Open Thread: Bloomberg Excludes Clergy From 9/11 Ceremony
By NB Staff | August 25, 2011 | 09:30
At just over two weeks out from the tenth anniversary of 9/11, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is receiving harsh criticism for his decision to exclude clergy members from the 9/11 memorial ceremony. A Bloomberg spokesperson explained that the focus will be on the victims and their family members, not on religious leaders. Others added that it would be impossible to include a leader from every single religious group.
Opponents to Bloomberg's decision counter that interfaith ceremonies played a huge role following the 9/11 attacks. Rudy Washington, a deputy mayor under former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, organized one such interfaith ceremony in Yankee Stadium only two weeks after the attacks. He strongly disagreed with Bloomberg's decision, saying, "This is America, and to have a memorial service where there's no prayer, this appears to be insanity to me."
Do you think religious leaders should play a role in the memorial ceremony, especially given their role immediately following the terrorist attacks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
According to City Hall, spiritual leaders have never played a role in the annual ceremony marking the 9/11 anniversary, and Bloomberg wants to keep the same tone. Many say that the tenth anniversary should be treated differently, though. With an international audience and attendance by President Obama, they believe the ceremony needs some interfaith elements.
As the New York Post points out:
It’s an undeniable fact that the 9/11 attacks were planned and carried out by fanatics in service of an extreme form of Islam. They were motivated, too, by hatred of those who embrace other religions, or none at all -- as Americans are wont to do.
So if the attacks weren’t secular events, wouldn’t an official secularization of the 10th anniversary ceremony be a moral victory for the perpetrators?
So what say you?
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Comments
Bloomberg reportedly also didn't invite many of the rescue . .
Submitted by Galvanic on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:36am.
. . .workers from outside the city.
The Anchoress has a lot to
Submitted by motherbelt on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:07am.
The Anchoress has a lot to say about this, and says it very well.
No clergy, no FDNY
Apparently, there’s just not enough room for all the First Responders who want to be there, because there are so many important people who must be there! They cannot be denied their photo-op, and their speechifying, and their postures and poses, even though most of them were not even in office on that dreadful day.
No, Michael Bloomberg’s Super Colossal, Low-Salt 9/11 Memorial and Networking Event is a big-ticket item for the the ones who can be tapped, later, for their money or their influence — the most important sorts of people.
And of course, some of the families of the dead will be allowed in. One does need them for the pictures, after all.
(emphasis mine)
Shameful.
MB, That was a beautiful article.
Submitted by Grumpy in Arizona on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:20am.
Thank you for linking it.
- Grump
(edit): That you = THANK YOU :o)
Hell yes!
Submitted by Red Jeep on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:37am.
Bloomberg has got to go.
Memorial service without religion? Are we all atheists now?
This is PC BS.
Oh yeah bring in an imam but
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:47am.
Oh yeah bring in an imam but no priests or rabbis.
Bloomers is Abhorrent
Submitted by Gat New York on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 8:51pm.
Let's call him what they probably called him in school - Bloomers - and he should have gone after his second term.
In my opinion if there is a lack of space then the current Governor of NY and NJ, the current Mayor of NYC, and the current president (small P) should not be invited since they had nothing to do with 9/11. And in their place they should invite appropriate and representative clergy and first responders.
Bloomer inherited the miraculous rejuvination of NYC by Rudy Giuliani and has added nothing in his 3 terms of any substance. He parades around like a Napolean expecting that everyone will see things his way - like agreeing that KSM should be tried in Manhattan or backing the right for the Ground Zero Mosque.
and the terrorists claim another victory
Submitted by ThisnThat on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:45am.
What isn't allowed at Ground Zero now? Religious services, of course.
But what is allowed? A mosque. Must be a non-religious mosque, though, right?
The terrorists have won the war, 10 years after winning the first major battle. And they did it by totally understanding the liberal rot that infests our government and culture. And the MSM will celebrate, and call this "the right decision, by a courageous mayor who's sensitive to the feelings of our friends -- muslims -- and who won't cave in to our enemies and true terrorists -- the Tea Party".
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
Turn in that yearbook or go to jail
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:45am.
Heard on Boortz yesterday that Big Bear High School in San Bernardino, CA has told students to turn in their yearbooks or face jail time. It seems that a picture got in there from a winter dance where a 17 year old had his hand up the dress of a 15 year old discovered in the background. San Bernardino cops told the students if they didn't turn the books in they could be charged with possessing child porn. The yearbook will be returned once the picture is cut out.
Can't make this stuff up
Submitted by ThisnThat on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:53am.
And yet, in another news story this morning, the Health & Human Services website is pointing to another website that says "children are sexual beings". So obviously, the San Bernardino cops are wrong.
It's time for o'bama to man up and call these cops wrongheaded, and then sponsor another beer summit. Children welcomed, of course.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
I see Warren Buffet just
Submitted by ThisnThat on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:50am.
I see Warren Buffet just bought $5B shares of BoA this morning. My question is -- how could he? Why didn't he write a $5B check to the Government, instead? What's going on here -- just how rich does Buffet have to be? How much money is enough? Why isn't he interested in the poor, the disadvantaged. Why can't he show his feminine, human side?
All these questions that Friends of o'bama (FOOB) should be asking -- but won't, precisely because he is a FOOB and hypocritical comments don't matter when uttered by a rich dim.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
He is also going to hold a
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 1:07pm.
He is also going to hold a fundraiser for Obama in September
Doing Obama's bidding
Submitted by djm159 on Fri, 08/26/2011 - 9:56am.
Odd, how Buffet had a meeting at the Vineyard with the Marxist in Chief before the transaction. Gee, I wonder what possessed the billionaire extraordinaire to purchase the shares and make 254 million in one day from the transaction. This president is a criminal and skirts Congress whenever possible. All he knows how to do is incite riots in other countries, overthrow governments in favor of Muslim Jihadists, i.e., the Muslim Brotherhood, destroy America and blame Bush. Is it 2012 yet? I can't wait impeach the Marxist now - and I apologize for an disrespect to Marxists for that harsh comparison but if the shoe fits put that puppy on.
Yeah, he's Mr. Secular - except about the Victory Mosque,
Submitted by SickofLibs on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:51am.
which he renewed his advocacy for in the very same statement about how the 10th ceremony will be handled.
This MF became mayor only three months after 9-11... under his "stewardship", the permanent 9-11 Memorial is still not finished, 10 YEARS LATER. That, my friends, is simply disgusting.
How much you wanna bet that
Submitted by Kenyon Schraeder on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:58am.
How much you wanna bet that Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson will not only be there at the ceremonies but that they will also somehow formally address their "constituents" and "coalition"?
Hard to find a bigger or more calculating and pandering phony than the diminutive mayor of NYC.
Bloomberg's bias
Submitted by ohio granny on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:58am.
I would like to ask him why he is against Christianity. Does he not know, or maybe he just does not care, this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles?? Or is it that he would rather cater to muslims? A mosque at ground zero, but not rebuilding the Greek Orthodox church that was destroyed by MUSLIMS??
What in the world is wrong with this picture? I don't recall ever seeing anywhere in the world where Christians are destroying anyone or anything to force people to accept Christianity. HIndus and Buddists do not do this. Only MUSLIMS do this.
Bloomberg: Changing the meaning of “Memorial”
Submitted by Grumpy in Arizona on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:02am.
If he wasn’t just such a smarmy manipulator, one might conclude that Bloomberg was saving the families of the victims from having to sit and listen to a lecture from a representative of Islam… who would “have to be invited” in the name of religious fairness. But, all that it really means is that Bloomberg is a moral coward that will not step-up to the plate and allow the memorial to be seen as a comfort to the victim’s families lest it be perceived as politically incorrect. The slug!
However, 9-11 will be memorialized in thousands of Christian churches and Jewish Synagogue’s during the week and on the 11th. Perhaps the mayor will be more comfortable attending a “celebration” at a mosque.
- Grump
Grumpy
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 2:54pm.
Yesterday i ask a question on the OT about Giffords. You must not have seen it. Is Giffords all there? It seems to me the Democrats are hiding her problems. I saw the article about the teacher that was going to challenge her being called about every name in the book. It seems to me if she can't function she needs to step down.
Rick,
Submitted by Grumpy in Arizona on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 5:18pm.
Been away from the ‘puter most of the day and am about to go out for the evening… but wanted to get a quick reply to you.
Is Gifford’s all there? …Well she never was to begin with (IMO), and getting shot in the head sure didn’t help. I’d bet real money that the ‘Rat’s are covering her problems up, being she is the media’s darling - but as to her real condition I just don’t know. Anyone who may challenge her, whether Rep. or D’rat is going to catch pure hell from the media.
And NO… she will not step down. BTW we here in AZ have p/u another house seat, and what that does to the equation is also not known… We have an “Independent Commission” redrawing the district lines.
Have a great evening!
- Grump :o)
What gives this guy the right to prohibit anyone?
Submitted by JLin on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:29am.
A classic Statist: "This is my town you peons."
Mayor Bloomberg
Submitted by palmaceiahome on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:33am.
No trans-fat, No Salt , No Smoking ( Unless it's pot) No SUV's, No pork, No Beef, No Carbohydrates,And now No Pray, Ideally Bloomberg would like to have an Imam deliver a speech on how Americans are all a bunch of Islamophobics and scold us in the process.@ Liberal insanity gone a muck
You forgot no guns
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 2:54pm.
You forgot no guns
What about the dead clergy?
Submitted by CobraMan on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:30am.
"A Bloomberg spokesperson explained that the focus will be on the victims and their family members, not on religious leaders."
What about the religious people who died during that attack, like the Priest who was one of the first victims? Don't they have a voice any more? Bloomberg, you're a pompous ass! YOU better not show up! After all, NONE of your family died on 9/11!
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus. The US Supreme Court
Or Anwar al-Awlaki.
Why would they want to be part of it?
Submitted by seeker25801 on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:33am.
Since God chose to answer the prayers of the terrorists and aided them in a successful mission, why would religious leaders want to take part?
Huh?
Submitted by CobraMan on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:37am.
Huh? I don't think God had much to do with the attacks on 9/11. You see, there's this little thing called "free will..." But, hay, nice try at being a troll.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus. The US Supreme Court
Or Anwar al-Awlaki.
I see the new ACME Deluxe In-Home Lobotomy Kit
Submitted by Dave. on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:59am.
...actually works.
-Dave
seeker,
Submitted by Agnostic on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 1:24pm.
please tell me you are not arguing on the side of agnostics and atheist
Seeker,
Submitted by packman on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 3:30pm.
if you find yourself in a very dark place and you smell something funny, could be 'cause you've got your head up your ass.
"...Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread..." ~Thomas Jefferson
Let's face facts..........
Submitted by Herbster on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:45am.
The reason Bloomberg does not want clergy present is obvious. He does not want to call attention to the fact that MUSLIMS who practice the "Religion" called ISLAM murdered 3,000 + people on 9/11. He probably got a phone call from CAIR giving him his marching orders. This man is a disgrace - and is insulting the survivors and families on this tenth anniversary of 9/11. His concern is "Muslim feelings," not the importance of the date. He also stated recently that, "It's time to start "Playing down" 9/11 starting with no longer reading the names of the fallen." Maybe when obambi shows up (Photo op?) the two of them can go for a halal meal.
This whole idea of no clergy is surreal. By doing this, we are not honoring the fallen, we are giving lie to those responsible. Bloomberg and his ilk will continue to water down the date of 9/11 until it loses all meaning. Multiculturalism and murder are now one and the same in his eyes. We don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. PC reigns. To paraphrase Animal Farm, "All religions are equal - it's just that some are more equal then others."
Bloomberg is all for building the mosque near ground zero. After all, don't the muslims deserve a victory mosque? How about a synagogue and a church on eother side of the mosque, Mr. Bloomberg? For the answer, refer to the Animal Farm quotation above.
Pray for our nation.
Comrade Bloomie should be banned from the event himself
Submitted by Dave. on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:53am.
This anti-American, tyrannical statist jackass of an elitest jerk has no business being there in the first place, as not only was he not the Mayor of NYC when the attacks took place, but he stands against just about everything this country stands for.
My ancestors did not fight for, and in some cases die for, a nation that permits tyrannical politicians to tell the American people what they can or cannot eat, where they can or cannot smoke, how much salt they can put in thier food, nor how many sodas they may or may not drink.
No, my ancestors killed tyrannists such as that.
They referred to them as commies.
-Dave
i agree. He needs to get back
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:27am.
i agree. He needs to get back on his gun grabbing campaign. He is so energizing the country to stock up on guns and ammo. Gun makers and ammo makers love him.
rick,
Submitted by Dave. on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 8:46pm.
Yep, nothing boosts business quite like a gun-grabbing politician.
And stay dry, my friend.
LOL - The last Irene I met was a real handful. :-)
-Dave
A Bloomberg spokesperson
Submitted by bkeyser on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:02am.
Under this guise, they could also exclude:
However, since the all of the victims were equally lost due to the actions of one particular religious sect, wouldn't it also be appropriate that no one from that group be in attendance less they might upset the victims family members?
Sorry excuse for a mayor
Submitted by jon_torlin on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:06am.
By excluding the clergy, he's showing through his actions that he's siding with the terrorists. The reason is simple: It was an attack by Islamic terrorists, they did it in the name of Allah, and anyone not of Islam is an infidel and is to be killed. Given the city council's allowance of the mosque, they too are siding with the terrorists. Religion is not involved even though they think it is. A mosque is a point of victory, a coup, and always has been. Let me say that again: RELIGION IS NOT INVOLVED. Islam is a way of life(through death).
Therefore in the end, this ceremony on the 10 year anniversary is a victory celebration for the terrorists, not a memorial for the victims.
Damn you, Bloomberg and damn you, you people who think there's absolutely nothing wrong with this.
-Jon
With this, Bloomberg,
Submitted by texasborngranny on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:06am.
has ceded victory to the 9/11 devils who murdered innocent office workers, first responders, clergy, and many others.
Oh, yeah, Bloomberg is an idiot.
Bloomberg is an a**
Submitted by nanabanana on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:21am.
Well, NB Staff - I think you got a lot of 'what say you', eh? And I say "AMEN" to every damn post (except trolls)! God help us!!
Honor the Victims
Submitted by Joe W. on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:33am.
I suggest that in order to truly honor the victims of September 11, 2001, and to send a message to all those who are ceding victory to radical Islam by banning clergy or other religious expression from this "memorial"....Americans BOYCOTT this farcical show of capitulation in the City of New York. An organized protest march through Ground Zero, led by clergy of all faiths during the event would be a beautiful sight. I, for one, will NOT be watching this travesty that day. I will say prayers and meditate over the events of that fateful day, as opposed to glorifying radical Islam. And I will do so with my TV off.
totally agree with you, Joe.
Submitted by texasborngranny on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 12:49pm.
Maybe a way to truly honor the victims of the September 11 attacks is to have hundreds (or more) people that just happen to show up in centralized locations at the same time this travesty is occurring in NY.
Just think of it, people spontaneously gathering and pausing in prayer (and maybe singing the National Anthem and God Bless America) all across the US, from small town squares to Times Square, Union Station, college quads, etc.
TBG, I like that
Submitted by Scuba Dude on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 1:35pm.
TBG, I like that idea.
Sadly Bloomberg is my Mayor, but what I wouldn't give to see his face when THOUSANDS of people spontaneously break out singing the National Anthem or God Bless America.
Heck, I think his head would explode if they all started reciting the Lords Prayer.
hmmmmm,
Submitted by texasborngranny on Mon, 08/29/2011 - 8:10pm.
wonder what would happen if the crowd busted out (hope that's not too violent an image) singing Amazing Grace, or Jesus Lives... oops, that ole Southern Baptist upbringing rearing its ubiquitous head.
Obama's faults
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 12:14pm.
Obama's faults
Hurricane Irene Updates
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 2:21pm.
i have set up a topic in the Latest News forum for Hurricane Irene updates. I'll be here near ground zero to give you a blow by blow as to what is happening once it starts to rock and roll around here.
Stay safe and report any
Submitted by Dan Diego on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 7:05pm.
Stay safe and report any Jerry Rivers sightings.
OK you Marines no more
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 3:13pm.
OK you Marines no more farting around Afgans. It is time to get the hell out of that hell hole.
Nothing complex here!
Submitted by milootoole on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 3:40pm.
Bloomberg sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Bloomberg character is a
Submitted by Barack Must Go on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 4:14pm.
This Bloomberg character is a pathetic excuss for a human being....truly Obama-like even.
NO religious ties
Submitted by Mutantone on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 7:25pm.
But the ground zero "Prayer Center" better know as the Cordoba House is allowed.
Breaking News:
Submitted by stratman on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:49pm.
President Obama has just confirmed that the DC earthquake occurred on a rare and obscure fault-line, apparently known as "Bush's Fault". Obama also announced that the Secret Service and Maxine Waters continues an investigation of the quake's suspicious ties to the Tea Party. Libertarians however have proven that it was caused by the founding fathers rolling over in their graves
Good one, Strat
Submitted by Blonde on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 10:29pm.
I think BK did a photoshop to go with that.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 109 (and Counting)
Good Subject For BK
Submitted by stratman on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:31pm.
Thanks. Received it in an email, original source unknown.
Sad day here in Baltimore
Submitted by bkeyser on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:56pm.
Last night, one of my favorite Orioles while I was growing up, Mike Flanagan, committed suicide at his home in Sparks. He was a crafty, battling, left-handed pitcher, a Cy Young Award winner with a helluva curve ball- that big sweeping kind that dove hard to a right handed hitter's back foot. He was currently working as a color analyst for the Orioles and always brought his extensive knowledge of the game and a really sharp wit to the telecast. Mike was 59. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Mike, and may God ease this very difficult time for his wife and three daughters.
Like his hero obama,
Submitted by LAM SON 719 on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:09pm.
Like his hero obama, bloomberg is an piece of islamic pandering human garbage. The event will be obama fund raiser.
Russian Soyuz ISS supply ship Progress 44 crashed and burned
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 08/26/2011 - 12:25am.
Thank God there were no actual humans aboard.
Nor were there any Obama NASA outreach Muslims aboard, either.
I just hope Ron Garan and Mike Fossum make it back in one piece, as well as the rest of their ISS crewmates.
-Dave