CNN's Jack Cafferty Openly Criticizes Mosque Developers
On Thursday's Situation Room, CNN's Jack Cafferty questioned the motives of the planners behind the proposed New York City mosque near Ground Zero: "The developer... has said the proximity of the planned mosque and center is not an issue. Really?...It's simply unrealistic to think you can build a Muslim house of worship two blocks from where this awful thing happened, and not get a negative reaction."Cafferty raised the mosque controversy during his 5 pm Eastern hour commentary: "Sometimes no answer can be an answer. When asked if a portion of the $100 million needed to build the mosque and Islamic community center near Ground Zero here in New York City might come from either Saudi Arabia or Iran, the developers refused to comment. This only adds to the already heated controversy surrounding this project."
The CNN personality, after noting that "15 of the 19 hijackers responsible for the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, and the destruction of the World Trade Center on September the 11th, came from Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. considers Iran to be a sponsor of terrorism," applauded New York Governor David Paterson's effort to find a compromise over the planned mosque's site, labeling him "one of the few rational voices in the conversation."
Later in the segment, Cafferty, took the same position as his colleague David Gergen, and endorsed one of the main arguments of the opponents of the mosque: "This isn't about freedom of religion. Nobody's suggesting that Muslims can't practice their religion. This is about insensitivity to what happened on 9/11, and an affront to the city and the country." He concluded with "unrealistic" line: "It's simply unrealistic to think you can build a Muslim house of worship two blocks from where this awful thing happened, and not get a negative reaction. But then I think the developers probably already know that."
After asking his "Question of the Hour," Cafferty later read some of his viewers' responses near the end of the hour: three from supporters of the planned mosque and its current site, two from opponents, and one who commented about the point of view of Muslims on the issue. Two of the supporters' replies used Nazi comparisons to describe the opponents:
CAFFERTY: S. in Florida writes, 'Because it's simply wrong for them to give in to the mindless mass hysteria that's being whipped up around this. What we're seeing is basically the "swift-boating" of a major worldwide religion. They didn't start this, and as a life-long Christian, I stand with them in refusing to bow to this idiotic religious persecution. If these bonehead nay-sayers aren't careful, they could easily start another world war. Al Qaeda can retire. Their work is done if this mosque is not built.'The full transcript of Jack Cafferty's commentary, which began 10 minutes into the 5 pm Eastern hour of Thursday's Situation Room:
Esther writes, 'The reason I believe they don't want to move the mosque is totally religious. They want to show off what they have done, and where they have conquered. This is a bragging site, not a healing site. If they truly want to help with the healing, then show compassion for the victims of 9/11, and move to a location farther away.'
Wilhelm writes, 'Maybe because they believe in freedom of religion, and they're not going to allow themselves to be bullied. This phony controversy is just an attempt to further demonize an unpopular minority for political gain by the ultra-right wing of American politics. The same thing happened to the Jews in Germany in the 1930s.'
Tony writes, 'I thought it was pretty obvious why the Muslim community doesn't want to build their mosque and Islamic community center in a different location than Ground Zero. Would it have made sense to relocate the flag placed on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima in 1945?'
Kirsten writes, 'Nazis were Christians, and there's a church less than a mile from Auschwitz! It isn't about sensitivity- it's about bigotry. The proximity to Ground Zero- simply a red herring. If we shut this down, they, the proverbial "they" win by getting us to compromise the very ideals that make this nation great.'
Kenny in Virginia says, 'I work next to a company that is Muslim-owned. The employees' attitudes regarding Islam and America range from ultra-pacifist to ultra-heated. However, to a man, they all think that America is discriminating against them over this mosque. Clearly, the opinions are strong each way. You can extract what you want from the argument, but there's no denying that Islam is a very divisive subject these days.'
CAFFERTY: Sometimes no answer can be an answer. When asked if a portion of the $100 million needed to build the mosque and Islamic community center near Ground Zero here in New York City might come from either Saudi Arabia or Iran, the developers refused to comment. This only adds to the already heated controversy surrounding this project.
Remember that 15 of the 19 hijackers responsible for the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, and the destruction of the World Trade Center on September the 11th, came from Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. considers Iran to be a sponsor of terrorism. Nonetheless, New York Governor David Paterson, one of the few rational voices in the conversation, has told CNN that he's still working on trying to find a compromise site for the mosque and Islamic center away from Ground Zero.
The developer, Sharif el-Gamal, has said the proximity of the planned mosque and center is not an issue. Really? If the people behind this project are sincere about community relations, you'd think they'd do something about improving community relations, and talk to Governor Paterson about a compromise.
This isn't about freedom of religion. Nobody's suggesting that Muslims can't practice their religion. This is about insensitivity to what happened on 9/11, and an affront to the city and the country. The murders of 3,000 people were committed by Muslim extremists. That's the reason for the outcry from the families of the victims, from the rescue workers, and from New Yorkers in general- two-thirds of whom are opposed to this thing. It's simply unrealistic to think you can build a Muslim house of worship two blocks from where this awful thing happened, and not get a negative reaction. But then I think the developers probably already know that.
Here's the question: what's the real reason the Muslim community doesn't want to relocate the mosque and Islamic center planned near Ground Zero? Go to CNN.com/CaffertyFile, post a comment on my blog.
- Matthew Balan's blog
- Login to post comments
Comments
China Wholesaler Town -
Submitted by jywhy999 (not verified) on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 5:27am.
China Wholesaler Town - China's most viable wholesale supplier of promotional gifts, Wholesale Umbrella you can customize your own logo, no matter anywhere in the world! Wholesale Lighter Successful corporations realize Wholesale Camera that well-planned and well-executed employee incentives play an important Wholesale Speakersrole in helping reach objectives, Wholesale Razor building company morale, Wholesale Jewelryand rewarding both the employees and the valued customers.Wholesale Socks With promotional and novelty gift items, China Wholesale Town Wholesale Furniture International became a specialist in providing branding services. Recorder Pen We proud ourselves in being fast and accurate. Wholesale Scarf We can put your logo on all the products from our OEM / ODM ection. Wholesale Chair Most of our items can be decorated with logo or personalized with personal engraving. ladies Briefcase We delivering to virtually every country in the world Computer Desk. Our warehouse and office
are staffed by a young team of Chinese and Western staff Vacuum Storage Bag . Our professional staff will contact you as soon as possible to provide you with the best quality service through the mail and the telephone.Wholesale Briefcase We can provide customers around the world with many well-produced goods and good service,Wholesale Toys because of many years of
experience in friendly and Wholesale Stress Ball cooperative relations with many Chinese factories and suppliers. Wholesale Fan Here you can find all the most popular, Wholesale Clocks stylish, high-quality goods. Wholesale Sweatshirt China Suppliers, Custom Logo Imprinted, Wholesale Wallet Promotional Products, Promotional Gifts, Promotional Items, Waterproof Waist Pack Wholesale Suppliers, Wholesale Merchandise, Dropship Wholesale, Wholesale Accessories, Wholesale Directory China Wholesale Town - Most Reliable China Wholesale Suppliers, Wholesale Ashtray Custom Logo Imprinted Promotional Gifts, Promotional Items Products, Giveaway Material!Wholesale Pen If you want to start your business with some daily used items, Wholesale Pillow here is the site you need to check. It offeres many products like Bottle Opener, T-Shirts, Carabiner Wholesale Frisbee and Umbrella, Pen, Wholesale Carabiner ect. Under each product section, there are some detailes classification. For Wholesale Keychain, there are Coffee Mug, Water Bottle. For Wholesale Socks and Wholesale USB Products, there are also some detailed classifications. Wholesale Waterproof Case China Wholesale Town - China's most viable wholesale supplier of Promotional Gifts, you can customize your own logo, no matter anywhere in the world! China Wholesale Town - Most Reliable China Wholesale Suppliers, Custom Logo Imprinted Promotional Gifts, Promotional Products Items, Giveaway Material! If you want to start your business with some daily used items, Wholesale Kitchenware here is the site you need to check. It offeres many products like Wholesale Pom Poms, T-Shirts, Carabiner Wholesale First Aid Kit and Umbrella, Pen, Bottle Opener ect. Under each product section, there are some detailes classification. For Wholesale Cup, there are Coffee Mug, Water Bottle. For Wholesale Clap Hands and Wholesale Water Bottle, there are also some detailed classifications. China Wholesale Town - China's most viable wholesale supplier of Promotional Gifts, you can customize your own logo, no matter anywhere in the world! Wholesale Apron Top China Wholesaler-Buy Wholesale Promotional Gifts Promotional Products from China Our main products are consumer electronics, gifts and souvenirs, Wholesale Lanyard, health care products, beauty products, Wholesale Carabiner, automobile parts, household items, plastic products, metal products, Wholesale Mug, kitchen supplies, stationery, sports goods, toys, Wholesale Christmas Gifts, watches, leather products, etc. Tips for Choosing Sports Wholesale Halloween Gift; One Way To Protect Your Device - Wholesale Waterproof Case; Introduce The Wholesale Lanyard For You; Customized Cheaply Prices Promotional Caps-Wholesale Bag; And the Wholesale Clothes Rack also gradually become recognized best promotional product; Buying A Gift For your Friend Who Likes Reading-Wholesale Golf Products; Customized Printed Wholesale Vase
Personalization/Engraving Services
Some items, such as Crystal Award and Metal Coaster and Metal Money Clip and Metal Luggage Tag and Metal Keychain etc, crystal material or metal material products. Camera Tripod require a plate to be added for engraving. Wholesale Clothing These plates can added as your request.Bean Bag
Debossing/Embossing
Debossing services are offered on leather items. Such as Leather Wallet and Leather Mouse Pad and Conference Folder and Leather Name Card Holder etc, Debossing is a method that depresses yor company name or logo down into the surface of a leather item. Eye Mask Wholesale EarphoneThis method displays your company logo through the leather goods without color, Water Guncommonly known as "blind debossing". Wholesale MatWe use this method to ensure quality of your goods. Over time, Wholesale Keyboardcolor that is added to leather will fade or flake away.
Screen/Silk Screen PrintingWholesale Jacket
Screen or silkcreen printing is popular for our non-textile products. Poncho RaincoatThis screening can be either single or multicolored. such as Pen and and USB Flash Drive and Tape Measure and Mug and Water Bottle and Umbrella and Inflatable etc, plastic material, leather material, metal material, Wholesale Knifesilicone material, rubber material, Wholesale Candletextile material are available.
EmbroideryWholesale Mouse
At Corporate Snobs we pride ourselves in offering some of the best choices of customization in the industry.Wholesale Calculator
Our embroidery options are available for most of our monogrammed Tote Bag and Apron and Cap and Embroidery Coaster and Towel etc textile products.
Decoration styles vary per item. PVC Vase Each decoration style will be listed in the product page. Wholesale Mp3For various products, Wholesale Tie decoration options are available for customer to choose type of engraving desired. BB GunsThis will be noted as a choice with the item.Wholesale Earphone Promotional Products, Promotional Gifts, Electric Shaver Promotional items from China, Toy Guns Custom-made gift Wholesale, Promotional Giveaway Material! Sport Watch Wholesale Merchandise, Safety Belt Wholesale Suppliers, Wholesale Dropship, Door Mat Wholesale Distributors, Wholesale Accessories, Wholesale Watch Wholesale Directory, Discount Wholesaler Flexi Vase