As far as Ahmadinejad, let him go. Let him see the fruits of terrorisms labor.

All he's going to see is a gigantic construction site. Doesn't really have the same effect.

Ps- HE PAYS FOR TERRORISM'S LABOR.

I am amazed at the sickness becoming more prominent in this country. How would any american come to the conclusion that it would be ok for Ahmadinejad to come to New York City, the US, much less ground zero. For you liberals working on limited brain cells, that would be like inviting the Emperor of Japan to Pearl Harbor to do a photo op, on Dec. 8, 1941. Or how about inviting OJ to his inlaws how to see how they are dealing with their grief. Or Hitler to London to get a gander at how powerful his bombs were. What are you liberals nuts. You have become so politically correct that you have lost everything that is American. You claim to stand for the law of this nation. You are horribly ignorant of the heart and soul of our founding fathers. Incidently, they didnt invite the King to come to the White House to see just how burned down it was after 1812. What are you thinking? Will some politician have the guts to stand up and be a true American and not the sick version we see today. Whats next Osama being invited to address the UN. Come on, get real. Are there any real americans left out there? If so please speak up.

Some of you people may not like Ahmadinejad, BUT it doesnt mean he doesnt have the right to visit A PUBLIC PLACE in "the land of the free" to pay respects to those that died. Sure he may not be the most nicest guy. But bush has killed a good number of people too. Hypocritical are we?? I guess the U.S can do no wrong right? Gulf of Tonkan anyone? We sponsor terrorist too. We funded AL CIA DUH and the taliban and armed Iran and Iraq. Rumsfeld sold weapons to Saddam in the 80's. Who's the sponsor of terror now? US. We are no better than they are. Grow up. Do the research before believing everything the mainstream media spoon feeds you. You fools.

Posted By Jim, Durham NC : September 20, 2007 8:37 pm

Considering how much Bush likes to say that the Saudi's are our "friends" and considering that the Royal House of Saud is the Arab part of the Royal House of Bush, why would they be denied access to the pit?

As far as Ahmadinejad, let him go. Let him see the fruits of terrorisms labor. Besides, since when were we in the habit of denying anyone access to "the land of the free and home of the brave"?

Posted By Jim, Durham NC : September 20, 2007 8:37 pm

I live in the NY metro area and have visited the site on many occasions … what's your point? And, why would the Saudi's be denied access to visit the pit? They are the Arab branch of the Bush Family, and Bush likes to say how much the Saudi's are our friends, so why wouldn't they get permission?

Perhaps its a good idea for Ahmadinejad to go and see for himself what terrorism does. And, I didn't realize we were in the habit of denying people access to roam the "land of the free and home of the brave".

You posters with all that hate for this buddy of bush's are just too dimwitted to understand that this war is a hoax,the threat from saddam never existed.Lies that you people perpetuate because you just regurgitate your anti-american dogma of "kill the infidels" that the right-wingers programmed into you.Now you want to win the bogus war by nuking the world!Yeah,real smart move morons.There's a great deal on land in the desert,you seem perfect for it.Suckers that attack american values because their leader is a theocrat (and talks to ahmedinejad daily about their scam,)need to stay home and stop voting.Bush and Ahmedinejad are best friends,each uses the other to get support from their respctive moronic denizens.These posts are proof.

Wow…shocks me how many people would defend a man who denies the Holucast, is the leader fromthe leading state sponsor of terrorism and seems to get endless invites to come to the US by the UN. THAT WE HAVE THE UN IN THE US AND LET IRAN AND CHAVEZ COME SPOUT THIER IDIOCY SHOULD BE PROOF TO THE WORLD THAT WE ALLOW FREE SPEECH! Not to mention that we pay for the UN to not only be irrelevant but spew hatred towards the US.

No one is saying the Iranian people can't visit Ground Zero…the Iranian people are good folks, just not their leader.

Would the left-wing rather call Bush, "Hitler" or promote the guy that denies Hitler ever committed the autrocities he did?

As for those who compare this to Pearl Harbor…When the War on Terror is won, like WW II was (with a Nuke none the less) I say let any leader come see Ground Zero.

Shocks me how much the far left hates the US…these posts confirm that.

Anyone who thinks the WTC site is "public space" has clearly never been there since 9/11.

Ahmadinejad wants to go INTO the site, which for all intents and purposes doesn't really exist anymore. It's a gigantic construction site.

Either way it doesn't surprise me at all that people think we have some responsibility to let him go there. They whine about Saudis, but have any Saudis asked to visit the site?

Liberals on this board want us to treat Ahmadinejad as if his military isn't killing American troops in Iraq. That he somehow deserves "hospitality."

You make me sick, the lot of you.

To eunice,Md,I'll try again,your "good english" comment displays your lack of education and your silly response to my post shows your lack of reading comprehension.Try using a dictionary.Your attempt to slander me is futile.Maybe you should study a little more before making such foolish comments.

Interesting censureship here.

Posted By Chris, Middletown, CT : September 20, 2007 2:51 pm

How old are you? Sorry to burst your Bubble Yum bubble but I'm not the left-wing advocate you think you know I am. Actually, you couldn't be farther from the truth as I'm more of a moderate, but I digress … based on conversations I've had with a cousin who just retired from the Air Force after 23 years, and had security clearances up the wazoo because of the type of work he did, those who do not have the proper security clearances outside of the Oval Office are not privy to raw intelligence, i.e. all data mined from the intelligence agencies before diseminated and compiled into a formal report and given to the public. By public I mean most in Congress and the public in general. I am, however, flattered that you think I've got that kind of pull wherein I would have access to raw data prior to its disemination for public view.

Yes, that's exactly what I said. Iranians mourned those lost on 9/11. Unless we're looking at two different Irans, I distinctly remember there being a vigil in Tehran in which thousands attended. Use the googles on the internet tubes to look into that before condemning me as "insane."

As far as your simplistic generalization of where I obtain my information. Sorry to burst that Bubble Yum bubble again but … you would be wrong. And, unlike the die-hard Republican you are I can retain more than just what's given to me in a 30 second soundbyte.

Acutally, we supplied information and limited capabilities to IRAQ during the Iran/Iraq War. Many other European nations supplied Iraq with weapons, as well. Why? Because Iran and the Islamic Revolution posed a bigger threat in the Middle East at the time. And we're finally seeing that threat emerge.

I've spoken with friends from Iran and they describe a country that is on the brink of a revolution on any given day. The young population is mostly pro-western but the older generation is staunchly in-step with the theocracy. The Islamic Revolution never materialized much benefit to society in the way of progress…and the population under 30 is widely aware of the failings. But they have no power currently…
which is why we pressure Iran

"Despite the hatred some have for the US and our government, the US is not a breeding ground for terrorists unlike the Middle East for the past 40 years."

haha yeah, you're right. We breed them OVER THERE so we don't have to breed them at home. Brilliant strategy!

If we've been fighting a war w/ Iran since 1979, then why did we supply them with weapons during their conflict with Iraq in the 1980s? We're arming a nation while simultaneously being at war with them? Wouldn't that be treason?

Yes yes, the US is the worst country in the world, we are the global terrorists and bush is worse than hitler…now that we've got that cleared, can we take a second to review reality?

Not that my comment will change anything, but here it goes:

1.) The government of Iran is fighting a proxy war with the US currently. Supplying insurgents/al Qaeda with weapons and training. This isn't really a question.

2.) Ahmadinejad was one of the students who took hostages in 1979. This isn't Sarkozy or Merkel that is visiting the US.

3.) Yes, Iran did not particpate in the actual 9/11 attacks, but they are a supporter of terrorism. This isn't about the site of the Twin Towers, it represents our resolve and fight against terrorism.

4.) Ahmadineajad is 'paying his respects'? This man has shown no respect for the lives of innocent free people. Have you not read about the Persian-American scholars he was holding in jail for the past 4 months?
have you not read about the crackdown on students, the violent repression of protests, and the barring of candidates from running for office? The Iranian government, despite the pro-Western youth, is not looking to pay respects to our dead.

5.) Despite the hatred some have for the US and our government, the US is not a breeding ground for terrorists unlike the Middle East for the past 40 years.
It took the Lockerbe bombing, the Munich Olympic massacre, countless plane hijackings, disco bombings in Germany and Malyasia, barracks bombing in Beirut, the '93 bombing of the WTC, the twin embassy bombings in Africa, the USS Cole attack, the '01 WTC attack, the pentagon, pennsylvania. We stopped bombing plots for airplanes over the Pacific, the shoe bomber, the millenium bomber, and countless others…It took all of that before the US decided to finally respond.

While Saddam was developing weapons in the 1990s we were so focused on stopping him that we were blind to Iran beginning to develop its nuclear weapons program.

This is the same Iran that only 25 years ago sent tens of thousands of kids to walk through the minefields during the Iran/Iraq war.

5.) I'm torn between not approving of Ahmadinejad being allowed on American soil outside of the UN, or letting him try to get to the WTC site with his security detail and letting the people of NY decide whether they'll let this man make a mockery of our fight against Islamic facism.

To Ed,Ellenville,New York
You are not making any sense and you can't even speak good English. How dare you attack Joe like that. You need to be checked out because only a sick person like you would make the kind of statement you are making and supporting that fool in Iran.

Veronica –
I'm glad to see you are reading my blog (at least someone is..) – from your posts you are a left wing advocate – content in the belief that you are privy to all intelligence reports that our President is – and can made all your assessments based on pure facts….you are saying the "Iranians mourned"? what are you insane – they cheered…and had rallys in the streets….dragging pictures of our leaders through the streets and burning them – Iran is sending arms to the Insurgents….you need to read something other than the DNC (or MoveOn) website….oh….almost forget – Hillary rots!

He has not learnt anything from Saddam's experience. Saddam exhibited the same type of arrogance and look at what happened to him and his mouthy sons. The guy is pathetic and they should let him go to ground zero but with no security. He made that request because last time, Iran's spiritual leader came to the U.S. and they allowed him to visit the National Cathedral in DC to defend his country's nuclear ambitions and not because he wanted to go there and worship. No muslim will ever allow a christian to step into their mosque just to go and talk politics. This is like a slap on our face for this animal to come and request to visit ground zero. This is just too painful to imagine. I can't believe that he even had the nerve to dare think about something like this.

To Joe in Chi-town,it is you with the naivety my friend.The problem you have is of your own ignorance.Ahmedinejad only represents the same ignoramus's as bush represents here.Lies and propaganda are subverting your position,making you the fool.Support the war and you're sure to have war to fight for thousands of years,pretty short-sighted of you.Is that what you want for the future?

I sometimes wonder if we should let the Iranian President visit hollowed ground and see the harm that was done against innocent people and has affected not only America but the world. Let him see the day our country lost its innocence! However, to many nations over the World and sadly many Americans too, our country is the alleged "bad guy"! Therefore, this time around, let's promote the reputation of being the "bad Americans"!

This is an important issue to remember in the future, especially, should a Democrat be elected for President!

Re:James, Phoenix AZ
You said:
"How about President Bush request a guided tour of Medina and Mecca? Think anyone living in the middle east would object?"

Man alive that was awesome….and hell yeah they'd be sooooo pissed methinks.

I agree it is just a photo op. and I, too, don't see how Iran was responsible but they do sponser terrorism. at the same time, why is it our leaders suck up to the Saudi's as they support the most radical form of Islam, Wahhabism?? they have totally funded it for the last 20 years to the tune of $70 billion. I guess our need and consumption of their oil has not only fuelled our cars but also global jihad.

This is a very important issue to remember…where our Presidential hopefuls for the Democrats stand should one get elected….

Ahmadinejad wants to visit ground zero just to get a rise out of people. And guess what? It's working perfectly. He's probably getting a good laugh at all the people shaking their fists in outrage.

What's worse is that the candidates are using Ahmadinejad's request for nothing more than personal gain. The candidates aren't appealing to the NYPD who have to provide armed escort for the Iranian President. Otherwise the requests for denying the visit would have gone directly to the NYPD, not released to the mass media.

The candidates are grand standing and pandering for nothing more than votes. It's all about politics and has nothing at all to do with giving respect to the people lost on 9/11.

Those who see no problem with Ahmadinejad's proposed visit are ridiculously naive. Simple retorts of "Is Iran behind the 9/11 attack?" and complaints of a lack of respect for a visiting head of state ignore WHY he would want to visit the site. Given his expressed views concerning America and Islamic fundamentalists, whose memory do you think he intends to honor by visiting the site? Must we facilitate a visit by someone who probably wishes to honor those who killed Americans there at that site?

Adam, Persians are generally nice people. It's the ones who think of themselves as Iranians who are troublesome. Example: People who think of themselves as Americans compared to people who think of themselves as Republicans or Democrats.

Sad that so many fools are so infuriated by something they heard from the bush administration.Don't you people know what "sabre rattling" is?This phony gripe against Iran is taking away from the real reason, that we don't want to legitamize a theocracy.For the whackos here who have some religious ideological reason for being mad at a third world leader,maybe you should stop promoting theocracy here so that we might be able to thwart it elsewhere without being hypocrits.Rep. King is a good example of a fundamentalist looney instigating attacks against Americans.As long as we allow mentally retarded people the freedom to spew their bigotry like King,the longer this conflict of idiocy will continue.

How about President Bush request a guided tour of Medina and Mecca? Think anyone living in the middle east would object?

To Payne in Athens, GA.

Yes, I am one of the YES people. I am currently in the military. I have seen combat. I knew people who were lost on 9/11. Can you say the same?

And yet a healthy # of CNN's audience (go check the current poll on CNN's website) believe this nut SHOULD be allowed to visit this hallow ground.

If that doesn't tell you enough about the typical CNN viewer I don't know what would.

Curious… Did any Iranian Citizen die in 9/11 twin tower collapse?

Let him go. We should not provide any security. Our police have to protect and serve us, not him. His entourage should be limited and bear no arms. The people in the towers did not have any weapons, why should he? Would he make it out of New York? I think not. We will lay the wreath for him.
I am the wife of a former POW of WWII and he served in Korea. My family will be hyappy to buy a wreath for his family.

Hey Anonymous, you need to grow a spine and post your name and location. Many people say and do many things yet we do not forbid them from public spaces in our great country. To do so admits that we are afraid. So you can do your so called "research" and spout your right wing rhetoric, and NOT post your identity. But in truth Americans do not hide in caves when the enemy arrives. America shows our stamina and resiliance. We show that we are truely the land of the free.

Don't you guys get it?

You say "Suuuuuuure Mahmoud, we'd be GLAD to show you Ground Zero!" Then you publicize the HELL out of his visit so every wacko with a gun is down there waiting. Then you "accidentally" pull away his security detail over some minor issue.

You don't actually "do" anything. Problem solves itself!

Geez, people, THINK…

Thank you to the Anonymous writer, and yes people should do more research before saying STUPID things. The only thing that I have to add is, What are we fighting for? I am more than willing to bet that everyone who comment that Ahmadinejad should be allowed to visit Gound Zero didn't know someone who passed that day.

Am I the only one who is saddened by this reaction by our candidates? I thought this was the land of the free. Do we routinely deny visitors to this great country of ours because of their beliefs?

After 9/11, there was a moment of silence at an Iranian soccer game and a candlelight vigil. I think allowing Mr. Ahmadinejad to visit says more for the US, and don't we need a little positive world opinion?

It would be most honorable of us to allow the Iranian president to make his tribute/photo-op.

The first steps toward peace and common ground are with moments like this. We seem to have squandered a good opportunity.

I'm curious to know why Ahmadinejad request to visit the World Trade Center site. Perhaps he has already seen it via satellite and knows his request will be denied. I think this denial will come back to embarrass us.

The Bush Administration will do anything to stir up a war with Iran (under Cheney's guidance) and secure that large oil reserve. it's all laid out in Cheney's favorite book "The Grand Chessboard"

Chris from Middleton:

Do you have anything in addition to offer on this piece, aside from your usual Hillary bashing? I'm not a fan of hers but jeez, man, no one said you had to vote for her, get over it.

As far as Ahmadinejad is concerned, how old are we? Who attacked us on 9/11? I mean, the Bush Family doesn't restrict their Saudi relatives travels to the states, nor do they restrict the bin Laden family travels to the states. And, if I'm not mistaken, the Iranians – as well as the rest of the world – mourned with us on 9/11.

I see we are still pea-minded people. Oh, how boastful of us — Romney saying we should vehemently deny his entrance, Hillary shouting her disdain. Gimme a break. This is not the one who attacked us on 9-11. Many people, countries around the world have screamed hate towards America and Americans. Do we single them all out and prevent their steps on these grounds? No. Why aren't we as tough on those that actually attacked us instead of playing bully to those who didn't? When will this 'diplomacy' begin? When will all the 'outrage' stop? Who among us can cast the first stone?

I take the opposite approach.

Bush should escort Mr. Ahmadinejad down to the pit and then take him over to Afghanistan and Baghdad, let him see Saddam's palaces, give him the tour.

Osama and Saddam fooled the world, and themselfs. So, lets make it real clear as to what is expected from civilized nations and the consequences of childish tyrannical behavior.

Speak softly and carry a big stick..

He's killing our troops in Iraq and a top sponsor of terrorism.

Allowing him to visit Ground Zero is an insult.

To: AJ of VT, Anonymous of RI, and Nick of Atlanta, GA:

Here's why Iranian President Ahmadinejad should NOT be welcome to Ground Zero:

(1) Iran is fighting a proxy war against our brave troops in Iraq;

(2)Iran is a top sponsor of terror throughout the world;

(3)Iran held 53 Americans hostage for 444 days in 1979-1981 (I was only a kid at the time, but it's one of my earliest political memories);

(4) Ahmadinejad has denied the holocaust ever occurred;

(5) Ahmadinejad has stated more than once that Israel should be "wiped off the map".

Allowing the terrorist leader of Iran to visit a solemn place like Ground Zero where thousands of our innocent neighbors were slaughtered and forced to jump from skyscrapers would be an insult to their memory.

In summary, you people need to research this issue and grow a backbone.

I think we ought to let him visit the site. What better way to show first hand America's strength, resiliency, determination, and speedy recovery. He should witness and feel the sense of power this nation has as we join together in the rebuilding process at the same time our troops fight a war.

Wow….Hillary is tough talking? I would like to vote for her for prime minister of Canada.

It was ill advised on the Iranian part to think they can pull something like this off.

CAN someone tell me the reason why GOP can block debates and DEMs could not when they were in the minority? I don't get it. GOP back then if said they could go to the nuclear option.. Why are the Dems spinless???

I am not surprised that the presidential candidates are opposed to this. I would think that most Americans are. This is a head of state that has called for violence against another country. When he denys tragedy in the past, what makes people think that he will be respectful about other disasters.

This is a great way to show the world democracy. Not allow someone to go somewhere because you don't like them. What a stupid idea.

I am also furious that this man is coming to the U.S. I don't even think that this terrorist should be allowed to come to the U.N. The Bush adminisration should of had someone tell him to stay out of America. If he has something to say then he should e-mail it to the U.N. We are starting to look like a nation of clowns to other countries. Someone has to put their foot down to all this nonsense. This is a disgrace!

I'm a peaceful fellow, but I suspect that if I were given the job of showing Mr Ahmadjihad around Ground Zero he might somehow fall into a crater or stumble or otherwise come to some harm. Probably he should go somewhere safer, like that rodeo Borat visited. Or North Korea; I hear it's nice this time of year.

Before everyone gets hysterical over this, I would like to remind everyone that it was the IRANIAN people who held a spontaneous candlelight vigil in support of the US right after 9/11. Wouldn't it have been a better PR move for us to have pictures of the Iranian President honoring our loss and showing solidarity with us? I am seriously dissapointed at the childishness of our candidates and government on this.

I think it's even more shocking and outrageous that here in the "land of the free" we are telling someone where they can and cant visit. This is a public space. Sure, we as Americans may be offended by it. But that's the cost of living in a free society.

I'd agree he should not be permitted this "photo op".

I'd be afraid the pictures of him at ground zero would just further incite more violence from more radical followers of Islam.

No, Mr. Ahmadinejad, the Neo-Hitler of Iran, we don't want you to desecrate our Hallowed Ground Zero. You better stay home, disarm your 'Gestapo' Revolutionary guard, dismantle your Nuke Pragram and cut ties with the Neo-Stalin, a.k.a Hugo Chavez, and clean your mind and soul before you make another offensive 'request'!

So now Iran is responsible for 9/11?

Iran: A Nation of Hate Mongering Bigots. Although I'm not a Mitt Rommney supporter, he's right when he says we should be indicting him, NOT entertaining him.

The United Nations: How much more weaker can you become??!!

Hmm….I've seen plenty of Japanese visitors at Pearl Harbor, including some that actually participated in that attack.

Do the candidates feel that we should bar those visitors as well?

How about banning Saudi leadership from Ground Zero? That actually makes sense.

Ahmadinejad has some nerve to ask to "pay respect," especially on this particular site. With his record and defiance, is it any wonder he can not be trusted?

How about doing your part to neutralize nuclear arms, Ahmadinejad?

Exactly. This sicko can't be trusted and anyone that thinks otherwise is a complete fool.

And Bush's illegal and unprovoked attack and occupation of Iraq, with the subsequent deaths of over 1 million of their people, is NOT "international terrorism"?

This reaction by our candidates revels their complacency with the Bush administration's clamping down on all our rights, turning the US into a managed police stat, instead of the haven for personal freedom and self determination as our constitution promises. And besides who knows what effect the visit to hallowed ground christened in American blood might have on the Muslim leader, but we should give the Power a chance to open his eyes. PS. I also thought it was small of IKE to deny Kruchieve his Disneyland visit.

Lame.

If he wanted to go to show respect for the victims, it's shockingly stupid that our country's leadership snub his request. This would be a wonderful opportunity to facilitate communication between our two countries. But, god forbid we actually have a GOOD relationship with Iran…it would be most inconvenient considering they are the next country in our cross-hairs.

I also find it ironic that people would blast Iran for their alleged support for terrorism while simultaneously hosting Saudi officials in this country with open arms. Hypocrisy anyone?

Let me recap this situation. New York City’s World Trade Center was purportedly destroyed by planes hijacked mostly by nationals from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has acknowledged that 15 of the 19 hijackers who committed the Sept. 11 suicide attack on the World Trade Center were Saudi citizens. After lying to the citizens of The United States, the U.S. government made a pre-emptive military strike on a country that had absolutely no connection to the WTC tragedy, starting a war that is spiraling in and which we are now being viewed as occupyers, have lost more almost 4,000 soldiers, have started a destabilization in an area politically already precarious. We have a broad and growing military presence on the ground as well as 3 aircraft carrier groups in the Persian Gulf, yet expecting the region to willingly accept what we’ve done. Now, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wishes to visit the site of the World Trade Center attack and there are several presidential candidates demanding officials reject such a request. If anything, those candidates should automatically be removed from serious consideration for the presidency. The office is too important to the country and the world to be tolerant of people who are so blatantly out of touch with the facts and reality.

Would it surprise anyone if Ahmadinejad claimed that this is a conspiracy to cover up that the WTC attacks never happened? If the Allied powers could fake the Holocaust according to him then surely he would have no problem believing that with modern technology the US and European states could have faked a couple of jets being flown into a pair of buildings. What's a few thousand 'fake' deaths in comparison to the 6 million plus that he claimed never died.

Not that I am a supporter of IRAN in any way shape or form. But shouldn't we set an example here that everyone in the Untied States are free and free to visit any public site. I don't see how rejecting his going to ground zero is going to do anything other then give him something more to talk about. Allowing him in is exactly what he expects not to happen. Let him go let him see what his support for terror can do.

I think it is childish and petty not to let Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visit "ground zero." He is a visiting head of state; and, he didn't knock the buildings down; neither did Saddam Hussein.

Wow…the sheer arrogance of imperial overreach…and for the bright ones out there, I'm not talking about Iran here.

Is the question to let him go or to provide protection for him if he goes? Most Americans probably have 2 different answers to that question

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should try taking a ride on a hijacked plane sometime. What a tacky, megalomaniac jerk.

WHATs wrong here guys. are we so afraid to let someone see ground zero that we become idiots. Iran is not Afghanistan. What are we so afraid of? he going to spit or throw a rock..time to grow up

It wouldn't surprise me if Ahmadinejad made the request for the sole purpose of getting a rise out of our politicians. This is an egotistical guy who thrives on making a stir. If anything, our leaders (and the media!) should be ignoring him.

I say let him visit Ground Zero – without police or any security… just Ahmadinejad and the Americans protesting his presence.

It would be a real shame if anything happened to this guy while visiting the UN. Nutcases, this is your chance to have your 15 minutes of fame.

Is Iran behind the 9/11 attack?