Community | August 03, 2010 | 305 comments

Ground Zero Mosque Site Denied Landmark Status

source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/03/ground-zero-mosque-faces_n_668580.html?ref=twitter

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emarston
NEW YORK — A city commission on Tuesday denied landmark status to a building near the World Trade Center site, freeing a group to convert the property into an Islamic community center and mosque that has drawn national opposition.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 9-0, saying the 152-year-old building blocks from the site of the Sept. 11 attacks wasn't special or distinctive enough to meet criteria to qualify as a landmark. Commissioners also said that other buildings from the era were better examples of the building's style.

National and New York politicians and the Anti-Defamation League have come out in recent weeks against plans for the mosque, saying it disrespects the memory of Sept. 11 victims. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who also chairs the foundation building the Sept. 11 memorial, has defended plans for the mosque.

Several members of a crowd of 50 or 60 applauded, while others shouted "Shame!" as commission chairman Robert B. Tierney called for the vote. One opponent, Linda Rivera of Manhattan, held up a sign reading, "Don't glorify murders of 3,000. No 9/11 victory mosque."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/03/ground-zero-mosque-faces_n_668580.html?...
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305 comments // Ground Zero Mosque Site Denied Landmark Status

  • veeger
    • -1
      veeger  

    • Chris_Walker - You might be a nice guy, but I have learned not to trust your religion. Prior to 911, I would have been unable to say this. Since that day, I have learned much.

      I am one of the Americans who have never forgotten and owe no explaination for my objection to the mosque location.

    • 1 year ago
  • freecrack
    • +1
      freecrack  
    • veeger:

      so willfull ignorance before 9-11 made islam palatable, but the willfull ignorance you employ after 9-11 makes islam not acceptable.
      being as islam hasnt changed, just public opinion by some, may be islam isnt so much the problem as you are?

    • 1 year ago
  • Naumadd
    • 0
      Naumadd  
    • veeger:

      The location of the mosque is the business of New Yorkers and New Yorkers alone. After all, what right do you have to come onto my property and object to where I've placed the barbeque? My wife's a wiccan priestess and we have a pentagram on our door. Want me to move that too?

      How about I object to your choice of dinnerware? What part of "mind your own business" don't you understand? That you're an "American" - whatever one thinks that means - in the least doesn't mean you have claim over the whole damned place. I personally object to having a church on almost every f--ing corner. Of course, not my property, not my say. I think there ought to be bookstore on every corner instead.

      Of course, not my property, not my say.

      Not yours either.

    • 1 year ago
  • Chris_Walker
    • +2
      Chris_Walker  

    • I’m also proud to say that I’m a Muslim. There's nothing wrong with the Mosque / community center being built near the world trade center grounds. In reality the Mosque will bring about social exchange, so that those who misunderstand the religion of Islam can learn more about the community and Muslims who practice Islam. Anyone can visit the center, especial those who are open to learn. Ignorance has held so many back. Americans of all races and religions are trying to overcome the 9-11 tragedy and the pain it has cause. This anti-Muslim behavior is what radicals feed off of in order to build their support. Please learn to differentiate between a radical and a Muslim. This building symbolizes the effort that Muslims here in America are taking to regain the trust of their fellow Americans. Radicals don’t care about gaining trust. Radicals contorted a peaceful religion and committed a heinous crime nine years ago. We as Americans should not label and hate an entire religion for the acts of those who are not practicing Islam.

      Sincerely,

      Lifeguard, College Student, Fire Fighter, American Citizen, Muslim born and raised here along with my parents being born and raised here.

    • 1 year ago
  • freecrack
    • 0
      freecrack  
    • Chris_Walker:

      does the mosk not offer a prophetic validation of the jihadist narrative that if you martyr yourself for allah, islam will spread?
      do you not see the osamas of the world using it as direct proof that taking down the infidels monument results in the spread of islam if a mosk is built in proximity?

    • 1 year ago
  • Chris_Walker
    • 0
      Chris_Walker  
    • freecrack:

      Muslims must believe in all of the books of Allah (Torah, Enjil/Bible, Quran). The Ten Commandments iterate thou shall not kill. It is constantly noted in all of the books of Allah that it is not mans responsibility to take revenge in his hands. For those who believe that sacrificing their lives by blowing themselves as well as others up including Muslims is going to spread Islam in a positive light, they are all just corrupt and misinformed. The Quran teaches Muslims that suicide is the worst sin and unforgivable. The ideology of extremist is not that of the Muslims who truly follows Islam which is peace.

    • 1 year ago
  • freecrack
    • 0
      freecrack  
    • Chris_Walker:

      firstly unless you are an imam or have an authoritative understanding of islam you shouldnt be dictating its bonafides.if you are muslim by all means, but im just saying all religions have members that have varying degrees of adherance to thier faiths.

      im not talking about islam, im talking about jihadists who dont represent or adhere to islam, but are influenced heavily by it.i have no problem with a mosk being built in my back yard.as a jew ill be a lil sketchy on it, but i wouldnt make any pre-judgements as more jew friendly muslims exist than otherwise.

      the reality however is while jihadists arent true muslims, islam is an element in thier functions.for years fundamentalists have been preaching of the evil christian crusaders and the threat they pose despite none existing, just like we are doing with islam jihadi's in our culture now.the thing is just as our invading muslim territory made such nonsense seem legit, so would building that mosk.
      the time of the crusaders invading that terrorists have been prophesizing in the name of allah, has for all intensive purposes happened thanks to our reactionary western governments.
      if the end result of following the terrorist path is islam being spread through jihad, building the mosk would be bringing that to fruition.the martyrs did thier part to remove the infidel's monument, and a mosk goes up in its place that is powerfull proof that the terrorists speak the truth.it isnt like the osama's of the world are going to differentiate ground zero from 4 blocks away when spreading thier message.
      just like the 6 day war was seen like a divne miracle to fundamentalist zionists proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that god wants then to have the holy land, this mosk would serve the same to the manufacturers of jihad.
      im not talking about islam as a religion, but the effect it would have on jihadists.

    • 1 year ago
  • veeger
    • -3
      veeger  

    • One thing we as Americans must understand is that it is OK for Muslims to lie. If a Muslim is at a disadvantage in any given situation, their religious beliefs allow them to "smile with their face but hate with their heart". Taking this into consideration, we simply cannot trust any Muslim. Deceiving others intentionally makes it impossible to ever trust their motives.

      Now, knowing this, what are you going to do? Believe them? You can't!
      So where do we go from here? I feel it is up to every American to see that this site is protected and do all in our power to stop the building of the mosque. We need to see that it is really a symbol of what they feel is victory over the USA. The main question to ask is: Why this site? Remember, the answer they give might just be a lie. The solution would be to simply build it somewhere else. But that is not an option. WHY?

      If the pacifists and liberals have their way, this mosque will be built. It is the belief that evil does not exsist that will destroy this country. So it is up to all Americans who love this country to step up and speak up. Don't stop! Ever!

    • 1 year ago
  • pakazak
  • freecrack
    • 0
      freecrack  
    • veeger:

      you are taking the quran out of context, just like the jihadists do.fatastic.
      haram is a survival technique.survival from what you may ask, thats right christianity.way to go on that by the way with the inquasition.not only did it result in islam having that element, but judaism too.we are allowed to pray in churches as a result of temples being forbidden.
      reap what ya sew.

      if christianity doesnt have a massive strain of lying what is up with the high incidence of financial extortion, tax fraud, and sexual misconduct?

    • 1 year ago
  • Naumadd
    • +1
      Naumadd  
    • veeger:

      "smiling with your face but hating with your heart" is a human trait. Muslims have no monopoly in that. "Excessive hate" is usually the symptom of excessive love of something else. In the case of radical Americans its "America" and all of the other shallow symbolism they can plaster the name to.

      It's time for "Americans" to live up to the ideals they are so notorious for preaching but not following. If they truly believe in freedom of religion PROVIDED those in a religion respect the religion of others, then how about they finally show it rather than denigrating and marginalizing all but "good christian folk".

      In my experience, them folk ain't so good after all. In fact, many can be downright monstrous.

      Of course, "monstrous" is a human quality and even the christians have no monopoly in that failing.

    • 1 year ago
  • pissedoff
    • -4
      pissedoff  

    • Destroying the world trade center and killing over 3000 people was the greatest victory Muslims have ever had. They deserve to have a monument of there hatred for America at the site. Next, they will declare it a holy site and then claim it as their religious right to control and occupy New York

    • 1 year ago
  • emarston
  • Naumadd
    • +1
      Naumadd  
    • pissedoff:

      Not unlike the continuing victory dance of european descendants over the native peoples, eh? Notice how it's called NEW York rather than something native. Every wonder where the first York was/is?

      Answer: not here.

    • 1 year ago
  • Naumadd
    • +1
      Naumadd  
    • emarston:

      And not every American is a saint, either.

      Radical muslims versus radical Americans - that's what this is about. Meanwhile, genuinely peaceful people do what they can to minimize the harm to themselves and as many as they can assist.

    • 1 year ago
  • div
    • +4
      div  

    • I have trouble understanding why people don't see this as a chance for peaceful Muslims to "reclaim their religion" as the naysayers always protest. This is exactly what's happening. They are taking an area that was destroyed by people who used their name in horrible ways, and showing the world that they want to heal those wounds.

      But nothing will make people who want to hate happy.

    • 1 year ago
  • jeffreyak
  • div
  • Naumadd
    • 0
      Naumadd  
    • div:

      As ugly as it sounds, many of them are happy to see others writhing in pain, dying and dead.

      The savage takes great joy in the suffering of his prey.

    • 1 year ago
  • Stoneyroad
  • KSirys
  • oppressed1
  • Naumadd
  • shortround138
    • +4
      shortround138  

    • I just don't understand why anyone would need to build any kind of church in that area of New York. I believe in freedom of religion, and everything that make up the Constitution, and Declaration of Independence, but this just doesn't make sense to me. It isn't really a spot in New York booming with religious buildings. I can understand also, politicians trying to make some point about accepting the Islamic community, but let us honor our fallen in a more realistic way. Lets build a new facility for our returning veterans(god knows NYC needs one of those), or a decent monument to the fallen, or even a new firehouse.

    • 1 year ago
  • EdJoyProductions
  • KSirys
  • Naumadd
  • Naumadd
    • +1
      Naumadd  
    • Naumadd:

      Oh, and there were Christian churches in both Hiroshima AND Nagasaki before and after those bombings.

      You see, the Japanese can grow up too. Here's a thought: if Americans want to prove they can act like grown-ups, let's allow the building of a Native American community center right across the street from every town hall in America. That is in no way adequate penance for european hostilities on this continent ... but it's a minimal start.

    • 1 year ago
  • estee_arie
    • 0
      estee_arie  

    • freedom of religion and unity. besides build something - they have ignored that area and people have lost there business's and any kind of economic uprise in that part of NY would be positive. no matter what religion the patrons are. maybe this could be a movement for more business's to come back and prosper- they can throw a church up if they have to - to cradle the scared Christians. bottom line they need the people down there again - no matter who they are.

    • 1 year ago
  • troyl2
  • UtopianSky
    • +5
      UtopianSky  

    • Why do people keep saying "ground zero mosque"
      When it's not at ground zero, and it's not a mosque?

      It's a "south manhattan community center", but they don't call it that because "ground zero mosque" sounds so much more frightening.

      Huffington Post, of all places, should not have used that fear mongering terminology.

    • 1 year ago
  • JohnA
  • UtopianSky
    • +1
      UtopianSky  
    • JohnA:

      Fine with me-

      But the fearmongers at FOX would not consider that enough.
      They need to frighten the poor conservatives the way "ground zero mosque" does.

      I bet they want to call it "Headquarters for Obama's 9/11 Al-Quida Friends".

    • 1 year ago
  • pakazak
  • alexandrek
  • pakazak
  • alexandrek
  • oppressed1
  • emarston
  • Naumadd
    • +4
      Naumadd  

    • Although I don't in anyway celebrate the immature superstitious religions of the world - Judaism, Christianity and Islam to name a few - but I DO celebrate freedom of religion along with all of the other guaranteed freedoms we have here in the U.S. It is immature to characterize this building project as a "Terrorist's Friendship Club" rather than the center for Islamic fellowship, worship, community and education that's planned for the site.

      For centuries here on the American continent alone, christians have openly battled to "save souls for Jesus" everywhere they can travel - even and, sometimes, especially when it meant killing, raping, pillaging, burning to do it. They continue to stake their dominionist claim almost everywhere one turns in both North and South america and have dug their talons into American government threatening to rip apart what remains of any genuine civil liberties we might have in the United States. They have been, are similar to and, perhaps on close enough examination, even more monstrous than the radical terrorists of 9/11.

      Where is the enormous outcry against them that one hears now against only one small piece of Islam in New York?

      The U.S. certainly isn't a christian nation by any means, but let's not forget that it was the dominionist attitudes of largely christian nations who forced their will on this continent and against the peoples already here some five hundred years ago and let's not forget the forced resettlement and retraining of those same peoples by the descendants of those same invaders. It's hypocritical to cry "freedom of religion" while simultaneously supporting religious bigotry.

      Simpleton bigots within the American population continue the work of the 9/11 terrorists - tearing apart the United States from within.

    • 1 year ago
  • KSirys
  • slippyt
    • +2
      slippyt  
    • Naumadd:

      Wow very well said! At first I was weary of this issue because it did say "Mosque". People are now commenting that it is just a community center? (didn't read the actual article) Come on now, this really is just an easy way for them to get ppl fired up to fuel their own causes and religious bigotry.

    • 1 year ago
  • petarro
    • -5
      petarro  

    • The true hippie, ridiculous American would say Yes to this Mosque.
      Attack, Check.
      Thousands Dead, Check.
      Victims approving Trophy for the Attacker. Check.
      9/11 Mosque = Muslim WIN!

    • 1 year ago
  • eden49
  • KSirys
    • +5
      KSirys  
    • petarro:

      The true bigot, idiot American would say No this Mosque.
      Muslims involved, No.... Radicals, Yes
      Thousands dead because of Mosque, No.... because of Radicals, Yes
      Victims understanding that a group did it and not the Mosque, Yes
      9/11 = Nothing to do with the Mosque....

      You LOSE!

    • 1 year ago
  • alexandrek
  • petarro
  • KSirys
  • petarro
  • UtopianSky
    • +3
      UtopianSky  
    • petarro:

      How about this- no "ground zero mosque".

      None will be built, and none was ever planned to be built.

      Instead, they will build a "south manhattan community center".

      Happy now?

      And BTW- you need to learn what a TRUE American IS.

      A TRUE American believes in freedom of religion, and equal rights for everyone.

    • 1 year ago
  • Chopstick
    • -1
      Chopstick  
    • petarro:

      Okay, I will give you a point. Al Qaeda might see this as a win for their cause, BUT the people that are actually going to use this space are peaceful Muslims that are sad that they have to fight the assoication Americans have given them to Al Qaeda. Why should we punish them for something they had no part of and did not want to happen?

      Based on you logic, the Presbyterians should not be able to build churchs and fellowship halls because how crazy the Mormons are in Utah.

    • 1 year ago
  • JohnA
  • JohnA
  • emarston
  • KSirys
  • KSirys
  • EdJoyProductions
  • eden49
    • 0
      eden49  
    • KSirys:

      ...no worries, darlin'...I just can't feel warm and fuzzy about this...I'm a "feel it in the gut" type of sheila, and this gives me an uncomfortable feeling...and I won't go into detail, it's just a feeling...someone on here said, "insensitive", and I suppose that explains it for me...and as I said before I'd love to see a non-denominational situation here...

    • 1 year ago
  • EdJoyProductions
  • eden49
  • petarro
  • petarro
    • -3
      petarro  
    • UtopianSky:

      No. People laugh at true Americans. Remember that. And no, not a single respected Muslim would even think of being close or building something related in such place or near. There is no maybe/unrelated argument, simply forget about it, find another place. End of the issue.

    • 1 year ago
  • alexandrek
  • petarro
  • emarston
  • emarston
  • KSirys
  • Naumadd
    • 0
      Naumadd  
    • petarro:

      Christian churches in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? = check
      Shinto Shrine five miles from Pearl Harbor? = check
      Some Americans are genuine adults? = check
      Some Japanese are genuine adults? = check

      Many are not? = check

    • 1 year ago
  • Naumadd
    • 0
      Naumadd  
    • petarro:

      Despite their many human mistakes and misguided quests, those "pigs" have many times protected your ass from threats you didn't even realize existed ... and still do.

      Maybe just a bit more respect for them is called for. Pigs come in all sizes, shapes, colors and occupations ... or lack thereof.

      (decorated fifteen-year veteran in two different services by the way)

    • 1 year ago
  • Naumadd
    • 0
      Naumadd  
    • Chopstick:

      Funny you mention it - there are quite a few muslims, mosques, and muslim community centers in Utah - even in Salt Lake City.

      Funny how "those crazy Mormons" can see themselves to maturity where radical Americans cannot.

    • 1 year ago
  • estee_arie
    • +1
      estee_arie  

    • its a unity mosque to represent a new united future of tollerance love and non violence - whats so misleading about that. we live in a melting pot people. this is it.

    • 1 year ago
  • estee_arie
  • jubal
    • +4
      jubal  

    • 70% of the population of New York are immigrants and biggest immigrant explosion has occurred there since 1962.

      New York should be declared an international heritage city because of its diverse mixture of cultures...and because the United Nations is there. Basically Manhattan Island should become a city State independent from the United States.

      Wall Street can move to New Jersey.

    • 1 year ago
  • emarston
  • KSirys
  • emarston
  • KSirys
  • JanforGore
  • JohnA
  • jubal
  • alexandrek
  • freecrack
  • randallr01
  • eden49
  • jubal
  • EdJoyProductions
    • +2
      EdJoyProductions  
    • randallr01:

      People are so worried about offending Islam and not even thinking about how it seems offensive to the the family members of the victims.

      Personally, I don't give a shit. But what really bothers me is that the politicians, that don't really care about people anyway, seem to be cow towing to a religious group. Why is it only a religious organization that should have feelings considered and not a thought for all of the families that have been devastated by loss. I do not blame all muslims for 9/11, it was an act perpetrated by people with their own agenda. But it was based on a perversion of a religious belief (all religious belief is a perversion to me) and that one happened to be Islam. Putting a huge Islamic cultural center right in the area does come off as a slap in the face. I can not understand how people do not see that. If it truly is a religion of tolerance and peace (none of them are, but that is what they are claiming) then they should donate the property to veterans for rehabilitation. That is a real problem.

    • 1 year ago
  • eden49
  • KSirys
  • randallr01
  • Naumadd
    • 0
      Naumadd  
    • EdJoyProductions:

      Perhaps the Americas as a whole could be given back to those from whom it was taken.

      Let them decide what's best rather than the usurper's still rattling their swords after all these years.

    • 1 year ago
  • EdJoyProductions
    • 0
      EdJoyProductions  
    • Naumadd:

      I imagine that decision would be more well thought out and less infuriating, but that would be in a just atmosphere. Unfortunately that would never fly.

      Besides, it is kind of rude to give something back after you destroyed it.

    • 1 year ago
  • Naumadd
    • 0
      Naumadd  
    • EdJoyProductions:

      Well, to characterize some things as mere destruction wouldn't be entirely fair. Also, somehow, I don't think the native americans would complain much if the whole kit and kaboodle was given back to them free and clear in whatever condition it happens to be.

      Nature has a way of reclaiming what was rightfully undisturbed. The TV series "Life After People" makes that point rather clear.

    • 1 year ago
  • im1mjrpain
    • +10
      im1mjrpain  

    • Not sure what all the hype is about on this... WTF is the big deal? They are building a Islamic community center and it's at least two blocks away from ground zero. So what if i happens to have a mosque? Terrorists attacked us on 911 it has nothing to do with Islam whatsoever.

    • 1 year ago
  • onemalefla
  • emarston
  • Naumadd
  • freecrack
  • KSirys
  • pakazak
  • KSirys
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