manipulate what Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf meant is an indication of America's distortion of the very wrongs America are responsible for,
I believe the percentage of people who disagree with the 'where' of the mosque is much lower than the actual count; this is only a percentage of those wanting to respond-again this is the media's attempt at distortion.
I am ashamed of the interview and the lack of objectivity associated with it. Bridges by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf started prior to this mosque's location; it was increased once the political-led attacks began – and bridges should be reinforced when under attack – and it would be a travesty if we let terrorists' actions dictate how easily we give up our values.
It's unfortunate that this one-sided current attack is going on.
Yes, something terrible did happen at Ground 11 – if we are going to hold it sacred, then we should not blasphemy it by letting the terrorists' acts of 9/11 be the factor by which we judge a group of people.
I am African American and if you took a poll, that poll would not show how far America has come. That poll would instead (especially if a group of African Americans did something really bad) show a very negative side of America.
Judging people by the vileness of some within that group is unjust.

So many people in this country are upset with this peaceful wise man because he is forcing us to look at ourselves : If there is ever to be peace and harmony between the religions we must be able to admit the role of Bush administration policies in inflaming anti western sentiment in the middle east, in particular blind support of Israeli policy in Palestine and the invasion of an Muslim nation on false pretenses.
Nothing excuses or justifies the terrorist acts of Al Qaeda and the Imam is certainly not trying to do so. Nevertheless, disgusting hateful acts like burning the Koran only play into the hands of the extremists.

I would like to ask the Imam what his track record is really:

Was he able to stop 9/11?
Has he been able to stop the hatred the muslim world has for the US?
Can he stop the extremist radicals from killing the innocents?
Is he the international peace broker? What standing does he have with the larger Muslim world?

Lastly, when he said that bringing up this idea of a religious would rake up a controversy – Why in the name of God did he proceed? Is this your idea of peace Imam??

Soledad, the issue at hand truly is one of controlling the radical debate. If all the people who have ever attempted to stand for freedom in this world simply packed up and moved some where else, where would we as a people be? You keep speaking about wisdom... conventional thought is not wisdom! there is Right and wrong and anytime we say "Justice and freedom" for all and don't mean it... that is wrong. I am a Christian who has been taught to love even those who don't love me. My principles are no dictated by those of others. Finally, when Paul of Tarsus preached Jesus to the peoples of Asia, Greece and Rome he did so by living and loving among them not waging war to force them to conform.
Ignorance and bigotry are not wise simply because 71% agree with it.

No one can replace you Larry .

I find this Imam's statements to be obfiscating his/their true intention which is to "infiltrate" with NO regard to "dissagreement." He is intent, driven with an agenda, disingenuous and for me, dangerous. His statements reveal his intent and ptrofessing "a moderate discussion" is not at all what his true intention is. He "professes" to be a spokesman for peace yet, if you listen closely ( or just listen), he only pays lipservice to "living in peace" and his intent is clear and undeterred.
CNN's earlier reporting about this issue highlighted the idea that the (Extremist) Muslims "feed" on "fear and hate" (by Americans).
I feel the Imam understands this instinctively and "KNOWS" that by creating this controversy and the expected response (fear and anger) they know they can "use " the "backlash" as a justification for their own "extremist" backlash (i.e. terrorist violence agst. America). He is only a mouthpiece for the money and (evil) power that supports him.

Soledad Obrien is not Larry King. I think the way she is asking question is like telling the Imam not to build the center near ground 0. If I'm not mistaking she putting herself @ the place of the protesters against the Center.

Thanks,

. You say u cant back up now not to show that americans won and make extremist mad. Know american wold like it and not let this happen seems like u knew and wanted this like war to star. You are an american for wanting this to happen. look like the holy land.. you guys dont care about people that live there. Its not even your land. You have a mosque one their holy land THEIR LAND. Now trying to put one on your holy land.
BS

Typical Muslim extremest thinking... It's our way or we kill you. Is this what he is saying? If we move the mosque location there will be violence? This is America Imam, we don't succumb to threats and ultimatums. How dare you passively aggressively use fear to get what you want. You don't understand America at all.

This man is full of baloney. He wants us to make all the concessions and could care less about our sentiments. We can see through his sincerely insincere words. We are not stupid.

If it wasn't for Islam 3000 people would not be dead.Those terrorists were taught their hatred at a mosque.

He's" pleading" with Terry Jones not to burn the Koran well we are pleading with him NOT to build a mosque in site of ground zero.

He's making us all angrier than we have ever been and bringing back the horror of what his people have done to us.

He NEEDS to back off!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why are you not trying to unite instead of divide? The Germans in the time before World War II were afraid to speak up for the Jews. Where do you stand? These Muslims are the Jews of yesterday. They are not the terrorists who attacked us. They are American citizens. Why not stand up for their rights. Or do you we want to change the constitution and take away the freedom of religion.

I forgot to add thaat those who are riding this wave of fear are doing it for personal gain or political purposes!!!

The Imam does not seem to be painting a correct picture of Islam, when one actually reads the Quran. Near the end of the show, he is talking about Christ, and relating to Christianity. It appears he is saying things we want to hear, but not in truth, –according to the Quran. Much of what he is saying here is the opposite of what the Quran actually says. Read what the Quran actually says about Jesus Christ and Christianity. Unless he has turned to Christianity, he appears to me, according to the Quran, a deceiver. If I am wrong, –please enlighten.

Ask the Imam about :
what is Dar- Al Harb(Warzones, zones where there is no Islamic Law) & Dar- Al Islam, ask him about the Sharia : Islamic Law..

There will be no liberty no freedom for us Atheists, Christians, Jews, Buddhists etc... under the Sharia.

Jefferson said : the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.
I'm from Europe and I can tell you here it's full of muslims, I'm NOT a racist, but in most cases when I go to big cities in my country Muslims only attack white people, black people and asians, they almost never attack themselves, they really like racists. Paris is full of muslims, Brussels is 25% of Muslims, Germany and the Netherlands are full too, Great Britain also. They got plans for Sharia4UK, Sharia4Belgium... They don't want democracy. They are using our democracy and are going to misuse it. I'm not telling stories, it's a fact.
I'm telling what I see here in Europe and how most of the people think here. Islam is not a religion it is an ideology.

All of you who don't believe me (and I hope they confront the Islam in Lary King Live with this)

Read the Qu'ran these are some verses
Surah 4 verse 56
Surah 8 verse 60
Surah 47 verse 4 (very peaceful I think ;))
Surah 4 verse 89
Surah 8 verse 39

Islam isn't peaceful that's a point, it's only peaceful between muslims, but like said in the verses, strike the necks of the ones who don't believe in Al lah... Like it's said FIGHT the MUSHRIKUNS = Islam

The Qu'ran is a license to kill
I'm not saying all muslims are bad, but here in Europe I swear it 80% are bad with non-muslim, here they hate everything from USA, all the videos muslims post on Facebook, Dailymotion are hating USA and democracy. We better watch out before it's getting to late.

ISLAM the prophet Muhamed had a wedding with a 6 year old girl called Aisha, he used her at the age of 9... Come on is this what's religion is about? Even the prophet did wrong things, just face it.

The Imam's argument that if he were to back down, it's dangerous and a matter of national security especially by muslim radicals in the world. And this seems to be the only reason preventing him from backing out of this.

But do you think it's wise for our decisions to be governed by muslim radicals could do?

In my opinion, a radical is a radical. And regardless of the outcome radicals will use it to their purpose.

I don't think we are acting like true Chistians throwing stones at the muslims and their religion, only God can judge us,
Not everyone that believes in Islam is to blame for what those extremists did on Sept 11.
We have extremists in our Christian religion too, look at that guy who wants to burn the Korans, hes not talking for all of us, not all of us think the way he does, how would you feel if the world judge us for HIS actions and became against Christians in general.

I am interested in finding out if the imam would openly back and push for
a Christian church in Mjecca if a mosque is built in NYC
Willis

Hey Soledad If t

IF GROUND ZERO WAS SACRED GROUUND WHY ARE WE BUIOLDING A NEW OFFICE BUILDING COMPLEX! IS THIS HYPOOCRISY OR wHAT!!!!

Please, can you ask Iman if there is a Church or Sinagoue in Saudi Arabia?
Secondly, if there is a Church or Temple, how many, is it near Kaaba, in Mecca please?
How many Africans and Chineses are with Saudi Arabia National Passport (Identity) sir?

I am not bia, I am from a muslim background and my wife (Aminat) is also from a muslim family.

OK if we allow a mosque two blocks from ground zero will he fight for another faith to build a church, temple, synagogue or any other faith's gathering place two blocks from mecca?

first of all i have been very impressed with soledad"S interview. she has tried to confront Inman but he still dodges and excuses his position. it sounds like he is saying that maybe ground zero might have been a bad choice. however, now it is our responsibility to change our position because if they would change the location, the radicals could show more oppisition. it seems to me that when ever any type of structure to be built, it would be surveyed about the location especially around "ground zero"!!! how in the world has it has been turned around and the usa citizens who protest are the "bad guys"!!!

Imam is openly blatantly threatening America. This is an open blackmail, a threat issued against All American people. America should not yield to his blackmail. I oppose building a mosque anywhere near the ground zero.

Rajan
Fremont

I will put this in Gods hands where it belongs. I will love and forgive as my father Christ has asked us to. I trust in him and I love him. It is simple hate is not of God our Father.

like said double standard we the danes has been jugded of the cartoon drawing. for not being sencetive and abusing the freedom of speach. yet today germanys angelena merkel awarded kurt (the artist) with a plate for standing up for the democracy libirate stuff.. so all that talk being babysitter for the extremists and be carefull how to say things cuz we "might disturbed" the extremists is so wrong..!!

Although few are optimistic, there is a glimmer of hope to mend what occurred before, the day of, the night of, the day after, and ever since May 15,1948 which may somehow find a peaceful and long lasting compromise. Succinctly, I am referring to a step nearer in finalizing the formation of a Palestinian State that will recognize Zionist Israel's right to exist and will take decades of oversight by United Nations' Forces if the conclusion of hostilities is the presumed and permanent goal. It is obvious that freedom is never free and the costs to keep UN forces in the region, in much greater numbers than they are today, will have to be shared by those who conduct those efforts in the interest of peace...

Lastly...at last..We, the people of the United States of America, all have vested interests in the Middle East, whether it be their imported oil, our exports, our hundreds of thousands of U.S. Armed Forces men and women on duty, or the hundreds of thousands of ex-expatriated Americans working there, or those with family members domiciled in the Middle Eastern countries. So much hatred born of crass opinions, cultured by ignorance and biases, has to desist or our economy and this nation will slide further into the muddled sludge that was created by one administrations distinct acts...two unwarranted wars..Yes indeed, war brings out the worst in all of mankind and it seems to take decades to subdue antipathies. Like old soldiers, old attitudes never die, young ones often do...Peace to all..and so tired of raw war...and the many faces of hypocrisy are wrinkled and old and rampant...

Why don't this Imam suggest building a Church, a Temple , a Budhist temple, a synagogue anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Will they allow? Baber a barbaric moghal emperor built a mosque at the birth place of Hindu god Rama. Building a mosque is always a symbol of victory for the muslims who conquered any place of infidels like us. They want to build a symbol of victory now in ground zero. This should not be permitted

Rajan

I do not understand the hate toward Islam–this is a religion of peace as is Christianity. the news media has helped to fan this hatred. There are radical people in this world–Tim McVeigh, 19 terrorists on 911, the Columbine killers, etc. One cannot be judged only on his religious affiliation. Jesus said "judge not that you not be judged" and "love one another as i have loved you". We should all live by His example. I see no problem with a community center near ground zero–this would include areas for people of all faiths. sit down and talk with people of other faiths and you will find you are not really all that different. it is easier to get along than it is to fight/hate and create discord.

To doncolecartoons

Uhmmmm FYI Jesus is in the Quran!!! 😉 hahahha im no muslim but at least i know what im talking about..... Jesus is a prophet and one with lots of miracles in the quran.....

What is a "moderate Muslim"? Does a "moderate Muslim" honestly deny the teachings of the Quran, and look to Jesus, as this Imam seems to imply here? I don't believe him.

We need discussions, –that actually go into the holy books, the SOURCE of where followers of a religion learn and live. Doing so, would eliminate deceptive sweet talk.

Question go imam Rauf....
Didn't you think there would concern by many citizens over a 13-story building dedicated to Islam in the proximity of Ground Zero?
Shouldn't there first be discourse before a decision/ultimatum is conceived and fund-raising begun.
There will be classrooms built and a swimming pool...how do you prevent discourse from turning to the promotion of "home-grown" terrorism?
Do you think Osama Bin Laden would be for such a mosque/community center? If we knew where he was, I bet he would be celebrating in the streets. How can this not look like another victory for Bin Laden!?!
Perhaps the imam could raise money to capture Bin Laden and hold him responsible for his outright murder of so many beautiful innocent victims!
The horror of September 11, 2001 is in the history books to be read by our children and children's children.

I would like to know why it is so all important that a mosque be built at this peticular site. if indeed the truth is that they only want to have a center or mosque then why can't they just find another place to build it. and the bigger question to me is why wasn't this an issue before 9/11 happened. i don't think i ever heard anything about it till after the bombing. and now it is a big issue i don't get it.

The Imam's and muslim right to build a (not the) mosque must be balanced with the reponsibility for order.
In Roanoke VA there is a christian pastor who recently returned from Hungary. The trip was part of a ministry to bring ethical, yes christian, leadership to the business community. He learned from local a council person that a soon to be built mosque was the subject of a suggestion to halt construction and another site chosen. The muslim response was that there would "be blood in the streets" if the mosque were not to proceed. I would suggest the Imam knew the risk of muslim inflamation at the choice of the site, any negative opinion voiced and relocation suggested. The notion that he did not know the risk or teh outcome is an insult to intelligence.

Ground Zero cannot even be seen from the to-be mosque/community centre, and the mosque/community centre cannot be seen from Ground Zero!

Park 51's design includes a 500-seat auditorium, theatre, performing arts centre, fitness centre, swimming pool, basketball court, childcare area, bookstore, culinary school, art studio, food court and a SEPTEMBER 11TH MEMORIAL to show respect to those that passed in that tragic incident. Keep in mind, muslim-americans died on that day as well. Also, muslims are constantly attacked globally so if one thing is for sure, we feel your pain!

I believe that the founders of Park 51 are doing a great job by trying to reach out to Americans and show them that due to the digusting acts of a few people of the Islamic background, one shouldn't generalize and blame it on the whole Muslim population! The centre is open to ALL ethnic backgrounds. The youth in that area might even just stay out of trouble and become more connected by this community centre being built. It gives them something to do! I'm sure Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf's motive for this mosque was to show Americans how we are just regular people like you. You can socialize with us... we won't bite!

Half the people don't even KNOW what Park 51 is about, yet you're ready to hate because it has to be a "Muslim's" idea. This is complete racism and islamophobia! The founder's of Park 51 have tried to come to at least some types of agreements, by even changing it's name from Cordoba House to Park 51! Changing the location is not even in the question. The land is a ghosttown so why not use it? And once again CANNOT be seen from Ground Zero and vice versa, so why all the commotion? They're building a Centre which includes an area to show RESPECT to those that passed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. So why the commotion?

Educate yourselves before you place an opinion...

Is anyone else missing sou d on CNN throughout this interview?

@Melanie... I agree with you to a point. You grew up with freedom to choose... But people in islamic nations have no choice at all.... If most of the problems arise from religious conflicts then we have no choice but to not allow it in our house....Especially when every war we have fought recently is with islamic factions and not only us but other nations as well. All the bombings, suicide attacks etc even in their own nations.... WHY?

as a christian i was really not happy how the interview turned around...... its like Soledad is pushing her opinion and majority of anti islamic opinion in America.

PEACE......... its the holy grail of humanity............ we won't achieve it until all is willing to take its true meaning by heart.

"Religion is just a way to brand people...... at the end of the day... we are all human beings butchering ourselves in the name of God...... just like Lennon said..... IMAGINE THERE IS NO RELIGION"

Isn't it more insensitive for people to build towers directly upon were the attack happened? And business towers at that.

I was watching Larry king live tonite.. I notice no 1.. Where is mr Larry king tonite.. ?? No 2 why they dont let imam to finish his conversations.. Why is every 5 min tv add .. ? By the way it turned out imam and Muslim they are peace.. There is over 200 mosques in NYC . Wats wrong with build mosque which is 3 blocks awayyy from ground zero .

Found this on my facebook site this afternoon posted froma friend:

An Open Letter to the American Pastor who wants to burn the Koran
by William Harvey on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 8:16pm

E-mailed via the form on the website of the Dove World Outreach Center at 8:20 p.m. on September 5, 2010, from Kabul, Afghanistan

Dear Dr. Terry Jones, Pastor, Dove World Outreach Center:

On a warm late summer day at Gainesville Guitar Academy, a 15-minute drive from your church, children plunk out the sound of their favorite songs on guitars. Yesterday at the music school where I teach, I also listened to a student play guitar until his soft chords were drowned out by the shouts of demonstrators marching past. Our music school is in a majority Muslim country, and the marchers were protesting your announced intention to burn copies of the Koran on September 11. As a fellow American, one whose life is endangered by your actions, I implore you not to do this. As you provided ten reasons why you wish to burn the Koran, I will provide ten reasons why your protest is the wrong thing to do.

1. It disrespects the memory of those who died on 9/11.

The vicious thugs who attacked the Trade Center and the Pentagon almost nine years ago did so in order to widen the cultural divisions between Muslims and non-Muslims. Your planned protest would also accomplish this, allowing the message of violent extremists acting in the name of Islam to resonate more widely. The innocent victims of 9/11 deserve better than for you to use the anniversary of their death to commit an act of which their murderers would have approved.

2. It is not Christian.

You defend your decision with a passage from the Bible (Acts 19:18-20) that does not apply to this situation. The passage refers to "those who had practiced curious, magical arts" gathering to burn books in which they no longer believed. This is quite a different act from you choosing to burn a book in which you have never believed, and in which over one billion people still believe. Furthermore, when the passage says that the "Word of the Lord grew and spread and intensified, prevailing mightily," it is clear that this is due to the increased number of new believers, not to the act of burning books which was, in this case, an act chosen by those new believers to signify their faith.

I hope you will re-read the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the assertion that "every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment" (Matthew 5:22). Your protest and the words on your website reflect anger and provoke it.

3. It is un-American.

The First Amendment protects Americans from any effort by the government to abridge our freedom of speech; it does not exhort us to say whatever comes into our heads. If the government said that you had no right to express yourself, this would be un-American, but irresponsibly exercising that right stains our hard-earned heritage of liberty and our tradition of tolerance. Book-burning is an act more typically used by dictators as a form of suppression than by free socieities as a form of protest.

4. It contradicts your message.

I have taught music around the world because I believe that it can reach out across boundaries of culture and religion with a message of peace. From the name of your church, I would assume that you shared my interest in peace (the dove is a symbol of peace) and in outreach. Your actions foment hatred instead of peace and encouraging reaching inward towards our innate prejudices rather than outward towards the possibility of understanding.

5. It reflects an unwillingness to explore the wisdom in the Koran.

How much of the Koran have you actually read? It is possible to open it at random and quickly find a passage with which most people would agree. I did this and immediately found Sura 7:84: "Commit no disorder on the earth after it has been made so good." We should all be so virtuous as to live by such words. Given the disorder that may result from your actions, I regret that you have not yet realized that this is a book that contains much for non-Muslims to respect.

6. There are other books denying the divinity of Jesus

You state on your website that you are burning the Koran because it contradicts your belief that Jesus was the son of God, yet there are thousands of books which do this, such as those by renowned atheists like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. Thomas Jefferson willfully excised all references to the divinity of Jesus from his book, "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth." Would you burn the Declaration of Independence, the document without which it is doubtful our ancestors would have earned for you the right to launch this ill-advised protest?

7. There are more effective ways to express your views

If you disagree with any actions by individual Muslims, by all means say so! Engage with them, write to them, discuss with them, work with them, break bread with them, agree to disagree with them. I have done this with hundreds of Muslim people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Only good has come of it. The method of expressing disagreement that you have chosen is too hurtful to be effective.

8. Your views reflect limited contact with actual Muslims

Your website reveals an irrational fear and loathing of Muslims. How many devout Muslims have you met? How many have you read about who were not violent extremists? I have met hundreds of Muslims and performed violin for thousands more. They are great, good, and average; they are like humanity because they are of it. None of those Muslims warrant the fear that permeates your website. I urge you to read about the life and works of Abdul Sattar Edhi to learn what a true Muslim looks like.

9. Destroying a book is always a bad idea.

John Milton, who knew more about Christianity than either of us, wrote in the Areopagitica: "As good almost kill a Man as kill a good Book; who kills a Man kills a reasonable creature, God's Image; but he who destroys a good Book, kills reason itself, kills the Image of God, as it were in the eye." No matter what the book contains, no matter the quality, it has the right to be read.

10. You endanger American lives.

Your actions endanger my life. The vast majority of Muslims who learn about your planned protest will peaceably counter-protest, but there are likely to be some, operating under their own perverted interpretation of the religion, who will want to protest your actions by killing Americans wherever they may find them. Not just myself, but thousands of Americans in the military, in the foreign service, and doing humanitarian work in countries from Mauritania to Indonesia (where thousands of Muslims have marched in protest of your plan) are in danger.

I understand that you are disturbed by many of the actions that have been committed in the name of Islam. I understand that at this late date, you will not want to easily walk away from the attention of the international media at a time when they are happily relaying your message to the world.

Therefore, I do not suggest canceling your event, but rather, changing its form. By pure coincidence, September 11, 2010, falls during the celebrations to mark the end of the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan. Instead of burning Korans, I hope you will instead consider inviting Muslims to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with you, thus giving both of you an opportunity to freely and frankly share views over a delicious meal.

Tomorrow, in spite of the continued counter-protests planned for my city, I will teach music to Muslim children. You will continue preparing for the event you have announced for September 11. I only hope that you consider an alternate form for this is event, one that is in keeping with the implications of the name Dove World Outreach Center, with the message of Christianity, and with the tolerance, compassion, and empathy that have always characterized America at its best.

Sincerely yours,

William Harvey

Music Teacher in a Muslim Country

premise: I'm not a muslim, I'm a catholic christian by defualt since I was born in Italy...but mostly disillusioned about religious institutions (not necessarily religion)...and I LOVE THE USA DEEPLY and SINCERELY

I'd like to make two observations and raise a rhetorical question:

Observation 1: The Imam's main problems are that he's way too intelligent, his arguments way too reasonable and to the point, and his attitude way too honest...none of which bodes well for his cause, because none of those qualities are highly valued by the average person (despite what that person may claim)

Question: Would it be insensitive/provocative to build a Youth Center for white American kids next to Columbine High School, given that the killers were white American kids?! Like I said, the question is meant to be rhetorical..if you're actually thinking about it, you need professional help...

PEACE

re: solidad interview with the imam,

Including christian and jewish worship in the proposed mosque, strongly indicates radiclism doe not exist with the Imam.

The extreme right wing mentality in this country scares me far more than any mosque being built near ground zero. Two republicans with college educations told me two days ago, quote, 'you can hardly buy ammunition because there are people preparing to revolt against the government in washington. Now that's scarry! They never said who those 'people' were, but there was a clear indication that they were not democrats.

The interview with Rauf missed the main idea about Islam. Anyone who has visited an Islamic country has to understand the lack of freedom. A woman is a piece of property. Islam and democracy has very little in common. When Islam becomes a majority shariah law becomes necessary. A quote by Rauf:

"Throughout my discussions with contemporary Muslim theologians, it is clear an Islamic state can be established in more than just a single form or mold. It can be established through a kingdom or a democracy. The important issue is to establish the general fundamentals of Sharia that are required to govern. It is known that there are sets of standards that are accepted by [Muslim] scholars to organize the relationships between government and the governed. [emphasis added]

When questioned about this, Abdul Rauf continued: "Current governments are unjust and do not follow Islamic laws." He added:

New laws were permitted after the death of Muhammad, so long of course that these laws do not contradict the Quran or the Deeds of Muhammad ... so they create institutions that assure no conflicts with Sharia. [emphasis in translation]

In yet plainer English, forget the separation of church and state. Abdul Rauf's goal is the imposition of Shariah law — in every country, even democratic ones like the U.S....

Read it

whether we see or not see it ..... it is wrong for the center to be here. For the future and peace move it elsewhere....

He says he would't have put it there if he knew how people would react.He knows exactly what he's doing.

If Poor Americans Actualy have an enough is enough point, why haven't it exploded with the Banks that caused our Financial melt down; The Congress that removed or prohibited the requisite regulations that contributed to it? When America Stop regarding and reverencing the Constitution which is what we say is the foundation of our values means absolutely nothing. Radical thought processes whether minority o majority say that do it my way or no way and I am not open to anything else. Are we hearing ourselves and when ad where does it stop!

Is this what many wish to see as the First Amendment????????

Congress shall assert by law the establishment of a single religion, and prohibit the free exercise of all others, and curtail the freedom of speech, and that of the press, and the right of people to assemble, except the Omnipotent Conservative Christian extremists, and only they can petition the Government, of their making and dismantlement, for a redress of trivial grievances, and quell any and all in opposition to their destruction of this nation...under their Indolent and Obedient God..that reverently serves only them...caj.

Ask Imman what they would do in their country if we blew thier people up and then want to build a Christen Church on top of that.Those people know exactally what their doing and in this country. We are becoming to soft as a nation. Build it somewhere else and tell them to get over it!! I know Isreal wouldn't put up with them

Well It's more of a politics now..someone is really getting benefit out of it.. as IMAM said it was published in the news last year December and till May there was no reaction and all of sudden it become a hot issue...

what if a Muslim says he wants to burn the Bible... ask IMAM how does he feel when a stupid burns the Quran... does it make sense to you?

America – there is freedom of religion and freedom of speech to everyone.. Muslims here are American too who born and brought up here. This Masjid (mosque) is here for the last 25 years and now all of a sudden people are against it.

For those who doesn't understand Islam they need to study is first.

The Republicans played the "fear" factor about wmd's and the americans believed it. Now we have the media playing the "fear" factor about mulslims. Whats the difference? Why cant we all stive for peace???

strive*

No one is asking the crucial question. We've heard the threat that if the mosque is not built at that sacred spot that radical Muslims could threaten American security. I'd like to ask what happens if the mosque is indeed built at that location. Will radical Muslims just fade away? Or could they use this as an opportunity to flaunt their success and portray us as weak and unable to stop further aggression? Radicals will find a way to use either solution to promote their interests. So if it's going to be a field day for radicals either way, then the answer is for us and for the builders to be sensitive to the hurt associated with the site and let the mosque be built somewhere else.

i am an arabic non islamic woman , i was living in the middle east when 9/11 happened .. people their were celebrating the killing of almost 3000 american .. that was a vicotory to islamic world ..what happened in 9/11 is what Islam as a religion tells them to do it is written in their book .. could anyone please read the Quran or any of its translation ,if any available ... when the planes hit the WTC the hijakers shouted "ALLAH AKBAR " meaning : Gods almighty thats the same word they say when they pray 5 times a day to their God.. they are not extremers they are RELIGIOUS ,they were determined to do exactly what they were taught from their book , they just knew what their book is asking them to do and were doing it exactly and percisly ..they wanted to go to "heaven" that God promised them if they killed NON-ISLAMIC people .. there is nothing called radical old islam and modern islam .. its is what it is ..
they want to build the mosque in memory of the 4 ISLAMIC hijaker that were killed in the attacks ..

MR.Imam : instead of saying verses from the bible about forgiveness i would realy appreciate if u mention some from your book after all you are the one who are being attacked not christians

How soon Americans forget...The Taliban, the terrorrist, and the evil ones that attacked and murdered our fellow americans on September 11th 2001, ALL are of the muslim faith. I can't believe americams are now siding with the very religion that murdered our people. Don't you realize that the muslem's plans are to bury the united states?! Wake up america....No mosque near ground zero, that's a burial ground for our fellow americans who were murdered by an evil religion who plans to bury the USA. No mosque at ground zero and no mosque anywhere in the united states!! Make a stand america!! Remember our brothers and sisters murdered during September 11, 2001.

the only correct answer to Larry's poll (not available) should be: I couldn't care less...live and let be is my religion...

off on a tangent now: where is Rand Paul on this?! I can't believe no democratic-leaning journalist asked him....chances are he'd have to piss off his Tea-bagger base by speaking what has to be the only way he could come at this (the quote is hypothetical, of course): "they have the right to build it and nobody has the right to stop them, least of all anybody even remotely related to the government"...

Congratulations on subtly but effectively insulting Iman tonight on Larry KIng LIve !! Thank you for having a woman anchor and journalist cross examine him . Soledad O'Brien was great ! IN YOUR FACE to Islam and to this Imam. I'm sure that he did not like that at all !!! And thank you Soledad for not wearing a veil over your head and lovely hair for him. I think we should always put one of our women in his face ! Let him be the " sacred cow !!!"

The name CORDOBA is an abomination relating to the destruction of
Christianity in Constantinople. Tonight you speak out of both sides of your mouth when you say "backing out of" the offensive location of yourN.Y. Mosque, that we need to be careful of insulting the Muslim world."If we don't do this right, anger will explode in the Muslim world'. "We have a much bigger footprint". It reminds me of "Hitler's Boot". Perhaps you should refer to world history and realize that a foot print and bootprint are only an imprint. The term "Boots On The Ground" is more"impressive". Sneak attacks and self-immolation show cowardice and lack of confidence in your beliefs, not inspiration. We are a country of inspiration and freedom. You are not an American. GO BACK-GO AWAY.

I just had an epiphany! We Americans have gone to the four corners of the globe, fought everywhere on thier land and have always brought along a chaplain and set up an area to pray....
They want a mousque. what's the problem with the double standards?

HI Soledad,
I'm afraid all your efforts to corner the Imam wouldn't deter us Americans & majority of Christians from standing up to forces of intolerance, hatred, bigotry & intolerance in this country.
By the way Cordoba or Al-Andalusia stands for the most glorious period in the history of Spain under Muslim rule, read Washington Irving, no matter how some western authors distort the truth.

Thank God, Yahweh, Allah, Bhagwan or by whatever name you call Him that American & Christian spirit is still alive & well in this country.
He seems to me a decent sort & I learned that he worked closely with the Bush administration on inter faith relations.
I wonder why wasn't a Muslim family who lost their loved one ( and there were many) included by Anderson Cooper in his discussions. Why just Gergen or those two opponents of the Community Center?
We undoubtedly have a significant presence in the Middle East, a region vital for our geo-political & economic interests. And we have to win over the general Muslim population in that region to achieve our goals including & relating to Iraq, Afghanistan wars.
This anti-Islam propaganda & sentiment is not helping.

Reminded me of the western movies and this is the Scenario: they are in court of law back in eighteen century in one of those western movies! This prosecutor is troubled by the wealthy guy(S) (or she is chasing a popularity contest).
She kept the course of interview toward majority by questioning on behalf seventy percent without proper consideration. He is at fault whether or not we prove it or not because we are seventy and he is after all a Muslim.

I grieve for those lost on 9/11, I grieve for their survivours. I'm offended that one would entertain a mosque built on such ground. Surely one lacks sensitivity.or exudes arrogance but without a doubt believes anything goes in America. Stand down Muslims! While we too are a loving Nation we share monuments of history making. This will go down in history for what America stood for. A nation that would accept , love ,unify and risk their lives without reward or glory but for humanity/ This ground should symbolize that and be that. There is no room for anything else but historic American people examplifying their love, courage,and strength on that day. This truly is a monumental ground Not up for discussion!\
Your intentions were certainly honorable,.Should they have been misunderstood by a simple Canadian, I appologize. But give your head a shake, if you really think a Mosque would be an answere for a country founded by Christianity on ground devastated by Muslims terrorists . Why don't the Muslim community errect something that would unify in love all of humanity a childrens playground for example Children innocent children , will all play together. It's in their nature.

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO( WAS) OF THE ISLAMIC FAITH? FOR 40 YEARS. HE LEFT THE ISLAMIC FAITH 5 YEARS AGO . HE ATTENDED THIS MOSQUE WHERE THE IMAM SPOKE? HE WAS TELLING ME THAT THE IMAM HAS US DOING JUST WHAT HE WANTS US TO DO? HE HAS US DEVIDED. THAY THRIVE ON DEVISION. THE MORE THE AMERICAN PUBLIC IS DEVIDED THE EASYER IT IS FOR THEM TO DO WHAT THAY WANT TO DO. ( IF YOU PUT UP A DEVERSION PEOPLE WONT SEE WHAT IS COMEING UP BEHIND THEM?

Being a Canadian, living with a multi-cultural society, I believe we do not fear what American's fear. Why are American's so fearful of anyone that is not of the caucasion decent?

My country and your country are made of immigrants that go back long before most of us were born.

Unfortunately a select group of people were responsible for 911, but please don't group the Muslim American's in that pile of rubbish and do treat them with the same rights you have. Being American.

We surely do in Canada. Shame on you America!

I am a very conservative who watched this interview. I have to admit that I understand it and he is denoucing radical islam. I think this is important and that it makes sense that we need to be sure to not give the radical islam more fuel. Let's make sure that ensures that radical islamics don't feel at home here then let's support it..

Why doesn't the Imam condemn the 9/11 attacks?
Why don't Muslims in general speak out against Islamic violence?

How dare this imam come on the national television and threaten america in this manner ?

I think this is the time, americans have to stand united and let the world know that we will not be dominated by such threats and muslim fundamentalist.

If people from all over the world want to stay america, there is one law, the american law.

The muslim world cannot dictate us.

We are not scared of the muslim world.

His words and his eyes do not speak the same thing.

He is hiding behind the american constitution and conveying the message of muslim fundamentalists.

Iman Feisal seems to be "blaming the victim" for 911, and I hear a veiled threat that if the muslims have to back out of the project then "look out, see what happened about the cartoon – embassy's attacked, etc" he doesn't want peace, he wants to bully Americans with the stick of tolerance. Read this man's face and trust your gut; it's too controlled, don't you think? Too practiced, not sincere.

Sadly, as I watch Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf "speak out", all i'm hearing is fluff - he claims he is "very sensitive" to the families who are pleading against the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero, and yet he will not back down from the plan. He then goes on to say that backing out will be giving in to the "American radicals" - WHAT RADICALS?!?! The people who are protesting are the mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, children and friends, who have lost loved ones in the 9/11 tragedy. A religious leader should be teaching tolerance and respect for others, and yet he's shown none of that.

If his concern is that backing out will also instigate more anger in the Muslim world, isn't that saying something about the religion? No one is asking to forgo the Islamic centre plans, only to have it relocated to an area that is not so insensitive to the families and friends who have lost everything.

Please also remember Muslims also died during 911.

First of all There are NOT any PERFECT Christians or any PERFECT People of any RELIGION for that matter. I feel I did not do anything to cause the terrorists to bring down the towers. I did NOTHING to Bin Laden. He does not talk about the bad things The Terrorists did to us, he just wants us to build a MONUMENT to the Terrorist,,so Osama Bin Laden followers will see what they did as a VICTORY

Why doesn't he try to build a bridges with his people,, I'm an American NOT an EXTREMIST

Thank You

Ruth S Stone

If Imam would like to make peace then build mosque in Islam. If he is so confident that they are about peace then give the USA a gift in their own country... in the Muslim world and make their own ground zero.

I watched Imam's interview and concluded, that he is threatening usa with another attack by extremists. Does it mean, that from now on we need to please all islamic extremists? It looks like it is very important to them to built at this location as celebration of their "victory" on 9/11. If this would not be the matter, they would not threaten us with another attack.

It just dawned to me. Something that is typical of organizations that try to slip things through the public before the public even notices its impact. I hope this is not the case here. Here it goes:
The Imam, on LKL, expressed himself as not the one in control of the project (being an owner is just a smoke screen), but just a public figure and that the real people in control of this whole project are not him. This is so typical of secrecy tactics by all organizations that know they are doing something questionable. To me without showing true signs of peaceful intent from all those behind this project that are clear to those who live in the area, I am sorry to say the Imam is the wrong person to speak with to make any changes to the plans for this property. While all the hooplah goes on with the Imam, the group in control is probably sitting tight until the public outcry intensity dies down, then look to proceed with the plans of this project and then the whole project will be complete. My suggestion follow the paperwork behind the project. Hopefully it shows signs of true transparency and also peaceful acts by trustworthy people. As the Imam may be very trustworthy, but he is not the important man in this conversation.

I am a fire fighter and i am disapointed at how my country has treated this issue and all polititions have spit on the the constitution. and as for solodade it seems that you are letting your personal feelings influance the way that you are controlling this interview and im disapointed in you. all religons have extremism on some level from the rape of childern to white suits with pointed hats no one is perfect.

Johnathon FFR

For Mr.Imam Feisal I want you to answer the American and the christian people how many time you ask for there wrights !?
1- when in Egypt kill christian in the church I did not hear you asking for piece or condemn the Muslims in Egypt or at lees the one how did it .
2-tell the american peopel how ezzey to build chursh in the muslim countryse./
3- why all Muslims country calling them self Muslim country Is that mean no wright for christian.?
4-why in your country christian cannot build church any where the want and you com to very sensitive location in ground zero and what is realty your target.?
5- what you did whene muslim killd christins in eraq and qwait and sauodia, no see you on TV. ans ask for the wrighit of thoes christian or you bleeve wrghits only for muslim ,
6 I think you have to bleave wright and theach peopel how to gave wrghit and how to eirn it first you teach you peopl if you real
7-if you bleave the muslim have wghit in the USA, then oky to burn the quraan in floreda ,( how meny bibl the muslum burn not even one muslimsade anethig on TV that inoff fom me in this time but I really whant those ansers please.
thank you

What a wonderful man . American better wake up and not play in to the right wing fear ..This has been totally political at the stake of others..

Islam did not bring down the twin towers or kill the people there terrorist criminals did don't for get it!!!

People who claim they want peace don't go to court to win a painful and unpopular decision. All his references to christianity and being a good christian sicken me. He is obviously not aware that our Bible says that if our right eye offends someone, we should pluck it out. If he cares so much about peace, he should pluck out this very offensive plan to build at ground zero. do muslims care about offending people? Is that in the quran?

I also agree with "Rajan" what he wrote earlier in the comments.

September 8th, 2010 10:12 pm ET
Why don't this Imam suggest building a Church, a Temple , a Budhist temple, a synagogue anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Will they allow? Baber a barbaric moghal emperor built a mosque at the birth place of Hindu god Rama. Building a mosque is always a symbol of victory for the muslims who conquered any place of infidels like us. They want to build a symbol of victory now in ground zero. This should not be permitted

Rajan

I very much share Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf's outspoken yet balanced comments on how and why the USA is an "accessory to crime" and why the building of the Islamic community center near Ground Zero will truly be a secular memorial and how it would contribute to lessening communal tension in the US and the rest of the world.

You have tunnel vision bruce:(

Solidad O'brien has shown herself as a replacement for Larry, if she can continue to be such a great reporter!

She can be a new Tim Russert!

Tim was the only reporter that I saw as a reporter.

fkb

As we know the law in saudi arabia is not alow to build a church in maka city.So as the IMAM wants to build a bridge between us ,why dont we (cristians) build a church in MAKA CITY . Are they willing to agree with that??????????????????????????

I watched the entire hour with Soledad and the Imam. My opinion has not changed, I am completely opposed to this Mosque being built anywhere near Ground Zero. The Imam stated that if we don't build it, we would upset the radical Muslims and our national security would be at risk. ALL THE MORE REASON NOT TO BUILD IT. Who is he working for? Who cares what these radical Muslims want. This confirms that they will see this as a VICTORY. These radicals want the Mosque at Ground Zero. This Imam needs to back down, his interview is going to make matters worse. I don't think this is going to go away after the elections – this is pulling at the heart strings of America.

I am a arab and muslim and I truly think that the imam feisal is wrong . Because i dont know anyone whos died in the 9/11 attack . But i sympathize with the family but i want to tell this imam for america and for muslims dont build it here build it anywhere else you want not on ground zero if your really for peace you would do this. your putting americans and muslims at risk .this mosque is not going to bring peace why dont you build instead something for everyone how about make it a memorial museum for all the people who died where people can come see pictures and all this would bring people together dont bring back that pain with a mosque..........thats my opinion thanks.

Excellent interview Soledad! I would love to see more of that. Nevertheless, I have the impression you decidedly put the imam against a moving train. While I don't support Islam, I think the interview could have been more objective than it was.
It should be noted that not speaking out against something does not necessarily mean one is for it.
I will have to delete neutrality from my dictionary then!

to this joey1230

you need to learn english before writing in english in order to avoid spelling mistakes, so as to read a lot more about certain incidents (egypt church) and pursued the media before to come out with such idiotic comments reflecting your illiteracy

I agree with Imam feisal

Solidad needs to learn from Larry and not get emotionally involved in the discussion or inteview topic at hand. It is why we all love Larry as he is objective at all times and just asks the questions in a right and just way. This issue is sensitive to all groups and should be looked at objectively.

I am not American and not Muslim and until the Larry King Interview I was happy to jump on the band wagon of condemning the Muslim community for the proposed building of the mosque in close proximity to ground zero. However, the interviewer, standing in for Larry and conducting this interview, did more damage than good to this cause. (Apologies – don't remember her name). I expect interviewers to be objective, impartial and to have interviewing skills. She continuously interrupted her guest; did not allow him to finish his response to her question; would pose a question to him and then interrupt with another as he attempted to answer the question; she made obviously biased comments every single time she went to a break – conveniently allowing her opinion to "hang in the air" during the ad break without him having the opportunity to respond to her biased comments; she kept trying to lead her guest to support her position by posing leading, close-ended questions to him. I just feel that an interviewer intent on expressing her own views during an interview reduces her credibility and compromises the topic of the interview – irrespective of that topic! On a matter of such importance, I just wish it had been handled by a more experienced interviewer. I'm now conflicted about my stand on this issue based on the interviewers constant badgering of her guest and extremely partial handling of the topic – I'm sure I'm not alone!?

IT is a very dangerous situation for US, if it is let built a Mosque. Islam is a vey dangerous Religion in the first place. If we look at it now in any part of the World, there is still a conflict zone cause of Islam. Islam is also not a tolorate religion, cusae, if we go to the Isalm countries as a Christian, we don't have any respect & don't like it to hear.
America is a modern & a Chrstian State, sharia don't work. It is a free & Democratic State, sharia is a Salvery!!
Do we like this? No, hell!!
Imagine the Number of Muslims is growing day by day & if we face all this Problems & be a Muslim & live like Sharia laws, we lost, this mankind also, and i don't like all this things to happen to me and to my coming generations.

Stop, Muslims & Sharia Laws

Sharia Law is a "SLAVERY"

Instead of building a muslim community centre at that location , why not build a U R B ...united religious building .
New York would not only host the United Nations ; but now the United Religions ...where all relgions could be represented and hopefully create bridges to link them together
Fewer people would be upset if ALL religions were allowed to pray and interact in this building ... the U.R.B. .

The whole city block where the mosque is proposed should be purchased and re-developed into a religious destination consisting of many places of worship and educational opportunities, but, with emphasis on religious tolerance and common beliefs.

Politically, this "works" as a lasting legacy to 9-11 and its victims. And, the presence of many religions helps quite the extremists on both sides from using the issue to their advantage.

Larry and Trump can do a segment on how to do it. Get the Mayor and Imam on the telephone for reaction..

John – Purcellville, VA WHS

It's really sad to see that we, as Americans who speak of freedom and democracy, would deny someone's right to religion because of some fanatics. I'm not Muslim, but I believe that, if they have gone through the proper channels to build, as anyone else would, AND were approved, they should have the right to build their mosque. All Christians are not perceived to be like their violent, fanatic predecessors who proclaimed they were doing God's work, e.g., Adolf Hitler. It's been nine years since this catastrophe. It's time to heal and move forward.

Rafi,
Saudi Arabia does not have a church or synagogue where the civilian population lives, but there are churches, synagogues,etc. in our US military base and on the huge civilian compounds created in that country.
Now, lets address the rest of the Moslem world. Every country from Indonesia, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Kuwait and on and on have churches. Do you know that Egypt is the home to the oldest Christian religion? Do you realize that a large percentage of Palestinians are Christians? It's Mecca not Maka city. You need to maka point after you learn a few of the facts.
If we refuse to allow a Mosque two blocks from ground zero than we should create a memorial to 10% of the Moslems who were victims of 911 and to our Moslem brothers and sisters in arms who are in the US military and have lost their lives or limbs.

Is World Being Held Hostage by Islam

Lastest…an imam threatens there will be consequences if the mosque is not built at the site near theTrade Center.

Don’t write that play, publish that cartoon, ask a question on Mohammad’s image or you will suffer the consequences.

Sure there are radicals but the question is how many, how pervasive?
Even the slightest, sometime seemingly innocent expressions of free speech meet with violent, extreme reaction all over the Islamic world. Is this retaliation balanced, is it peace-loving? Why is death and violence their only answer?

Leaders , political, religious and military, all over the world are fearful of disturbing this “nest”.

Isn’t time to ask why?

When is the Imam going to stop encouraging the radicals and start practicing what he claims he preaches. They burn our flag, burn the bible, kill doctors and medical staff, oh that was because they are christian, then on top of that we are refused to have churches in the middle east cause its christian. Now if someone burns a quaran they want to fight????? My question is this when are the americans suppose to stop taking it on the chin???? This isn't about christian/islam/religion any more, its about being an American. Its about as they say in the bible, DO UNTO THEM AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU. I believe that is in the Quaran too. The trouble with this Imam is he isn't going to answer this one cause then he puts his kneck in an islamic noose. By the way, where I'm at, if I go to the Mosque, Iget arrested and thrown in jail, lose my job and probably never see my family again. This Imam cares nothing about Americans unless it has Muslim american attached to it. Don't get me wrong I have people who are Muslim I would die for. They are my brothers and sisters and I would defend them that far and they think this guy is out in left field. Wake up America!!! Oh by the way the minister in Florida is why I don't got to church anymore. So sad seeing how my brother is a minister and I won't go to his church either.

In spite of repetitious goading by Soledad O'Brien, Imam Feisal Rauf made perfect sense. His plan to build a Muslim community center in Lower Manhattan was public knowledge last year, and it was approved overwhelmingly by the local community in a vote of 29-1. When the radicals politicized the matter, then and only then did it become controversial. Imam Feisal Rauf is dead right: if moderates cave in to the radicals - we will have radicalized the relations between America and the Muslim world of circa 55 nations with significant Islamic populations. Not only would that endanger American troops serving in the Middle East, it would empower radical political movements to win majorities in a host of Muslim countries. President Obama is right: This is America, and religious freedom comes before the freedom of speech in the First Amendment. We must not permit radicals to rewrite the constitution, nor to abuse the American tradition of religious freedom by forcing Muslims into a "Separate but Equal" category of segregation.

The Imam should explain why the extremist muslims always have to retaliate? We as Amercan watch in TV how they kill our soldiers, how they burn or flags, how they hate America, but yet we can never criticize the muslims and we definitely do not go out in the streets and burn their flags. When westerners go to a muslim country they need to abide by their rules, their clothing, etc., or be jailed or killed, but yet we in America always have to be politically correct and change our rules for them. It is about time that this hypocrisy stops, you are in America abide by the US rules, if not go back to your country!

The USA has not grown mentally since 1960. This interview was like asking Martin Luther King to cancel his March on Washington since a superficial poll of people voiced opposition to it. The questions and logic behind asking the Islamic Center to go to another cite to build is the same mentality that feared "blacks" in their neighborhoods. The death that will be caused by the backlash of hatred behind this issue will mark yet another point in our US history to be ashamed of recording. We have not grown at all in our attempts to make this country a model for others to follow. Shame on the minds that continue to make fools of the United States to the rest of the world.

When President Bush said we were embarking on a 'crusade against terrorism, a long term war,' some in the Islamic world were revolted about the use of the term "crusade." (Many were probably the same that were dancing in the streets following the 911 attacks). In consideration to the concerns of some in the Moslem world, the term crusade was never uttered again.
Imam Rauf should show the same consideration for the concerns of some Americans. Make proper utterances of consideration for the feelings of some Americans and the desire to promote harmony rather than create antagonism, and move the Mosque to a mutually acceptable location.

I heard the Imam's interview with great interest as I had heard on media that he is a Sufi, very liberal and moderate muslim. But I was disappointed by his views as he continued to speak the same rheotoric that he wants to build bridges, wants piece and love, yet insists on building the islamic center at the same place where most Americans dont want, it is hurting their sentiments and I am sure it
rubs salt on the wounds of 9/11 victims families.

Almost all mosques I have seen are single story buildings. Why this has to be a 13 story building? Is it meant to make a statement that followers of Islam can demolish tall and famous buildings of America and build their own tall buildings right there?

By talking of threats to home land security does he mean that Americans should not do anything which radical islamists in other countries do not like?

IT IS TIME THAT WE SHOULD HAVE STRONG LAWS TO PREVENT ACTS WHICH CREATES ILL WILL AND DISCORD AMONG DIFFERENT FAITHS. THE LAW SHOULD PREVENT MISUSE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LAWS TO CREATE DISCORD.

I believe this is really about poor timing.

Ground zero has no resolution, the hole still exists and nothing really is built to replace the towers- The 10 year anniversary hasn't happened yet and soldiers are still dying in the middle east-The USA is still at war with the perpetratrors of those attacks. Innocent iraqis and people of Afghanistan are still dying too!

10 years is a significant milestone in terms of New York's recovery from the attacks of 9-11. The US is still at war and the economy is in the tank. As much as an interfaith centre a couple blocks away is a good idea-the original idea of a mosque funded by wealthy muslim backers is insulting to those who suffered during 911. New Yorkers. It's timing and determination is disrespectful to all lives lost. Not the mosque itself.

As for the idiot who wants to burn qurans-He should be arrested for promoting hatred. The Nazi's started their hate campaign this way. He cannot sugar coat it-that Minister is evil, he is promoting hatred against other identified group of Americans-The Muslim community.

Here begins the start of religious intolerance for all-that Florida Minister is not acting from Jesus or God-He is acting from his own hatred and ignorance. Lock him up!

And to the fellow Canadian above who is smug in her safety-This is not about hating or not accepting muslims or not allowing the Imam his human rights to speak freely his religion or build a building. This is about doing the right thing for his community. In my opinion, he is not doing the right thing by building the mosque at this point in history.

As a Canadian, I can not know what American's living in New York feel, or should feel-My city in Canada was not bombed or terrorized-we have been blessed to sleep without fear at night.

Solidad's performance last night was disgraceful and jarring. She refused to let him finish his well thought out and intelligent answers and kept badgering with the '71% of americans' or how she lives near ground zero. She was fishing for a 'gotcha' moment and she didn't get it. This was the kind of thing I would expect out of Fox News not CNN. It was obvous what her position on this debate was and I applaud the Imam's patience in getting through that interview.

When will people understand that nearly 100% of terrorist activities are incited and sanctioned by ISLAMIC CLERICS, and IMAMS.

When will the Christian world understand that it is in the best interest of every Islamic Muslim to see the entire world convert to "ISLAM"

The most upsetting comment made in last night's interview with the Imam was that he will not reverse his decision on building the mosque at ground zero because to cave in to the demands of more than 71% of people that oppose it's being built would show a sign of weakness on the part of the Muslim people in America and would further infruriate Muslims throughout the world.

Is that not enough proof that no matter what or how people are reacting negatively to it's being built the mosque will be built in spite of the anger against it.

It's like saying, " I AM THE IMAM OF THE NEW MOSQUE AND I REALY DONT GIVE A DAMN WHAT THE CHRISTIAN SECTOR THINKS ABOUT IT OR NOT>

A SLAP IN THE FACE, AND AN INSULT TO EVERY GRIEVING PERSON THAT LOST A LOVED ONE ON 9/11

Do not be fooled by the rehtoric of this terrible liar, he knows full well that what he is doing is nothing more than appeasing the desires of the ISLAMIC HATRED against christian people.

IN A SHORT SENTENCE, HE JUST DOES'NT GIVE A SSSSSSS. WHAT ANYBODY ELESE THINKS.

Time and again.... just because Soledad called out that 70% of americans are against building the mosque over there does not mean it is the righ thing to do. Remember the comment from Supreme court that just because a majority thinks one way does not mean you can trample on others (minority's) rights.

Sane, peace loving, rational people have, and always will, occassionally make few irrational judgements during their lifetime: their opposition to mosque is an example as they have either not gathered enough info on the Imam and the true purpose of this mosque. Or the current stress of economy, war and other things is telling the current mood in our country. Either ways, it is ridiculous.

You cannot have it both ways where you say that radical islam is the cause of terrorism and not moderate islam, but at the same time oppose the mosque when moderate and doing something to bridge.

CNN needs to stop looking at "sensationlizing" things and bring a more holistic assessment to this situation. Please dont just go with the flow.

Was it just me or did Soledad seem entirely biased (against the Islamic Center) and appear to be almost seething at the Imam. It's really tragic that this has even become an issue since the Center was proposed ~1 year ago and has just been ginned up in the past few weeks as another Republican dirty-trick, divide & conquer election year tactic to take our eye off the ball as to what blatant liars, traitors and naives they are. If we believe in our Constitution and Bill of Rights we HAVE to support the Ground Zero Mosque (which isn't a mosque and isn't at Ground Zero).

When soledad, press the imam on Hamas as a terrorist organization.

The Imam responded by condemning all attacks of terrorism he did not condemn the acts of Hamas.

Read between the lines soledad, he took you for a ride.
This man is not to be trusted!

Soledad, you’re asking American questions to a Muslim that is going to respond in the language of Islam.

I do not understand why everybody is so offended by radicals when we are killing each other in the streets at staggering rates. Why is it that when someone else does it it is so much worse. This is not a religious problem but a problem of humanity thinking it can resolve a problem through violence, we try and bring about peace through war, when the sentence in itslef does not even make sense. Our children are killing each other in the streets and handeling their problems the same way that their peers are, and this has nothing to do with religion. Wake up, when people want to talk about peace, start listening instead of criticizing and maybe we can awaken some hope instead of keeping the same conversation going, a conversation that has been going on for thousands of years................it is not working. Tolerance and understanding has to start somewhere with whom ever has the courage to do so. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf has displayed the courage by coming on the show and serving his community for twenty years, as an member of no organised religion, I welcome the challenge to all of you. What have you done to bring about tolerance and peace lately or are you choosing to contribute to the problem with the critisism of others?

If Florida pastor is a true believer of Christ and feel he is a Christian and is doing God's will by burning the Koran then he is NO Christian and a disgrace to Christianity as those 19 Muslims terrorists were to Islam. Shame on all those politicians who are using this issue to win election in November. The Imam is right we need a dialogue. Was the Spanish Inquisition Christian like? Would Christ and endorsed the crusade ? Would Christ and endorsed all the sins committed in the Church? Why can a interfaith community center such a threat to New York and not strip clubs not? Shame on all those who claim they conducted a pole. How come no one bothered to ask me. I witnessed the the twin tower being built and a part of me died when the towers went down. That pain will always remain with I can cry no more.We should allow the center to be built to show the world we promote tolerance. This dialogue is healthy to build better relationship. The days of bigotry and crusade is over.

rafi yamingian: Vatican city will not let a mosque, a temple be built for the same reason Saudi Arabia won't let churches and temples be built.

The invasion of Iraq resulted in the deaths of nearly 100,000 Iraqis. And the US has built an Embassy, the size of the Vatican, in the heart of Baghdad. Isn't that more of a symbol of domination ? Rather than an Islamic cultural center in Manhattan ? Anyone asked the millions of Iraqi refugees what they thought about the US Embassy in Baghdad ?

Recent Events:
How about the atrocities in Congo committed by the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) who wants to establish the Ten Commandments there ? Are they Christian terrorists ?
Armed groups raped more than 150 women in a village in the volatile North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a four-day spree. Did Muslims do that ? No...
How about Maoists bombings in India during the most recent elections ? The huge number of civilian deaths and refugees due to fighting between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan Government.
How about Maoists killings of around 70 policemen in India a few months ago ?
How about the recent brutal massacre in Philippines of the women lawyers and political figures ? Were those Hindu or Christian or Buddhists terrorists who committed them ?

@ rafi yamingian.

would Vatican ever allow a mosque to be built there?

There is now a dialogue on between the Pope & Saudi King to open the first catholic church in S.Arabia.

How about this folks. There are Christian churches in Hiroshima & Nagasaki , the cities which were nuked by us. And hundreds of thousands of civilians died.

There is a Shinto Shrine in Pear Harbor which was destroyed by the Japanese and almost 2500 Americans were killed.
What about the issue of sensitivities of victims families here???

Soledad O'Brien was terrible last night. It was truly embarrassing and cringe worthy. I went into the program somewhat against the idea of the mosque location, but really that was only because of my limited knowledge. I haven't paid attention to the controversy other than occasional snippets. Anyway, I found Imam to be a wonderful spokesperson and what he said made a lot of sense to me. It's interesting that no one made a peep about this when it originally ran in the NYT, and I think it sends a terrible message for them to move the mosque at this point–as though they've been run out. How ridiculous when Soledad was talking about the sacred ground their building on...next to strip clubs and delis. I wish Larry King was there for this interview, it would have been so much better.

we are all human beings and we all have the right to practice whatever religion we choose. I am muslim grew up in the UK was forced to sing hyms even though i was muslim. Because i was a true believer of islam i only mimed the hyms didnt feel them in my heart. This to me isnt religious freedom. I lived in an arab country and alhmamdu lillah practised islam well. Then I moved to the US. I found people there very friendly and accepting of other cultures and religions. I even found some people who were interested in learning more about islam. I dont think this pastor in florida represents christians nor do those suicide bombers represent islam. Islam means submission. A peaceful religion. Those who practise it well. I have great respect for people of the three great faiths islam, christianity and judism. At the end of the day we are all humans made of flesh and blood with the same life events birth,marriage, and death. Lets celebrate life on earth.

A Letter I wrote to President Obama...A Step Forward Together...The First Family Of Faith:

Dear President Obama:
Why not build a circle of Faith around ground zero, lietrally circling the entire area, The First Family of Faith.....that would include all religions that worship in America, separate, but equal... buildings a fence of Faith, working in alignment, to set an example for Peace on Earth, ex:...churches temples, and mosques, in entirety, circling around ground zero to announce to the world that in this country we the people come together as one in Faith to live, prosper,and worship together in peace calling on our higher power. After 9/11 I was inspired to write the below:
.YOU ARE MYSELF...One Child's Cry
EVERYONE Inspired by scripture (St. John 19:11) re: 911
The principalities of evil mothers many siblings. Hatred, fear, racism, terrorism, revenge and murder. They are principles of destruction, division, turmoil and confusion.
Let not hopelessness be the beacon of truth to call forth further destruction. Life is inevitable, when the fruits of love, forgiveness and mercy sprouts in the hearts of man-kind.
Be not the mirrored reflection of dismay that shadows our lives on a daily basis. Even the pettiest of cruelties can give birth to a horizon of insanity that harbors persecution and causes one to be distraught.
The beat of a distant drummer is just a heart beat away. The very core of Life that dwells in each of us is the eternal spirit of God Almighty.
A God who so loved the world, he gave his only Holy Son as sacrifice to burden our sins, so that we "all" may live.
This tragedy that the world must endure is yet "another" tremendous sacrifice. We must adhere to God's Will and embrace it so that all must live and let live.
Love God, love yourself, and love your brothers and sisters of this world. Rejoice in the precious gift of Life and celebrate our differences, cultivate our freedom of being one, under God, and we will surely prosper.
I cry out to each and every one of you in Love, Peace, and Harmony. With ALL MY HEART.
"Nothing more needs to be said."

I hope Imam Rauf will consider either giving or selling the Park51 property to a national or local interfaith organization which could then build a multifaith center on that property that would honor and respect all the world's faith traditions, including Islam.

I don't think that the Islamic center should move from ground zero.Are muslims really accepted as Americans or not?I think Islamophobia is all too alive in this country.If we really call this country home,muslims should be free to do like all americans and not have to be told where to sit or not.Simply put, asking the Islamic center to move from ground zero is like asking Rosa Parks to go sit in the back of the bus.

Will we so willingly set aside the Constitution each time it is not convenient? If this were a Christian church, would we ask them to move? Forcing this mosque to move, either by legal pressure or public opinion, sends a clear signal that we only condone religious freedom if it agrees with our beliefs. This is no freedom at all, it is a thinly veiled attempt to legitimize a 'state church'. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is obviously a man of peace and reason. Many professing Christians could learn much from his gentle, spiritual approach to faith and worship. This center is nothing more than an attempt to bridge the gap between believers of different faiths. The United States is not under attack from the Muslim faith. We have been attacked by terrorists that happen to be Muslim, but we have also been attacked by terrorists who were Christians. Should we also condemn the Christians because they have some radical practitioners who sometimes resort to violence? I am a Christian, a veteran, and a staunch supporter of the Constitution and country it represents. Please don't trample on the rights we have worked and fought so hard to defend

We the citizens of the United States of America are supposed to SUPPORT FREEDOM OF RELIGION! This means a place of worship and it's members should be able to have a church ANYWHERE in the USA – including ground zero! As a Christian I will burn the Bible – it will mean NOTHING if we go around buring other's books of worship.... Jesus must be SICK TO HIS STOMACH over this – I know I am. HEALING in this world will never begin until we can accept each other and our differences. IN JESUS' NAME – amen!

Hey Larry,
Most of your viewership enjoys the fact that in your interviews, the aim is to get the truth in a fair manner and for the most part leave your opinions out the discussion unless necessary. What I saw with miss Soledad was the complete opposite. It was as if her goal was to pin the Imam and her questions sounded like answers. I'm glad the Imam was above that unnecessary pressure. When he answered a question, she asked it again with different wording as if to catch a misstep always trying to create her own version of his arguments. Please Larry, when you find a sub, atleast for the rest of your show, don't let it come to this. This is the fundamental difference between Fox and the great CNN! Great thanks Larry, will surely miss you.

Well spoken Larry and Stacy. It's so disappointing that our country is taking a step backwards with yet another form of ignorance and bigotry. It's embarrassing. Can we all remember this is a COMMUNITY CENTER first – where members of a community gather for group activities, social support, public information, education, and other purposes. Why is it different than a Jewish Community Center or a Christian Community Center? The Jewish Community Center near by helped the Muslim group develop the plans for this place. I can not believe this has become such a national issue in the year 2010. The irony is the protesters against the Center are playing right into the Terrorists hands.....the rest of the world wouldn't have even known about this until people start pushing back and equating Muslim to terrorist.

Psalms 118:8-"It is better to trust in the Lord, than have confidence in man".

Why not build a circle of Faith circling ground zero,The First Family of Faith, including all religions, who worship in America, separate but equal, working in alignment, being the example " IN GOD WE TRUST" announcing, we the people, come together as one, in Faith to love, live, prosper,and worship,in peace calling on our higher power. Only one door to enter, one path to walk, to get to their place of worship.

Oh yes, just what New York City needs at this time in history ... another tax exempt building (aka Mosque),

If Iman was truly a man of peace, he'd build many PUBLIC buildings throughout the city to be utilized by ALL Americans and visitors to our country that helps the City of New York by being able to pay it's TAXES!

This imam is just another example of a wolf in sheep's clothing. He seems to think he can pull the wool over most of our eyes but some or most of us aren't fooled, and this is coming from a Canadian. Both our countries should have closed our borders to everyone trying to immigrate from a muslim country. I know it sounds harsh but look at what it's come to. As a Christian I believe that the Lords coming is very soon and then there'll be more havoc than man can imagine, read Revelation, this fits right in. Christ will have the last word and it's too bad that so many don't believe in Him. Islam can never live in peace with Christianity, they want to dominate governements, not just spread their religion. More to be said but no room for a book here.

@ Mahmoud Al-Nsour

I dont understand.

You say there is no conflict between Muslims and Americans.

What was 9/11??

Just a kids prank.

HU!

Lets have a TRUE INTERNATIONAL INTERFAITH CENTER @ the site, NOT run or
owned by a mosque but owned, organized & run collectively by a unified group of Interfaith leaders! This should end all the controversy
once and for all and serve as a tremendous example for world peace.

FEISAL ABDUL....YOUR INTENT TO BUILD A MOSQUE AT THE VERY PLACE THAT YOU KNOW WILL HURT ALOT OF PEOPLE SEEMS TO BE A BLATANT CONTRADICTION TO YOUR SAYING THAT YOU JUST WANT TO PROMOTE PEACE. YOU APPEAR TO BE VERY DECEPTIVE. THE QUESTION IS WHY???

Question for Imam: Do you think you have enough courage, resolve and wisdom like Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) to handle this issue?

I say let them build the mosqe, it will be a terror proof building!

My question to Imam Rauf: Why do we not hear leaders like him, from US or Europe, speak up against non-conforming social values of our modern world – such as repression of women, in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Taliban – why never a condemnation? Why a silent acceptance? Is it fear?

Why did you call the place you were at for the ast few weeks as "my home country" If you are an American, then you have only one country.

You are not an American.. your loyalty is not American.

You want to hurt Americans with your mosque. Will you now work to make Sharia law to NYC then to the state, then to the whole country?

American women will not allow Islam to take over our country.

Ask the Imam, what about "fair play?" Christians are persecuted and deported in Muslim countries. It would not be possible to build a christian church and worship openly in these countries.

Dear Solidad O'Brian,

When you say that the 9/11 families oppose a mosque/ community center being built on their loved ones remains....

Do you/ nor they realize a 160 story skyscraper/ office complex is being built right over where the actual attacks happened?

This community center is nowhere near the original site –

Also new buildings are going up all over lower Manhattan, why is nobody complaining about them?

This debate is purely created by bigots, ignorant people and the media which loves a "good" story. Way to go.

I suggest everyone read
Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle.

Why are you in particular to build mosque very close to the ground zero.
If you are given another place to build the center, will it not be ok?
And why are you threatening America with radicals?

What does the Imam say about those who say afer they went to war in spain they built huge mosks and overpowered the area with their culture. It is like a dog peeing on its' conquest or domain. This is what it looks like. Eventhe name is copied .

The Imam has had one of the most rational, intelligent opinions on this issue. This is only an issue in order to influence elections. We need to realize this and stop giving power to crazy, radical, and scared politicians. Soledad O'Brien is a weak and bias interviewer. She twists the Imam's words and makes illogical conclusions.

If you are engaged with the muslim community is the middle east, why not use your efforts to address their radical beliefs rather than addressing American dogma? Problems of intolerance seems more problematic in the middle east.

I watched 15 min. before sending this. The interview is totally controlled by an Imman who has the audacity to give the impression that we are not tolerant!! Is there any chance of any Christian Church being built in the middle east? I 've just finished reading "Vieled Atrocities" and it was full of the daily horrors that so called peaceful Muslims inflict on their own people. Stoning continue as this Imman dares to give us a lecture on toleance. He should put his engeries taking the middle east out of the dark ages.... Patti Milsom

Agree with Mark...........why does the Muslim world get to call all the shots and threaten hostility against us and now it's an issue of "national security"! Let's see just one church open in Saudi Arabia What about all those who convert to Christianity that get their heads cut off??!!

Why doesn't the interviewer challenge this man's claims about this being a national security issue? Is he actually using this as a threat to the U.S.? If he were to lead his people by diplomatically backing out, and encouraging them to accept this, maybe it wouldn't be a cause for national concern.

question:
would the proponents of the center be wiling to dedicate the center to the unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist acts of 9/11?

Can Soledad O'Brien be any more rude? She asks the same questions over and over with that disgusted look on her face.

The Imam is making sense. This is where the Jews and Catholics were not so long ago. Can peace ever happen with this crazy 24 hour news cycle to fill? And these uninformed, biased interviewers?

God and Allah, help us.

Starting with, I am Jewish. Is Solidad not listening to the Imam? Why does she continue to bombard him with questions that try to get him to say something different than what he has so eloquently and clearly stated. He is for peace. He is concerned with the radicals out there. He is hoping to get clear thinking people to understand that there is a position of tolerance and moderation that would be the place to strive to get to. That is where the peace will come from. Why does she seem to want him to say that eh will move the mosque when he says that his concern is with the safety of Americans at home and abroad, and in his opinion, moving the mosque is endangering them. The radicals world wide will see this as a move to bring out more Islamic hate. That is enough reason for them to act against Americans. Please try to get the Americans listening to this rational man to hear what he has to say instead.

if he has been around for 25 years would he not concede that his policy(which i personally find insulting to american intelligence )is a failure since it was in place before and during the 9/11 attacks and the attackers were able to create their own outrage from within their own selves?
also could the imam possibly give a single example of a country that is predominately muslim that has a moderate stance on anything...

This Mosque appears to be an attempt to over power an area they attacked. It is like they are showing their power posseess it, after injuring us there. I lost much. I feel like they are taking possession of the area like a dog peeing on its' territory. They built big mosques in areas where hey conquered in the past. This gives the impression they think they conquered us. How will the hatred that are spurring murders of Muslims in the cabs and on the streets of Manhattan in the future affect the Muslim worlds reaction. That should be considerd too,no? He keeps saying we have to stay there or the Muslims will attack you, What about the affects of bitter Americans killing Muslims...what will that spur? Why is using fear to keep it there the only approach.

It is NOT a mosque!!!!!!! It is NOT as ground zero!!!!!!!

Watching LKL now, wondering why no one is asking why we are being manipulated by people who will riot, attack, and terrorize others if we do not let them have thier own way?
I hate it when I see my Flag burned by Foreigners & Americans, but I do not threaten to harm & destroy others. The American policy has always been-we do not negotiate with terrorists, kidnappers, hostage takers etc, but we are allowing this.

This is not about Christian vs Islam, this is about terrorists & radicals dictating what Americans can do, think, & feel in America. Will they take Easter, Christmas, Jewish holidays, etc away from us next because it offends them? If I am in their country, then they can tell me what to do, but not here. Terrorists should never dictate policy anywhere in the world.

Is islam or quran allow muslim to integrate with secular people or non-muslim majority country? Please, give example.
When muslim are <5% minority, ask for burqa
when 30 % of population, ask for seperae country.
Why not majority muslim do not appreciae american people for electing president who has muslim father. instead of keep critisizing american policy.
I think that is main reason for anger now a days.

If the Imam says they must do this in a way that 'saves face" why not accept Donald Trumps offer? It is a good business deal, they make a profit!

With regards to Soledad's asking the Imam to "back down" or change his mind, I say: Defending our principles and our laws means DEFENDING people's rights, not asking people to back down while the rest of us avert our eyes.

Many of us do not want the Mosque built so close to Ground 0 because we remember the celebrations in the streets in the middle east and here by the Muslims on 9-11. Also, too many Muslims allow the terrorist to mingle in with them and call them brother. Do you not think the terrorist call it a victory to build so close to G-0? Do you not think that people that maybe even helped plan 9-11 will go and worship there? You ask why America does not trust Muslims when they yell kill America and burn our flag before the book was ever burned. Why is the aforementioned OK for Muslims and yet we must live in fear if a joke is even made about Ala? I did not hear the Imams or others condemning the many protesters pissing on and burning our flag. Why is no one for the world to see calling the G-0 Imam and anti Americans protesters stupid and other names also called to the Pasture and very few that wanted to burn the book when at least 70 percent of America does not want the mosque built next to G-0? The Terrorists have won because America and good Muslims are afraid and will not stand up for our rights because of fear of the
al Qaeda and other savage mislead Muslims that will go from 0 to crazy in seconds if provoked in any way. We are also afraid the al qaeda will just simply scare off the good Muslims and take over. I am tired of living in fear.

Colin Powell said it short and sweet. " There is a mosque in the Pentagon; there is a mosque in Walter Reed Hospital complex".

What is the problem? I don't get it except that we, according to the polls that say 71% of Americans are against it, are a nation of incorporated hypocrites and bigots. Old values and complexities are hard to shake out from our heritage. There are so many actions this country undertakes that are distorted and completely in opposition to the foundation this nation was built on. We are stuck in (R)...disciplines and ideologies.

There is no common and ordinary sense to opposing the Islamic Cultural Center..Cordoba House, or whatever they wish to call it. What is odd and displeasing is even those who had losses within the WTC Towers, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA, and are opposing the center being built, are equally 24 carat bigots and hypocrites...They disrespect the otherwise good memory of their loved ones or losses and supplant it with hatred toward innocents...pure and simple hatred..sad..sad ..and sadder by the day..

They, the WTC decedent's survivors and the others that abet their feelings are hurting our economy, jeopardizing our troops in foreign nations, and confusing the hell out of the rest of the world, and digging the supporting earth away from the foundation of this nation...caj

Having a majority support or opposition to something does not make it right. Most Americans supported slavery at the time in America, and most German citizens supported the Nazy policy against the Jews.

Does the Imam agree that the perpetrators of 9/11 where Islamic, and why a mosque on such sensetive grounds. I just realised that 9/11 came exactly one day after end of Ramandan can this Imama explain this kind of coincidence. Why persue such a endevour? He knows these are sacred grounds, this is memorial shrine not some real estate peace of land for sale.

Imam, would you let a homosexual Muslim into your community center?

The Imam is hijacked because he won't say no, because of fear. Also sacred ground is not necessarily holy ground. It is a place that is held special in ones heart.

The Imam should have pushed back on Soledad and questioned the media's role in whipping this discussion into an angry frenzy.

I've been watching with great interest the iman's interview on Larry King.I pride myself in being very open minded and I have friends of many religions.I have two observations to make :
1. The imam is making open threats towards the U.S .He's saying that if the site for the ground zero mosque is changed, U.S security will be compromised.
2.SOMEONE should ask the iman WHY the mosque will be called the "Cordoba "center.Did anyone forget that Cordoba was part of the Spanish territory that was invaded by the Moores and occupied during centuries by the iman's forefathers. What's in a name? It's time to ask the question.

So I'm watching the interview with the Imam who's involved with the proposed Islamic center near ground zero, while listening intently to his words and answers to all the questions being asked I had a thought...... America was founded on second chances in a way and even though we were attacked by extremist Muslims, we were not attacked by the Muslim religion as a whole. So that being said if they want to build, let them build. Its a religious center not a memorial to the highjackers. As Americans we should be proud of our country's heritage and what it was founded on. This is just little old me, a nobody, a fireman, a veteran, a republican, AN AMERICAN embracing everyones equality and eight to be free. 

george moyo –

Ramadan ends about 10 days earlier each year, because it's based on the lunar calendar, this year it fell before sept 11th. your theory has a big hole in it, 9 years ago Ramadan would have ended about 3 months later, around December....

nice try- do some research next time. Like i said ignorance is bliss.

In my small community we have an agency that is run by ministers from every church we have here: Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, Presbeterians, etc. Everyone is welcome, but because they are a non-profit group, there isn't money to have a central meeting place. They meet once a month at a different church. If the facility in New York City is truely for all faiths, I would give my blessing or vote. New Yorkers have no idea how much this kind of facility could help their community. Ours takes donations to give to the needy, volunteers to assist the elderly, visits the hospitals with gifts for new parents and well wishes for the sick. No matter what faith you are and all without a pamphlet from any church. They ask if you would like a visit from a particular religion, if so, they make sure the message is delivered. I wouldn't care whose idea this facility was, but it should've been done a long time ago in NYC, 2 blocks from "Ground Zero" or not.

We did not like the quality of the host in Imam's interview.
We request you to host sensitive issues. Whole world was watching yesterday's interview. Host was not up to the mark, could not smile, could not phrase question appropriately, trying to create misunserstandings.

When will we, as a nation, look at the hundreds of thousands of casualties we inflicted on innocents in the last eight years and begin to see that those actions were WRONG. We have DOJ representatives in most foreign countries and an Interpol Agency that seeks out criminals and brings them into an adjudication process. Instead, we have secret prisons from Poland to Paraguay and we look like a bunch of neo-nuts...to the rest of the world...I have hundreds of criticisms that cannot be disputed by anyone with an of 70, that has just an ounce or less of common sense...I guess there lies the situational problem...caj

If his real goal is to be a bridge builder and engage other religions, then why isn't he capable of doing that very thing from another location. The fact that he is intent on this location hints at the possibility that he has an another motive for building it there. If he is truly notivated by creating "good will" with non-muslim people, he could start that process from a location that would lend itself better as a starting point

Soledad, with all the respect to you;

I've always respected and loved everything what you did in CNN. But today, I am very disappointed with your behaviour and agressivnness with Imam. It felt like you were already ready how you will attack him. (attach only). This wasnt an conversationor interview at all.

Also I dont understand WHY everyone would assosiate 9/11 TERROR attach with Islam.
I thought terrorizm doesnt have face nor faith.

If anyone will claim a religion and kill people, do we have a right to link that particular religion?
I am sorry for my broken english, I am still working on it.

Regards,
Dilbar

RE: Larry King LIve I think Soledad O' Brien did not handle this interview well She ddi not allow her guest to answer and I have difficulty understanding her. She was too bull doggish at times Let him speak our future depends on the action taken now .regarding the building fo the Mosque She would have handled a black leader with more dignity I am catholic but I respect people of all religions

Around six dozen Muslims died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Hundreds of members of their families still grieve and suffer. The 19 killers did not care what religion anyone belonged to when they took those lives.
It's all about Trump he wants the land does he not ?

I appreciate the opportunity to hear the Imam share his perspective – and I agree with much of what he said tonight. We should be making more efforts to bridge our differences and build on our common humanity to create peaceful solutions. I do not, however, appreciate Soledad O'Brien's handling of the interview. She has been continually interrupting him, asking questions in an accusatory tone, and is clearly uncomfortable with the discussion. The issue being discussed deserves more respect – and professionalism – than she has displayed tonight. Next time, I wish CNN would choose a more unbiased person to conduct such an interview.

I hear the talk of peace and tolerance coming from the Islamic communities and I have to be skeptical.

I still remember the day the news of our attack reached the world Islamic community and they rejoiced with joy and dancing in the streets!

Why doesn't the united States Islamic community denounce the protests against the U.S. going on today? Why didn't they denounce Osama instead of rejoicing with him?

Does the U.S. Islamic community identify the terrorists among us or do they hide and aid them with refuge and support by money or supplies?

Stop the support, Turn in the radicals here in the U.S. and enjoy the religious freedom in the U.S. but don't be loyal to radical Muslims in the name of religion.

The interview was torcher to watch, she asked Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf the same questions over and over again, dramatizing, antagonizing etc, guess the media is really feeding on the discourse, and that is where the real problem is.

Viviane, I heard the same thing if we do not let them do what they want we will have to fear. It does not add up to me ether. please read my comments a few up from yours. These are actual questions from people. Maybe it is just too soon to build so close.

I would like to ask good Imam How would he answer the following question. why no church permitted to be build in Saudi Arabia or a Cross be mounted on an Ancient Armenian Church in Turkey. Also why Christians Coptic in Egypt hide a way from Muslims finally why Muslim teaching still thought in Islam world that non Muslims are called " KAFIR"
or namely in Turkey "GAVUR" perhaps the Islam world is tolerant of Jews and Christians in the Muslim countries perhaps the west will be equally tolerant. Another words this is the question we have to ask to Imam
Thank You

I don't think that Solidad O'Brien is doing a good job with this interview. She isn't listening and responding well. I believe that fear is creating mistrust, hate and feelings of ill will. Frankly, all religions probably have wonderful things to offer and none should be shut out. Not all Christians are wonderful, giving,kind people... the same is true for Jews, Muslims, Hindu peoples and on and on. Let's give peace and understanding a chance to rule for once. Let's move away from fear, and move toward understanding and love.
I hope the center moves forward. I'm not a Muslim, but I believe that they should enjoy all the rights that I have, and I think that Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is right. We shouldn't move away from discussions even if difficult. We should have open-minded dialogs.

If you make attacks on religion, understand that all religions have idiosyncrasies that export, to their constituents and the world, hatred and bigotry and intolerance. The answer to most disparities in life and causes for war lies within the three Abraham core religions...Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in that 'disorder'. They have all been travelling the same roads for thousands of years and playing bumper car in like vehicles...caj

If the Imam was sincere in wanting to promote healing and build a bridge between Islam and Americans he could have done the exact same thing by building this mosque somewhere else. If this was truly his purpose he would move the mosque to better our relations. Why do Americans have to make peace with the Muslims when they are the Terrorists that attacked us and caused the problem – we didn't do anything to them. I believe this whole thing was designed to cause (not help) the current controversy and give them an excuse to proliferate their terrorist activity here and abroad and put the blame on America.

Great message from his interview t – we must come together.

Would the Imam consider placing a wall – similar to the Viet Nam Wall – remembering the victims and their families / survivors ?

I would like to hear coverage on the Imam's specific proposals for the mosque.

My comment is supported by several of the other comments.

this guy is lying obviously lying. its so annoying she needs to ask him the right questions. like "if a majority of muslims believe in freedom of religion and open dialog between religions then why is it that theres practically no islamic/democratic countries?" and if theres nothing in the koran about killing jews and christians then how do you explain the Verse Of the Sword, which is entirely about killing people who do not submit, pay taxes and declare that allah is only true god? oh but its ok because their religion permits them to lie to jews and christians in order to move forward with their holy wars. i dont believe in burning the koran but hes afraid that if people did that too many muslim americans would expose themselves as a radial terrorist sleeper cell.

Paul Degirmen...

Your are not correct as to the origin of 'Kafir'.. Slavery was permitted in countries like Saudi Arabia until the early 1950's and Kafir is a racial slur, not a term for a non-Muslim...caj

Of course the Community Center should be built. For all the substantial and healing reasons that the Imam tried to explain to Soledad O'Brien, even though she was displaying the most aggressive, disrespectful behavior towards him. I am not sure if she was pretending not to understand what he was saying- He would say something quite promising and beautiful and she would ignore it and interrupt him...shameful. I agree with:
BT88VT

Make the entire area a Faith Center. Offer all major religions the opportunity to build and create a place for all faiths to worship. All faiths suffered a loss and should be there to rebuild.

Soledad O'Brien did a great job interviewing the Imam. Too bad he couldn't give a direct answer to any of the questions that have tarnished his image. He should have said, "I condemn Hamas for their terrorist acts" and he should have admitted that his comments on the U.S. being responsible for 9/11 were what he believed and then accepted the consequences for admitting his true beliefs. Now I can't believe anything the man says. Too bad.

Holly Porterfield...

I made the observation the first run of this LKL show and you are 100% correct. Watch her expressions and they tell a story in themselves...caj

The "park51" proposed NY Mosque project near ground zero is truly a "spark 51" project dividing main street Americans. While quoting religious freedom (first amendment) and US constitutional rights, it is essential to consider the feelings of those impacted by the terrorist attacks on US soil. It is a well known fact many foreign born Muslims living in USA celebrated the US attack, distributing sweets and bursting fire crackers in many parts of USA notably in NJ, NY and MI.

If this NY project is truly a symbol of inter-faith harmony, then the $100 million Islamic cultural center should house a synagogue, a Hindu Temple, a church, a Sikh Gurdwara and a Buddhist Monastery. Then we are truly one nation under God..as Humans with dignity..!

Next time let John King or some one else ratherThan Soledad O'Brien interview the Iman Feisal Abdul Rauf She did not listen to the answers but kept cutting in , she was disrespectful

How about this. When the good Muslims can rid themselves of the bad Muslims controlling them then lets let them build even on ground 0. The problem is we have now lost as many if not more soldiers oversees as was lost in 9/11. Why? Because we do not know who the enemy is as they are allowed to readily mingle in. It is not the good we are worried about. Get it?

Regarding Soledad O'Brien's repeated statement about the opinions of 71 percent of the U.S. population wanting the Islamic Center to be located farther from ground zero: If the majority of the people in the U.S. had sided with Joe McCarthy in the communist witch hunt, should we have followed him? If a majority of the people in the south had wanted segregation, should they have continued it? Can we even trust that 71 percent figure? I thought the Imam presented a very reasonable argument for keeping the planned Islamic Center there. If strip clubs don't take away from the sacredness of the site, why should a place of prayer? A few Muslims cheered when the trade center fell. Most of them cried with us.

Christianity:
151,666,000 killed over 20 centuries
average of 7,583,300 killed per century
average of 12 people killed per 100 Christians each century

Islam:
59,191,500 killed over 14 centuries
average of 4,228,000 killed per century
average of 10 people killed per 100 Muslims each century

Is it really right to link ANY religion based on these facts?
TERRORIZM doesnt have a FAITH

I thought the interview tonight with Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf was conducted in a very hostile manner. I think Rauf explained his position in a very reasonable manner even with the interviewer being rude.

He displayed his best CNN displayed it opinionated worst. I guess "christians" can only prove they are not really Christians.

Having watched the interview conducted by the female corresponded in place of Larry King revealed a few very interesting things. The female correspondent aggressively referred to an arbitrary poll conducted by, I'm assuming CNN, regarding how approximately seventy percent of Americans are opposed to the construction of the mosque near ground zero.

Well, given that statistic, why don't we also refer to the enormous amount of Americans that continue to believe that evolution is false, and the interpretation of genesis in the bible is fact. The poll values are not reliable, and even if the numerical value was valid, much of the voting is based on complete ignorance and a contagious emotional effect.

The sensitivities regarding ground zero are valid; I would think that is pretty unanimous. Americans have wiped out entire families, communities and cities in various parts of the world, but of course it's not entertaining having been induced by the Americans, hence, not sacred, or given much attention.

Residents of New York getting frustrated over the construction of the mosque is understandable, since their immediate association with the 9/11 incident is that it was executed by Islam. However, having been a Christian, raised in an Islamic state, and presently independent of any religious doctrine, institution or organization I could objectively state, while having perspective, which many Americans don't, is that there are many individuals of Islamic faith that do not agree with the actions of extremists. In fact the actions of these extremist do not represent what I believe Islam truly embodies. I'm stating this in spite of my disagreement with all religious organizations, institutions and some doctrine; but maintain that religious freedom or any form of intellectual or spiritual expression is an inherent right.

Should the mosque be constructed there? Why not? If it were generating radicals, then the opposition is understandable. However, being simply a medium of spiritual worship, I can't even begin to rationalize how or why it would taint the image of ground zero.
I'm convinced that the opposition is primarily fueled by the same individuals who maintain the "Tea Party" movement's–yes, those clowns, unemployed, ignorant, and up to no good.

I just saw the replay of the interview of Imam Rauf and I was shocked at the tone Soledad (used to be one of my favorite journalists) took with the Imam. I couldn't count how many times she asked him if he would move the center.

I am so tired of people talking about "sacred ground" as if a Mosque is somehow a dirty thing that would sully it.

If a church or synagogue were to be built there, would that leader have to answer questions about funding or their personal backgrounds? Would they have to also pass some kind of test to make sure they weren't "radical"? If it were a Christian leader, would he have to prove he had no sympathy for those Christians who bomb abortion clinics?

Mosques are not dirty places, they are places of worship and fellowship just like any other houses of worship are.

Muslims did not attack us on 9/11; terrorists did.

I was extremely disappointed in Soledad's interviewing skills. Journalism 101 teaches one to not insert and display their personal opinions which was obvious by her rudeness, voice tone, and facial and body expressions. This issue is strictly political and has been fueled by Sara Palin and "her radicals" and the Republicans who promote racism in this country by their anti-President Obama, anti-Mexican immigrants and anti-Islam remarks and their negative attitudes against minorities.The foundation of this hatred, I believe, is based on the fear that eventually the total of minorities in this country will be the majority. It is so sad that the media gives so much attention to negativity and there are those who buy into it without thinking and studying the facts for themselves.. And in all of these political polls, I wonder what is the population and representation of those being polled?

Jacob go live in Iran. Then tell me what you think.

In O'Brien's interview ( which I just saw tonight, Sunday)with the Imam she repeats over and over that 70% of Americans do not want the center built, and they are not extremists. But why does she not admit that most people are not making informed decisions and are very much influenced by the extremist position. Also people have heard "Ground Zero Mosque" and that is all they hear.

How many hear about the Muslims that died on 9/11/ How many hear about those who fight, with honor and bravery, and die in this country's armed forces?

How many know the number of Muslims who live in Manhattan and the number on the NYCPD, protecting the city's residents. How many know that Muslims have lived peaceably in Manhattan since the 1880s. How many know the history of the name Cordoba and why that was chosen?

How many know that most of the religious leaders in the city are in favor of the building of the Islamic Center? How many know that 9/11 Families for a peaceful tomorrow support the project.?

Aside from understanding the neighborhood of th proposed center, hoe many people know exactly what will be built on the "hallowed ground" the exact spot of "Ground Zero", or under that ground.

As the Imam said we need dialogue, good discourse. But it looked like Soledad O Brien did not think that was very important. Just listen to that 70 %, despite the fact that they are uninformed.

In making an analogy to this controversy, for those opposing the Islamic Center, does America remember who bombed the Federal Center in Oklahoma City in this hatred and horrible crime? Many lives were also lost, yet is there criticism, rejection, refusal to build in that area and suspicion against all white people because of the cruel and hatred action of two men? It seems to have been forgotten. There are good and bad people in all races, ethnicities,cultures or however you want to describe it. But the negative actions some people take do not define the religion.

What is a mosque? It's an empty room without idols, until prayer call and then it is usually full with just those who pray..that all folks. Now someone answer which faith and belief system is the most powerful and feared?

Dilbar

Your statistics are odd and distorted. Here's why. During the period from 1939-1945 there were an estimated 50-70 million deaths attributed to WWII, which ended just 65 years ago, and you are relating to hundreds and hundreds of centuries ago . So I ask you WHO did the counting for your statistics?..caj

Dilbar..

correction: hundreds and hundreds of years ago..not centuries..sorry and there is no Z in terrorism..caj

I have one question: Was Soledad O'Brien using the Iman's "interview" as an application to Fox News? She certainly was using all their nasty tricks i.e. "Sounds like you're trying to force a peaceful solution not find one. We'll leave it at that. Back in a moment."

Nice way to leave a misleading impression of what the Iman actually said without letting him respond. And that was just one fine example of the twisting and turning of the Imans words that went on.

Usually the audience not the interviewer is there to decide what the Iman said and meant. We don't need the interviewers opinion just because they did not like the way the question was answered.

CNN: You need people who will listen and ask pertinent and thoughtful questions – not spend the whole time trying to create a "gotcha!!

Marian Brand : O'Brian was not correct when she repeatedly said 70% were NOT in Favor of the center to be built. The pole was 59% in Favor for the community center....... that was a big, big slip of words by O'Brian.

Terrorist do not belong to any given faith, they are the monsters in all of mankind.

People keep saying that muslims didnt attack us radials did.. but read the koran, read the Verse of the Sword! learn about muhammad! he killed and tortured people! Usually biggots are ignorant but in this case you would have to be ignorant to not see that "terrorists" are doing what the koran tells them they should do, this whole religion of peace thing is insanity! we have peace in america... they dont have peace in the middle east. they need democracy we dont need islam.

I just want to say to the imam, that i don't have a problem with you practising your own faith, i don't look down on you because of where you came from, or the color of your skin, however it greatly upsets me when i hear about a mosque being built so close to ground zero, this is like spitting in the face of every person who lost their lives there, and what happens when the mosque is up? we will hear anti christian slander, we will hear people justifying 9/11 from their quarans, before you know it, riots may swiftly ensue, if the gov't of NY allows you to do this, i fear they have already dug their own graves so to speak.

Larry King Should a mosque be built near Ground Zero? (Watch the video clip on how the idea of a mosque near Ground Zero turned into a national controversy)
A Yes 59.74%

B No 40.26%

Why did Soledad O'Brian not get the facts right and repeatedly kept saying 70% were not in favor of the Community Center ? This was not true and she knew it. O'Brian does not belong at CNN she needs to push of to FOX news that is know well for these deceptions

Why can't the Islamic center be named a multi-cultural center as a memorial to all those who lost their lives in the attacks of 9/11 and on the building have an apology to those who gave their lives for the rebuilding of all muslims, jews, and christians. All those lives lost could be named on the building as an inspiration of sorrow, peace and rebuilding.

Who decided to let Soledad O'Brien handle the interview? The great thing about Larry King is that he actually lets people talk and explain themselves on their own terms while directing them through a conversation that seems natural, yet it was so obvious that she was forcing him into quick responses and not providing him proper time to explain himself, but rather trying to just get through all of the questions that were written down in front of her. I could only force myself to sit through half of the interview. Seriously, you might as well have had Seacrest do it, as, sadly enough, I think he would have handled it better. Thank you CNN for ruining an opportunity to have a good interview with an interesting individual.

I am currently watching Soledad O'Brian interview Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf right now. She is enraging. Why is a journalist taking such a firm stance against this mosque? Rather than taking an appropriate, neutral tone in interviewing her guest, she is trying to force him to "change his mind", to "admit" that the mosque is "not wise" (phrases in quotes are things she has actually said in the course of this interview). She is holding a very divisive interview here, actually trying to trap him into giving the answers that she wants to hear. I feel that she's being extremely unfair to the Imam, who is, in turn, being extremely gracious and calm. ALSO, she keeps mentioning "71% of Americans" feel this mosque is not the right thing to do. Yet, I just took the poll above, which shows that 59.79% of Americans who've taken this poll APPROVE of the mosque, while only 40.21% disapprove. So what's this 71% she keeps talking about?!?! She's never stated which poll it is, or where she's getting this number! BTW, I am a white girl from Utah, raised among Christians, who spent a decade of my adult life living in lower Manhattan. The proposed site of the mosque is not 'hallowed' ground. It is a commercial area, primarily occupied by strip clubs and McDonald's. It could benefit a great deal from a community center, whether it contains a mosque, a temple, a church or a zen garden.

I am finding the attacking interview style, constantly repeating basically one line ... ie, why not move ... blah blah, when Imam Feisal has consistently and patiently answered with rationale and compassion why it is so important the radical elements do not win this debate.
I am shocked and dismayed that the interviewer is NOT demonstrating balance, but sounds like she is on the fight for the extreme elements of this country.
This is not taking journalistic responsibility, and I find it really poor showing.
I support balanced, compassionate debate to find solutions – not what is happening now.
The news media SERIOUSLY needs to take on its responsibility – CNN, I thought you cared about balance, not sensationalism!
I'm really disappointed.

What is interesting is that these Muslim mean interview with women. The president of Iran interviewed with Ann Curry, now Soledad, interviews Imam Feisal. They do this because in the Muslim world they do not take women seriously and the witness of a woman doesn't count. In the Muslim world this interview will count for nothing.

Tonight's interview by Ms Obrien is troubling. She asks the same question over and over, varying the phrase, but always going back to something like, "Why don't you move your project?", "Aren't Muslims against all trying to kill civil people?"

The Imam shows extraordinary patience with her ignorant rantings. He keeps saying something along the lines, "Let's build bridges among these three related religions."

Her worst interview ever. She keep going back to irrelevant "statistics" not related to the argument, ranting and acting the fool. I like her but respect her much less after this goofy, one sided interview.

A Mosque does not effect anyones life that doesn't chose for it to, be that a positive or negetive effect. So why are you conservatives so worried? The Muslim community has EVERY RIGHT TO BUILD and any comment trying to defer or suggest "today's climate is not ready' to excersise such right is EXACTLY the mentality that is working against the TRUE foundation of the 2nd Ammendment. Conservitives have done this in several cases of social rights movments such as racial civil rights and currently gay rights. If you dont identify with these things, why are you letting your 'discomfort/ignorance channel the rights of the constitution to your liking. This is unamerican.

The Imam clearly realizes that America did not get to where it is today by honoring peoples discomfort. We have far to go with Total Acceptance (race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, age, etc.) and conservative discomfort is not helping us get there any faster.

Solidad did an amazing job interviewing the Imam. The best work Ive seen since Koppel and Cronkite left the air. Anderson might have finally found some competition. Good job CNN!

Soledad is pressing her point of view far too much. She clearly thinks he should back off and is not listening to him in a neutral manner I have come to hope would be there in a CNN reproter.

He has said multiple times that this was already happening and known and then others politicized it. That is a valid point. Why should he not proceed- the people who politicized this should be put under the microscope not the Imam.

Hidden agenda!!! I don't trust this man for nothing. He is taking order's and believe you me, he can care less about the opinion of others. He's not alone in this...AMERICA WAKE UP! Don't trust this....we are opening up a can of SNAKES

The Imam raises an interesting point: how much do the people of the United States really want equality? How have our words and actions diverged on this point, both as individuals, and as a nation? To me, these seem questions worth contemplating.

Hating on the creation of a community center/mosque seems to me only a method by which hate will be propagated; how, in this way, can we end a war on terror?!

You know i was on the fence of the centre being built on the the trade centre sites, but after seeing the Imam and his explanation of the need to build bridges, I agree with him. I further found the biased reporting and constant goading not meeting what a reporter is supposed to uphold. Yes ask engaging questions to answer question, but trying to paint him an a bad light....come on

One cannot negotiate for peace while holding a gun. I have never voiced an opinion on CNN or any other news broadcast. As much as I appreciate the efforts of both the news and the Imam to express the needs for both sides to dialogue the proper venue and parties involved in dialogue need to be the first things considered. Soledad referred to the this problem many times saying his efforts were having the opposite effect. It was clear the Imam's posture is more defensive than peacekeeping. I don't blame him for being defensive since he has been under attack, but placing himself out there to negotiate for peace is a big mistake, even with his track record. He should have chosen someone else to convey the message. Someone not the source of the threat. He doesn't see himself as a threat, but he is. He talks about the reaction of the Muslim world, that adds to the threat. He could settle both sides by not talking peace on one hand and threat on the other. Move the Mosque, then talk peace for both sides. Don't come to the table with a gun.

I'm sure this comment won't make it on line, even the Huffington Post won't post anything that mentions the name of Donald Trump.

The Imam says he will divulge where his financing comes from for the Center. When money comming from UAE (United Arab Emirates previously on CNN, eyebrows rose.

Has anyone thought about where Trump gets his money? No one seems to care that he builds "green cities" like Dubai using salves caught in a living hell, while here at home he builds energy guzzling circus tents. Yet, everyone seems to protect him.

Middle class men and Women should be so insulted on this man when 6 mos ago he was going on TV spoouting to buy Real Estate because of the great bargains that could be had. Yeah, thanks to his friends totally crumbling the system. The Rich get richer and the Poor get poorer.

Guess it's ok to form a business, then go bankrupt, yet your personal wealth stays in tact. What power does this guy have over you all?

Saw Soledad's interview of the Imam. Whitney, I agree with you. She was divisive. She was incapable of hearing and understanding another viewpoint. She kept going back to the same questions, but she never listened to his first answer to that very same question. To me, she demonstrated what is missing - a capacity to listen, a capacity to refrain from pre-judging. Despite the terribly biased interview style, I did think that the Imam held his own. I learned much about him. And, unfortunately, it also demonstrated how biased news keeps fanning the flames of intolerance.

Does your religion promote Peace through God?
Jesus is Peace through God.
Is Mouhammed Peace through God?
Is my God your God too?
To be fair, you should embrace all, as God does.
Peace on Earth for all.

My reply to the question at hand, Hell to the no, in other words if hell was a number rase that number to the No'th power. And my question to the Imam is, has he ever been involved in terorrism, or any other gang related activity, I mean religous related activity.

It's obvious from what he's saying...he's not running the show here. He's just the front man with radical terrorist running the show from behind the scenes. He's not moving the Mosque because his life if in jepordy if he moves it. He's the one taking orders from the terrorists...WAKE up PEOPLE!! Don't let this mosque be built! It's obvious from what I've heard here that terrorist are running the show!

Take a look at the Holy Bible and New Testiment if you want to compare violence to the Koran...

The ineterview with Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf was not only needed, it was very educational and enlighting on what he had to say. Unfortuantely. Ms. Soledad O'Brien did not hear a word he said. Instead of representing herself as an professional journalist and interested in the information. She came off as a novice and gave off the attitude of " a know it all". Ms, Obrien had the chance to compart with us a very insightful interview but instead she deadfully fell short of that objection. It seemed as if she was more interested in what she had to say. She was not being the one interviewed.

also ask the muslims why he picked the name Cordova!!!It was the name of the Muslim movement to conquor Europe and they almost dis.They got as far as Vienna!!Muslims are not sensitve to any others.No chuches or even christian meetings are allowed in Arab countries.We do not want them to be here in America if they bring there evil middleage lifestyles with them

Interview with Imam Feisal on the proposed mosk near Ground Zero, was very provocative, undemocratic, unfair and biased. We congratulate him on his views of building bridges between free thinking individuals of all religions. Only extremest views reflected in this interview are the source of destabilising international democracy.

On the first comment I read: "The MUSLIM phylosophy is that lying, cheating, or stealing from a christian is not considered a wrong doing

IT'S A FACT."

What is a FACT is that Christians are the most violent aggressors for centuries. Stealing land from people, cheating and lying about it.

Killing millions from the crusades, the colonizising and enslaving of people and nations in America, Africa and Asia. Then six million Jews were murdered in thee heart of Christian Europe.

Ask yourself which country has invaded another country in tha last 500 years. WW I WW II Vietnam, to name just a few. Almost all were/are Christian nations who are the aggressors. This we call our socalled superior Christian principles!

It is the same conservative Christians, with one hand on the bible and one on the trigger, singing peace on earth on Sundays and cheering when their bombs are being dropped, who are shocked about a mosque being build near ground zero. I would be shocked if they build a church there!!

I was shocked by the ignorance and blatant prejudices displayed by Soledad O'Brien in her interview of the imam. Rather than try to explore the issue and show some of the underpinnings of this sad story, she kept repeating "don't you understand why so many people are outraged?" as if this were the most relevant question. In doing so, she bought into and reinforced the assumption that Islam is the problem, as if it is this religion that attacked the country on 9/11. It would have been much more helpful to inform listeners about the complexities of Islam and show the degree to which the 9/11 terrorists represent a tiny fringe of the Islamic world rather than Islam. It would also have been helpful to follow the lead of the imam and show the degree to which this controversy is a politically motivated plot that could have disastrous consequences for the country. Instead O'Brien kept reinforcing the crudest stereotypes about Islam by asking the imam to back down and apologize for his project, which has nothing to do with 9/11 or ground zero. Pathetic!

In my opinion, Soledad's interview was one of her worst ever, and an embarrassment. She did not listen to what the Imam was saying at all. I was impressed with how he handled himself even though she wasn't listening to a word he was saying. He represented communication and tolerance and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone to make change. Soledad represented the same old tired fear that many in this country still hang on to. I think we should start with the Islamic Center and continue to build centers that represent every belief and religion around the site of where the World Trade Towers once stood. It would do wonders for our community and the world.

Greetings.

From an agnostic’s humble perception, but for the sake of arguing, in my opinion, with due respect, Doctors Hawking and Mlodinow are speaking in favour of a Creator (God, First Cause, whatever), for one should expect that the role of such an eventual Creator would be no greater than to establish a set of rules, gravity and quantum mechanics therein, letting then things to happen or unfold accordingly without His further and thus unnecessary involvement.
I have emailed these comments to both scientists.

I was terribly dissapointed at the way Soledad O'Brien carried out this interview. She usually does better. In this instance, it came across pretty much as if she had her point of view which she wanted to make public, and that she was trying to get the Imam to say that they would stop the plans for the Islamic Center. Completely one-sided and biased. She would interrupt the Imam when he was replying. During the breaks for commercials, she wouldn't even make eye contact with the Imam. She would break for commercials, and then look down at her notes. Viewer question? One-sided. It was a bit embarrassing. I usually enjoy Soledad's special reports, but in my opinion this one was really poor journalism. Rather than asking the Imam for his views, she concentrated on broadcasting her own views and pretty much try and convict the Imam on live TV.

I wish Fox News did the interview, sorry CNN. Imam in order to get his way, he is using the Muslim radicals as a tool, Koran is all about killing Jews, Christians & all none Muslims. Women are classified as animal that have no rights, men to married to 4 wives & have 40 Sigheh (temporary marriages) all at the same time. Mullah acting as pimps, contracting desperate teenagers with much older men for money.
Muslims can declare a wholly war (Jahad) against any government. Imam has only one mission to promote Islam in America. Like they do in Europe & worldwide. This is just a bigining. Wakeup America.

@Frannyvida
well said
@Joseph in Columbus
I quite agree. Soledad didn't handle the interview well. It was apparent that she was hostile.

Of course the sources of funding have to be investigated. But is that done too with organizations like AIPAC??
The Imam comes across as being a decent, well intentioned sort despite his being under attack all the time.
This Community Center has to move forward or we forget America as we know it.
There are Christian churches in Hiroshima & Nagasaki and a Shinto Shrine in Pearl Harbor.

@ Gerald Jolly

Sure. The 1.5 billion Moslems all over the world & here in America are always lying to , cheating & stealing from Christians.
I'm sure too that fellow bloggers who have Moslem neighbors or fellow community members must have noticed them lying, stealing & cheating from Christians.
Lord forbid that Christians in America or elsewhere ever commit these sins – Amen

Jasonator you have such a great point/suggestion! I'd also like to hear that all the oil-wealthy arab nations help their fellow muslims in Pakistan, there should be hardly any help needed from the west, that they have such hatred for, there's enough money in Saudi/Kuwait to name a few to rebuild Pakistan completely.

I am a christian and am disgusted by the christian extremist politicians like Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin who whip up their base with fear and hate in their pursuit of power. They create extremists like the Koran burning pastor in Florida...and then pretend they don't own it. Blood is on their hands. Our country was founded not as a christian nation but as a nation of religious tolerance. Many of our founders were escaping persecution not from the hands of muslims but from other Christian sects. Muslims in the US are our friends and neighbors and should be treated with respect and as Jesus said 'as we ourselves would wish to be treated.' Throwing indiscriminate hate at all muslims instead of the radicals who did 9-11 will create more hate and ultimately a target on our backs. The radical republicans are creating a national security threat to our nation. The Imam is correct in this. The Tea Party-ers are having fun throwing their weight and hate around while putting our soldiers in grave danger, our citizens abroad at risk and egging on radicals around the world to attack us. Stop and think what you are doing.Stop yelling 'fire' in a crowded place when tensions are so high. Muslims died in the World Trade Center. The ground in sacred for all mankind who suffered there. We didn't stop building churches near the Murrow Bldg. in Oklahoma because Timothy McVey was Christian. His being hateful and crazy did not make all christians hateful and crazy and likewise just because Bin Laden and friends are terrorists it does not make our muslim neighbors terrorists. As americans we must defend and protect them...they are americans too with full rights of citizenship. Good people who have contribute so much to our nation. Let's be good people too...don't let hate and bigotry win.

Hi! please smile more often, you are very handsom and more so when you smile, Try it you will like it.

Frances Pope, You don't have any clue of Islam and you don't have any experience of living in Islamic Countries, Please do not be so excited and emotional about the issues.

And also have a deep investigation and study then ...

Thanks
G.K.

Newt Gingrich is an aberration & a disgrace to this country. Every time he opens his mouth he embarrasses Americans.

@Nancy of NY
thanks for posting this video.
This is indeed an eye opener & makes us sit up & take notice. Our controlled media wouldn't touch this subject with a long pole.
Although American people deserve to know the truth especially the families of the victims of 9/11 & all those Americans who gave & are giving their lives in Iraq & Afghanistan.

Larry King Should a mosque be built near Ground Zero? (Watch the video clip on how the idea of a mosque near Ground Zero turned into a national controversy)

A Yes 60.05%

B No 39.95%

Which part did Soledad O'Brian not understand?

READ the Quran, –don't burn it!

The NYC Imam Rauf reminded us how Muslims must take their Quran most seriously because, unlike the Christian Bible, the Quran shows Muslims the exact word of the one true God (Allah), –God's Word, word for word.

What puzzles me, is –on what rational ground can Muslims come up with, for their belief? All I have heard, is that Muhammad, not being an intellectual, could not have written these things by himself. (?)
I have asked Muslims, and I ask again: Is that it? –Is that all you have?

One of the logical tests for a true prophet of God, is that a holy prophet of God is never wrong. After all: he is supposed to be, claims to be, speaking for God Himself!

The Scientific Accuracy of the Koran: First is the Statement made by the Koran, then the Reference from the Koran, then the True Fact:

Excretion, blood, and milk come from the cattle's abdomen. (Al-Nahl 16:66 'Sura of the Bee).
Fact: Milk and excretion come from different parts of the cow's anatomy.

Honey comes out of a bee's abdomen and heals men. (Al-Nahl 16:69 'Sura of the Bee')
Fact: Honey is not produced in a bee's abdomen.

All animals and all things that fly form communities like man. (Al-Anam 6:38 'Sura of the Cattle).
Fact: Many forms of life do not live in communities.

A piercing flame is a shooting star-a weapon of God used to strike devils. (Al-Saffat 37:6 'The Ranks' to Al-Jinn 72:8-9 'The Spirits' Al-Tariq 15:16-18, etc.).
Fact: Meteorites are solid lumps of matter which survive through the earth's atmosphere and reach the ground.

There are seven heavens, one above the other. Each holds different things-the lower being fitted with lights. (Noah 71:15-16; The Dominion 67:3; The Believers 23:17, 86, etc.).
Fact: Groupings of stars do not match the layering description in any way.

God threw down mountains like tent pegs to keep the earth from shaking. (The Prophets 21:31; The Bee 16:15; Lugman 31:10; The News 78:6-8; The Overwhelming 88:17,19).
Fact: Mountains do not keep the earth from shaking and are not in any way like tent pegs.

Seaman comes from the back or kidney area, not from the testicles. (The Women 4:23 'Al-Nisa'; The Heights 7:172 'Al-Araf.').
Fact: Seaman comes from the testicles.

Humans are produced by an ejaculated sperm that becomes (alaqa in Arabic) a leech-like clot, a clot of blood, a clot, depending upon which translation you use. (Resurrection 75:37-39 'Al-Qiyama'; The Believer 40:67 'Al-Mumin'; The Pilgrimage 22:5 'Al-Haij'; The Believers 23:12-14 'Al-Muminun').
Fact: Human development does not involve anything that fits the Koran's description.

Nursing passes on generic traits from mother to child. (The Women 4:23 'Al-Nisa').
Fact: No genetic traits are transmitted by nursing.
Solomon talked with ants, birds, and giants (not presented as a miracle or a fable). (The Ant 27:15-44 'Al-Naml).
Fact: This kind of communication does not happen.

Bear in mind here; this is what GOD is supposed to be saying to Muhammad to write down for all the world to heed. (Not to mention, all the rest, about what GOD(Allah) had/has to say about Christians and Jews being the vilest creatures on earth, and implying that Jesus Christ was a liar and a deceiver.) And on and on....all the things "Allah" has set forth in the Quran, which no-one seems to want to discuss in the media.

And why does the American media not want to talk about what the Quran actually teaches? –I think it may wll be because we have a generation ago who has taken GOD out our public schools, ignoring that our country was founded on Christian /Judaic principles, by the "People of the Book," as we are so described in the Quran. How can we argue the Quran, if we don't even know or understand our own Bibles? Do we believe there will be no consequences from tearing down what has made this country great? What is happening to our foundation on solid ground? "In God we trust" ? Which God were our forefathers praying and talking about? Which God, if any, is our country now fighting and dying for?

Wake up America! Truth is our only hope. "Seek and ye shall find." Do we really care, or do we prefer to be lulled to sleep, and overtaken? ...ZZzzzzzz. Christians, put on the full armor of God. (Eph.6:11). –dc

How much truth have we been told ? We are told so much lies by the media i can trust NO more. One of the blogger had posted something quite chilling from BBC America . May we see this again please? i could not find it any longer. I think reporters name is Alan Hart from BBC. i know other media is carrying this as well.
Somerset Sam: This is such a great idea of yours . I don't think the Imam would mind it at all.

@ Ivan Pokus September 8th, 2010 7:20 pm ET

Your copied and pasted email alludes to the concept that being a peaceful community will create complacency; therefore, taken over by terrorists groups or organizations. This is a false analogy. You are correct in that, for lack of a better term, terrorists (Natzi) were in power; not because of complacency, but by rhetoric and propaganda. You think for a second that you are not affected by rhetoric and propaganda? I will give you an example. On July 3, 1979, President Carter signed the first directive for secret aid to mujahidden guerrillas in Kabul. Therefore, the CIA aided the mujahideen guerrillas 6 months prior the soviet invasion in Afghanistan. Brzezinski stated the CIA gave aid in 1980, indicating it was after the Soviet invasion, which was incorrect. This is just one small example how incorrect statements made by government officials and expounded by the media can sway an entire population.

@doncolecartoons
You seem to have read the quran are you interested in converting but want logic?
If so ask yourself why islam so widely spread all over the world and why do so many celebrities choose to convert to islam. Also why are most islamic societies and families successful. Prophet Mohamed PBUH was a virtuous person and even some british writers wrote about his greatness. Look up writers about the prophet Mohamed. Sometimes basing the words of islam on logic and science is not the best way about trying to understand islam.

@Frances Pope
Well said I enjoyed reading ur post. I am a muslim and respect all religions.

@ doncolecartoons

You stated: "How can we argue the Quran, if we don't even know or understand our own Bibles?" You further went on to quote a number of mistranslated and out of context verses to make your point.

Here's another point: According to the Bible, the earth was created in 6 days and God rested on the 7th.

Fact: It took more than 6 days to create the earth, a few billion years is more accurate.

The Bible also states that on Day 1 the heavens, the earth, light and darkness were created. However the sun was not created until Day 4 – so how could there have been light before? The sun is also much older than the earth.

This approach to justify the superiority or inferiority of one religion over another is juvenile, as enormous factual flaws can be demonstrated against any number of religious texts including and especially the Bible.

Of course there is the issue of metaphor, exegesis, interpretation, analysis, influence, contextualization and developed commentary – all of which is forgotten in the haste to finger point and decry someone else's religious text, taken at a "face value" reading. Not a good approach and senseless.

@ doncolecartoons

You quoted the Quran: "Solomon talked with ants, birds, and giants (not presented as a miracle or a fable). (The Ant 27:15-44 'Al-Naml).
Fact: This kind of communication does not happen.

Guess what else does not happen: Virgin births, part divine-part human beings, dead person rising.

You stated: "Which God were our forefathers praying and talking about? Which God, if any, is our country now fighting and dying for?"

The United States Constitution serves as the law of the land and indicates the intent of our Founding Fathers. The Constitution forms a secular document and NOwhere does it appeal to God, Christianity, Jesus or any supreme being.

The US Government derives from people (NOT God), as it clearly states in the preamble: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union...." The omission of God in the Constitution did not come out of forgetfulness, but rather out of the Founding Fathers purposeful intentions to keep Government separate from Religion.

I hope that we are not fighting or dying for any God. If you truly believe that the US is a Christian nation – the ugly reality is that this nation has killed hundred of thousands of innocent Muslims (including many children) in Iraq & Afghanistan.

Rather than focusing on "arguing" with another religion, put the same effort into educating ourselves as Americans about our destructive policies. Argue against those policies that are a source of suffering and death inflicted upon others. That would be the Christian thing to do.

Nancy of NY & N.B had posted a video that was by Alan Hart from BBC that stayed on this blog and and web most of yesterday but hastily removed. Alan Hart is a British television executive with the BBC since over 20 years. Hart is an experience journalist not afraid of exposing a group of people who were responsible for 911 terrorism attack this happened around the same time the Burning Pastor of Florida with his flock of 50 was discovered and hit the media. Was this any coincidence? BPF was of NO importance until the media exposed him. We who lost love ones on 911 know the pain,our love ones will never return regardless who we blame. Millions of innocent victims were killed and are being created because of our ignorance. Why do we fear some truthful facts. Should we not show respect to the victims of 911 and there family by exposing the truth? I could not sleep all night after seeing the pain in the sisters eyes who was on Anderson Cooper holding her brother photo. I know that pain I been her shoes and my mom still lives. Is it not the duty of our media and our new government to let justice be served ? All we witnessing are distortion stories . Alan Hart believes in free media I hope one day our American media will removes it's shackles. The Imam is not our enemy our enemy is are blindness lacking the wisdom to see.

Let me share some Very Important story to everyone.

Italy invaded Ethiopia for 5 years and the undefeted Ethiopians fought without hesitated, sacrified and defeted the strong Mosoloni armies and declared freedom In 1941. The last place that a lots of Ethiopian had paid their expensive lives was AXUM which called the historic place until now. After everything was back to Normal, The Saudi Arabia Government request to Build the Mosque, but Had been rejected by King Haile sellassie.
This is continuing and normal mission from Muslim area. The whole my entire life, I never been against any religion and I don't support those wha are against also. But, I have some question to Most of the Muslims who never act aginst the Terriorist. It is time for you to show that you are strongly against by going out for peaceful demonstration AGAINST THE TERRORIST. The American People would like to see your stand practically. Building the Mosque next to the the 911 Victims will not make sense to everyone and that will not really make them against Muslims. If you really have sincerety for those innocent victims, Please build 911 Victims memorial behalf of your Community which will bring the community together. Also, the Victims Family as well as the American People would appreciate it lot.
God created us as one....Period. We all are his children, but 3000 innocent never made it home and their Spouces, Children Moms and Dads are still crying because of the Muslims Fundamentalist Terrorist attacked. Please, find something better to make them strong and comfort. This is not a Joke, we all have still the Night mare and the Pain. Please, change your Location and get our Peace.

Again, we look like fools to the world. What is even worse, we give power to Islamic terrorists by denouncing the building of the mosque. We fuel Al Qaeda's redhortic with our negativity over the building of the mosque.

Kassa M.
What do you know of pain? All you know is HATE period.Do we hate the Germans Christians because Hitler and his army were killed millions of Jews? Do I fear every Christian Priest because he would molest my child? Do I stay away from the Irish people because the are IRA killing there neighbors. Do I hate the Russians and all the Chinese because they are Communist? Do I hate all Jewish people because they killed Christ? Do I hate the Moslem's because they were 19 of them ? Have you heard Alan Hart on BBC or you tube? If you did you might want to think again. We in America build bridges to understand each other period.

Kassa M.
What do you know of pain? All you know is HATE period.Do we hate the Germans Christians because Hitler and his army killed millions of Jews? Do I fear every Christian Priest because he would molest my child? Do I stay away from the Irish people because they are IRA killing there neighbors. Do I hate the Russians and all the Chinese because they are Communist? Do I hate all Jewish people because they killed Christ? Do I hate the Moslem's because they were 19 of them ? Have you heard Alan Hart on BBC or you tube? If you did you might want to think again. We in America build bridges to understand each other period.

We do not have bad/good moslem. They all follow/believe the same book!

My Question to Imam?
Respectively, let me ask you one question:-
Where or How did you get that $100,000.000.00 (One Hundard Million Dollars). Can you really submit the sufficient documents to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?. My questions comes from our concern communities. If the Money came from Saudi Arabia or Another Oil Reachest Country(s), can you give some clarification?. If the Money was legal would you please, give it to the 3000 Victims Family and you will go to the Heaven. They may not take or accept it, but its good to try from your side. Also, the American and the Whole world would appreciate your approach; trust me.

It is time to be together without any religion differences. The American Men and Women are paying their expensive lives to protect us every single day. Why not start from individual to the community to be against the Terriorist. Why not show to the Terriorist that you are not supporting them and they don't represent the Muslim Community.

We are in the 21st Century and the Technology reaches sky rocket. The West and East Germany are together and no more Ideology differences. Why not teach the Muslim community about human value and diginity. Which quran says, if you kill some one that you will go to the heaven? That is totally very embarassing for the Muslim community, International or worldwide. Because of Lack of Education some young generation have been brain washed and joined to the Terrorist group, Alquada. I am sick and tired of to see or to hear when the American or UN Soldier die or wounded. Wherever you do as a muslim, has impact and will your people listen to you. Can you start a new Project atleast to teach your community. Such as: By using the regular Radio and Television against the terriorist Program.

What did you do when last time CNN shows about the news papers and flyer on the very busy trrafic around New York. Clearly the flyers was talking about supporting the Terriorist. We live in America and we are against America and its Children come on.....Give me a break. Those people were adults and knows what they were doing and personally..I called them Terriorist. This is too much Frdeem of Press or Speech.

We can Pray at our home at any time, but how much we tried to bring Peace around the world. Why The Muslim Fundamentalist are against the Christians? what did we do?. God is/will evaluated us from our Work(s) not from our Church or Mosque. Missionaries are traveling around the world, remember (Mother Terressa)who helped those people who needs help very desperately. But, they never thought to the people to be against the Muslim(s) or its religion except Love. Now is the time to Muslim community to start new Era from Neighborhood to the world wide to open a new Mission for Peace.

God Says, It doesn't matter wheather he/she is Reach/ Poor, Christian/ Muslim or any Color.......Love Your Neighborhood.
I am not trying to preach anyone, but just to express or release of my feeling as single individual Citizen to say enough is enough and its time to stand together to be against the Terriorist; who are doing sensless and meaningless which cost our men and women as well as the international troops lives. If we consider this and take it as a serious matter, we can eliminate the Terrorist and bring Peace to the whole world.

@ Masre

The $100 million has not been raised. It does not exist, this has been well publicized. The organizers of the proposed Muslim center had nothing to do with the actions of 19 criminals on 9/11, yet the inference is that they are somehow guilty and need to compensate the victims.

We acknowledge the efforts of our troops and thank them for their service, however American intrusion into Muslim lands has not made us any safer, in fact it created a backlash and made things worse. Any student of international relations can advise you that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have little to do with curbing terrorism and has everything to do with Geo-Politics. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and there are less than 100 Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Yet American aggression has killed hundreds of thousands of Muslims. NATO troops' abuse of civilians is well documented. So who here are the victims?

A Muslim center that welcomes other faiths to pray there and is moderate in perspective is what is required. It would foster integration rather than radicalization. Such a place would be under scruntity. The sentiment that Muslims should constantly apologize for 9/11 and "make up for it" is senseless, as the assumption is they are all "guilty by association". Unfair and unrealistic.

What is required are more balanced, moderate and constructive options for American Muslims. The negative attitude against the New York project is not going to achieve that aim, in fact it will worsen it.

Imam Rauf has assisted the FBI with their counter-terrorism, has worked an as advisor to Pres GW Bush and created a much needed organization to integrate Muslims into American society. Opposing moderate Muslims is not helpful (also stated by Bill Maher on LKL), as in their absence a void is created to accommodate more radical voices – something we definitely do not want.