(CNN) – Liberal filmmaker Michael Moore is weighing in on the proposed Islamic Community Center in New York City, stirring the the pot by saying he doesn't want it to be built near Ground Zero but rather on Ground Zero.
"I want it built on Ground Zero. Why? Because I believe in an America that protects those who are the victims of hate and prejudice," Moore writes in an open letter on his website. "I believe in an America that says you have the right to worship whatever God you have, wherever you want to worship.
"And I believe in an America that says to the world that we are a loving and generous people and if a bunch of murderers steal your religion from you and use it as their excuse to kill 3,000 souls, then I want to help you get your religion back. And I want to put it at the spot where it was stolen from you," he added.
The filmmaker is also urging his supporters to contribute money to help fund the controversial project and is pledging to match up to $10,000 in donations.
"C'mon everyone, let's pitch in and help those who are being debased for simply wanting to do something good. We could all make a huge statement of love on this solemn day," Moore writes.
The religious leader behind the plans to erect an Islamic center and mosque a few blocks from New York's ground zero told CNN Wednesday night that America's national security depends on how it handles the controversy.
"If we move from that location, the story will be the radicals have taken over the discourse," Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf told CNN's Soledad O'Brien on "Larry King Live."
"The headlines in the Muslim world will be that Islam is under attack."
The project, known as Park51, is slated to include a variety of facilities, including a prayer room, a performing arts center, gym, swimming pool and other public spaces. It is planned for a site two blocks from the World Trade Center.
From CNN Politics
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Muslims did NOT attack America on Sept.11 ....
Terrorists did!!!
It's Ok to have a strip club there...that doesn't desecrate the memory.....but a Mosque???
Moore's entire life has been a lie. he claims he's from Flint, MI that's a lie.
he's a trust fund baby from Davison, MI.
he's now a hollywood leftist extremist.
I say that we start boycotting this radical far left liberals films, as a matter of fact I am going to start a petition on the web, lets see how much money he can match after his films TANK!!!!!!!! Oh Yeah Southern White Boy here watch me rumble. I have had it with this jerk.
As usual Mr Moore is on target.
"...a loving and generous people..."? How about a gullible people Mr. Moore?
Somehow, Mr. Moore thinks that our 'tolerance' will transcend all cultures, religions and history of peoples. Guess again!
Only someone with twisted logic would come up with this bull to justify building the mosque at ground zero. MIchael Moore has tasted the kool-aid and likes it.
No Michael,
Two blocks away is good enough. The Islamic Community Center will have a memorial tribute to the victims of 9/11. For that reason, they deserve our support.
To the families and friends of the victims of 9/11, may we honor and cherish the memories by becoming Americans again.
Remember, "United we stand."
Oh sure, this socialist leftist doofus has the moral suasion to convince America to build this blasphemy on Ground Zero because of his perverted views on freedom.Yipe. Leftists are just dunderheads.
I like Michael Moore and think that what he does in his films exposing politicians for who they really are republican or democrat is a great thing and no one does it better than him.
I agree with him that being american gives you the right to worship whatever farce of a religion you want to worship...... HOWEVER i do believe his suggestions to build a mosque right on ground zero is a little bit tasteless. I understand the point he is trying to make and i know he is not serious about wanting to build it there but still...
There WAS a Mosque/prayer room IN the Twin Towers
Read the article at The New York Times N.Y. Religion section titled
Muslims and Islam Were Part of Twin Towers’ Life
Once again anti-American Michael Moore puts his foot in his big fat mouth.
Right again you are, Mr. Moore. Could not have said it better myself. God Bless America. Somewhere, Thomas Jefferson is smiling.
except it wasn't stolen at Ground Zero, it was stolen in the Middle East back in the 80s. Can't this guy just have a heart attack and die already?
Wow, this guy must really be missing the spotlight. Maybe he should work on an obesity project from his mansion that was paid for with all that nasty money he made in this evil capitalist system. He has the right to express his opinion, however brainless it may be.
Yet another ego maniac. There was already a place for muslims to pray in the WTC before 9/11, in the south tower on the 17th floor. Let's just give it a rest.
Michael Moore is a traitor to this country.
Such a plan will never happen.
But it would take American forgiveness to its highest and most reverential level– and begin a purging of animosities between Muslims and their critics, the like of which no one likely could ever match.
Maybe they should build it in the massive folds of fat on his belly.
May be Americans can use this moment to be truly religious. By being true believers we can tell which side we are with God. Rather than stirring bigotry and religious politicking. And I say it now, in few years to come non Christians may be outnumbering the devout/nominal Christians in America. God is a spirit. Believers must worship Him in spirit and in truth ( John 4: 24).
I agree with his insights and sentiments on this one...
I can't wait to read the "logical and reasoned" hate filled rhetoric in response to a truly patriotic respect for what are supposed to be the true and core American values.
This clown needs to just SHUT UP. He is a disgrace to mankind. I wonder what he would be saying if one of his family members had died there.
"The religious leader behind the plans to erect an Islamic center and mosque a few blocks from New York's ground zero told CNN Wednesday night that America's national security depends on how it handles the controversy". See how they play us like fools?? Sorry Michael, can't agree w you on this one.
I like Moore, but this is by far the dumbest thing he has ever done.
Yawn. Nothing to see here. Just the same nonsense from the usual suspects. Move along folks.
He is insignificant. Why does the press give a forum to the hollywood types. His opinion is no more or no less important than every other citizen in this country. Do you see them on the front page of the news? It's the press that promotes this stuff.
how revolting his statements are to spit on the souls of these poor innocent people if i met micheal moore i would probably punch him in the nose, maybe i should not say that but that is the way i feel
Michael Moore gives Liberals a bad name. Go away and quit kicking the beehives! You're just as divisive as Palin and Beck!
Remember when we all tried to live TOGETHER in this country? Before our internal enemies tried to tear us apart????
Boycott all the EXTREMISTS!
Why does anyone give this lying, manipulating cretin and credence whatsoever? I'm not surprised he decided to pipe up with his idiocy...it has been quite a while since I've seen any of his nonsense, and we all know he can't go too long without getting himself on the news.
Atta boy Mike. Well said. You got to love a person who calls it like it is. Now let's see how the right wingers will spin this one out of control Stay tuned folks, i'm sure palin, beck , jones, fox and the rest of the quacks will definetly have something to say about this, no matter how stupid it is.
I agree in principle with Moore's logic, and they can certainly build wherever they are able to buy the land.
But... I still think it'd be better for all if they build a bit further away, and I see no harm in their acknowledging the sensitivity associated with ground zero.
It might be different if american imam's had been loudly voicing their opposition to al qaeda, to medieval sharia practices like stoning, to 2nd class citizenship for women in many mideast countries, etc. for the past nine years. They have not.
American imam silence lends implicit approval to these things, and thus it is not surprising that many in the US fear muslims in general.
As usual, Mike is right on. Islam didn't attack America, Al Qaeda did. Hello people? Why don't you see that Al Qaeda WANTS you to hate Islam, so that they end up getting more recruits.
"The headlines in the Muslim world will be that Islam is under attack."? I say tell that to our troops, to the 3000 who perished 9/11, to Bin Laden who declared war on the west in the name of Islam.
If i hear "islamaphobia" one more time I will be ill. Apparently if you have a fear of being blown up on public transportation or in public gathering areas all the sudden you have an illness requiring a label, and are a bad person–regardless if your fear is aimed at the group doing the killing. The United States will cater to this minority yet again, and some of us will live to regret it.
Why not build it there? After all, if we are going to let extremists like the folks at Fox News cast an area two blocks from ground zero as being ground zero, then what difference would it really make? This was all a tempest in a teapot stirred up by liars and charlatans looking to help no one but themselves by denouncing the ground zero mosque.. which is neither a mosque, nor at ground zero.
I agree with Michael. Good for him.
If you build it, they will come. Let "they" be us and not "them".
Michael Moore is another one of those "annoying people".
Sweet Jesus, I love this guys audacity. His logic ain't too bad either.
Hey Mikkey, feeling a bit ignored these days?
Gotta stir the pot a bit?
Poor baby.
This idea of building a mosque near ground zero is similar to a tribute to the attackers of 9/11. The propagators are either terrorists or their puppets.They think that the so called martyrs deserve a monument of victory & obviously they would not meet their ALLAHA , if not given proper burial. Sure the tomb in the mosque will certainly be of the attackers !
Go eat another dozen donuts, Michael. You seem to be at your best when you're gorging yourself. You certainly do not speak for nor represent the majority of Americans who believe the location of this "Islamic Community Center" should be moved. The current plans to locate it within two blocks of the WTC memorial are not only insensitive, but extremely divisive.
If Imam Rauf were truly interested in bringing people together he would have agreed to relocating this travesty many months ago before it became an issue of national interest. Since he is so adamant in that refusal one can only wonder at his true and underlying motivation for insisting on this location. The name "Cordoba House" strongly suggests such an ulterior motivation.
I usually lean moreso left, but I couldn't disagree more with Micheal Moore on this one.
Mr. Moore
I had respect for you and your outspoken words until now. Do you remember what Islam has done to America? Why would you not ask the reason we cannot build a Church in the Muslim nations? That would make a much better story for you and certainly much needfull to help people understand the intolerance of Muslims.
Agree, this is what was done at the Pentagon. So many religous & un-american hypocrites in the US. I am an agnostic and can figure this out.
God, why do you make people like these?
I agree with Moore. If we put that center there, it shows those thugs that they did not beat us when they committed that disgusting crime against humanity. It is a model of religious tolerance, which welcomes people of all faiths to come together, not bomb and blow each other up, like a bunch of savages. I'm sure there are plenty of people here who think it says the opposite, but they are wrong. Those morons just WANT us to keep thirsting for their blood and bring us down to their lowly level, but I will never do so. I was raised on the concept of neither inferiority, nor superiority. We are all equal, whether the haters on either side of the argument like it or not.
Fat man with a fat mouth.
I wonder if he would be so outspoken defending Jews or Christians? I don't think so...not enough publicity in that.
Let us keep track of all those who contribute to the mosque. Most are Christian haters. Somehow, they have decided they like religion now. What they really like is hating America.
During my earliest grades of school, the teacher would say, "let's all put our heads down on our desks, close our eyes, and have a few minutes of Quiet Time."
I wish that Michael Moore would take some Quiet Time.
So much of what he pushes is...well, annoying.
Irrational.
Removed from reality.
He just needs some time out.
Like the Victory Monumental Center, directly ON Ground Zero.
Dramatic, yes–Moore is in show business.
Something good to do?
Think a moment.
No one should pay any attention to this iodiot. He knows not what he is saying.
I understand the hyperbole that Moore is using here, and that's just what it is– hyperbole. The fact is, he's right. This is America, not some Mideast theocracy. We practice what we preach here and it's called democracy and freedom of religion. The arguments I'm hearing against this Islamic Center are without merit. We are not at war with Islam, nor are the majority of Muslims terrorists. Many of them may not like us and justifiably so, but they're not killers. The killers are apostates and weak-minded tools of homicidal maniacs masquerading as holy men. The people who are demonstrating against the building of this Islamic two very long blocks from the site of the Twin Towers are playing directly into the hands of Bin Laden and those who would do us more harm. Nothing good ever comes of bull-headed anger and bigotry.
Mr Moore hasn't seen hate until this monument is built on the current site. I predict that it will be destroyed before it is ever occupied. Just watch.
Well, I really hadn't decided how I felt unitl this corrupt, incompetnet buffon weighed in, but I know that me and about 80% of all Americans are against whatever the lying scum wants.
Michael Moore has a long history of anti-semitism, so this make sense.
Do we need more proof that Micheal Moore has lost his mind?
Moore is so yesterday.
This is perhaps one of the most distasteful things I've ever heard. To build ANY kind of house of worship on the graves/remains of a terror attack simply to make a political point in what YOU believe makes me sick. It's hard to believe I ever had respect for this man a few years ago.
In an ideal world, Moore's plan would work.
Unlike him, we live in the real world.
he is not only ugly but dumb as well
Wouldn't that make the radicals happy? We are told either built it or we will die and Michael Moore feels the need to chime in his opinion? He speaks of love but he is one of the most hateful men on Earth. He loves the terrorists but does he love President Bush?
How many people have figured out that Michael Moore's comments have nothing to do with tolerance ? Isn't this the Michael who loves to tear down America just to gain the spotlight ? He's become irrelevant and unimportant (not that he had any real value anyway) and needs to think people care. Michael just wants to stir the pot to get attention.
What this drama really needs is an open dialog between the Imam and some of his congregation with others of various backgrounds who can think, discuss, disagree, debate...
Michael Moore, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Terry Jones and others of their ilk, need not apply...
Who amongst us is willing to throw the first stone? Huh? Do you believe that 9/11 was the first step or do you believe that the US had no business trying to "rule" the mid-east to begin with? We CANNOT police the world. Why should WE push OUR morals/values & standards [~or~ the LACK thereof] upon others when we do would not like for it to be done to US!? I see, hear and feel the hate coming to America more now after 9/11 than I did before. People need to get ahold of their senses! Everyday we see people pointing fingers and reflecting blame on issues no one wants to live up to or take responsibility for. Can we not move forward and try to make not only the US but, the world a better place? PEACE has always been the goal and I feel that we are moving backwards. Everyone has an opinion. To me though, we need more people in powerful positions to "make-it-so". (Thank you captain Picard!) Love thyself, then, you will be able to love thy neighbor...Beau Colby
PS: Spotted on church marquee this weekend: "Want to be rich? Count your blessings". Ponderious huh?
I can't believe this overweight liberal hasn't had a heart attack yet..
The only thing I agree with Michael Moore on.
Enough is enough. To settle this once and for all, what should be built is one large circular building which houses a Mosque, a Synagogue, and a Church each in 1/3 of structure. There would be a huge open courtyard in the center of the building. The only entrances to these three religious centers would be via the central courtyard and gathering area. The only entrances to the courtyard would be via three larger arches which raise up at the joining walls of the three centers, flow through openings in the side of the building and then flow down into the courtyard.
People need to get it that others worship in different ways but in so many ways are the same as they are. Most people don't even know that many passages in the Quran reference events and lessons found in the Bible. The area of Ground Zero was a target so let it be made a target of tolerance and understanding.
What do Barack Obama, Fareed Zakaria, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, have in common?
I agree 100% with Mr. Moore. Lets show the extremists that we are indeed a compassionate and tolerant nation which embraces all divergent social groups.
Go back to tweaking the establishment, Mike. It's the Americans fed up with PC madness who are opposed.
Moore is an idiot.
Mohammed was the 7th century version of Warren Jeffs -a vile, sociopathic, violent rapist and pedophile. Any religion that venerates him is a religion of pure evil.
We can always rely on the fat man with venomous pus running through his lard-clogged veins to remind us of who we are dealing with...
moore proving he is an idiot is not news...
Moore, a perfect example of a wacko liberal.. Crawl back in your hole Moore...
I used to take Michael Moore seriously. Now he's shown himself to be an opportunistic clown. He's just fanning flames.
If CNN really wanted to be on the side of America, they would have published that letter written by the Libyan Muslim who fought with bin Laden admonishing him for his damage to Islam.
I know you won't see it here or in any other liberal media outlet because it would help America.
Why don't we use you as part of the foundation.
You are such a jerk,
Anywhere else in the world your big fat mouth would land you in jail. The part I don't understand is why people still listen to you.
I'm sorry. I must have missed something. Who had their religion stolen, from where was it stolen and who did the stealing?
This is a decision for the people of New York, not Flint Michigan. While I am a moderate Democrat, this guy pisses me off. He never met an opportunity for press he didn't take advantage of. He's the left's version of Glen Beck, painting every fact to make it look like it favors his opinion. We need people who are willing to walk the middle, to create compromise that will improve situations, not people who stir anger and hatred.
Isn't this the guy that makes movies nobody goes to see? Is he desperate for relevance or what?
While I support the right of the Muslim community to have bought the land and buildings to build near ground zero I think building on ground zero is pushing it. Maybe we could burn a Bible or two to show our protest of the Florida church and now Kansas church threatening to do that to the Korans!
Just shows you how out of touch liberal communist filmmaker Michael Moore and the Obama Administration is with the rest of America when a majority of Americans overly oppose it. He is insensitive to the families of 9-11 along with the rest of the Mosque proponents.
If Michael Moore is successful in locating Park51 RIGHT ON Ground Zero, he will be very welcome there.
He should go there every day and head straight for the gym, not even bothering with the pool: it's too late for that.
what a dumb comment. ill leave it at that.
I wonder if this hyprocritical moron supports the "right" to worship their God and burn the Koran whenever and wherever they want? I'll bet he doesn't.
He wants to protect the Americans from hate and prejudice? How about the hate and prejudice from the Islam religion that caused the murder of 3000 Americans? The hate and prejudice that this idiot spews is disgraceful.
his opinion means nothing.....CNN stop fanning the flames
I don't think that his fat butt would fit on ground zero.
And why should anyone care what Michael Moore says?
The Republican Tea Party is more dangerous than the Bush Admin. America will be experimenting with their government if the Republican Tea Party is elected. Moderate Republicans, Independents and Democrats must unite this November to defeat them.
Congratulations on your pathetic attempt to make people notice you again.
He speaks as an inclusionary American, not as an elitist exclusionary American.
Perfect. Love this idea. He's exactly right, murderers stole the religion and tarnished its reputation.
He's right. . Would you argue against a Christian recreational center being built in Oklahoma City? Of course not. It's because you are a bigot.
This guy is a Grade-A d-bag. Shut up Moore, no one cares about what you think. We are aware you hate America just as much as the terrorists.
Mike is spot on. I use to believe in democracy, but Jefferson was right, the public is a mad mob. What Jefferson failed to mention was that the public is a mad mob because certain people have the knack for controlling the masses through the masses emotions. We saw it with Hitler, we see it now with FOX news. How sad that so many people are nothing more than puppets. But then I guess another way of thinking about it is that there are very few people who can think for themselves.
This is such a fake issue. Nothing but a pseudo-controversy drummed up by the cable news networks and everyone is falling for it, including Michael Moore and that unhinged pastor in Florida.
Unlike the Florida pastor, Moore actually has a valid point about how the Islamic center can be used as a symbol for the world about America taking the high ground and turning the other cheek. But that doesn't change the fact that Moore is a divisive, attention-seeking, buffoon. Let them put the Islamic center where they intended to put it originally, and not go fishing for controversy by putting in the WTC just to prove Moore's point.
Case closed. Now can we actually move on to stuff that matters instead of divisive non-issues that merely create buzz and nothing else?
My suggestion to architect of world trade center was, when it was in design phase to have all faith center at the top floor of freedom tower., and that include a Mosque also.
Moore is a joker. He should convert to Islam and turn his home into a Mosque and then leave for Afghanistan to preach American values?
There you go Moore. You make me proud! I'm always been a big fan of yours and this stand of yours again raised my respect for you immensily. We need more people like you to save this society!
Proof positive that liberals and progressives despise this country and will do anything to tear it down. After the fiasco we've had with a liberal congress and president, anyone that listens to what this fool says needs their head examined. If only this idiot would have been in the twin towers when the fell, it would have done this country a great service.
Mr. Moore's statements are his opinion but not based on facts. No one has stolen anything from Muslims. Their holy book commands them to do what took place on 9/11.
Michael Moore is the true face of anti-American and his sole purpose is to spread anti-Americanism. This guy is living better than most, shares very little, if any of his wealth, and slams this country.
""C'mon everyone, let's pitch in and"... ( I'll fill in the rest)... take up a collection and mail this Hollyweird to Cuba.
Agree with your sentiment completely. However, I would like to see mainstreem muslims take a stand against these murderers you reference. Their silence is at best an unwillingness to take back the relgion you claim is theirs and not the radicals who use it in the name of jihad. At worst they are complicit in no small way by not taking a firm stand and condeming these factions. You say we need to help them take their religion back; however, a vast minority cannot simply hijack faith from an overwhelming majority without a pervasive degree of acquiescence. The most formidable way to end this terrorism is for mainstream muslims to ennsure their faith is not comprosmised.
If a bunch of christians would have came out in support of the Mosque then can bet that every Democrat like Moore would then be against it. They always hated every religion prior to 9/11, what changed?
Sorry libs you don't have an ally in Islam, Most Muslims are peaceful good hearted people, they are different from you.
Today I am having feelings like I had when I was a little kid in grade school in the late forties, and we stood before the flag and stated the pledge. Over the last approx 20 years, I have watched a great evil take over the institutions that made this country great. Men whose only goal is power and wealth for them and for their circle of fellow evil-doers. From Enron to the Gnomes of Wall Street, people who are , in fact, traitors to this country; plotting and lying and stealing everywhere that their slimy trails go. But today, I realized with the free speech
that is our right (no slime appointed judges GIVE us this right ... it is ours by birth in the greatest nation on earth), we will WIN. We CAN again be the nation of the Eisenhowers and others rather than the swill like the Reagans and other corporate boot lickers.
God bless America! Indivisible with justice and liberty for ALL!!
You have to feel sorry for Moore. He does anything he can to keep his name in print.
Ignore this self-obsessed, obnoxious publicity seeker. He reeks with odious contempt for anything that is good and virtuous, while celebrating the murderers of 3000 Americans. He's worse than the WH party crashers and the balloon boy's father.
I'm confused, If this is a community center, why would Islam be under attack if they moved it a few blocks away? Secondly, if it is moved, the radicals win because they have taken over the discourse? Sounds a little like doublespeak when you chastise one crazy guy who wants to burn a couple of Qurans for fear of what radicals will do...
I never dreamed that I would ever say this on any subject....I agree with Michael Moore.
They need to stand up for themselves and take their religion back! I'm sick of helping them olny to listen to them whine about corruption, blame America for every faiure. If they want world respect they need to start marching and protest the killing of their own by their own. Moslems have killed more Moslems than anyone else. They are at war with themselves in at least a dozen countries. Where is their anger at acid in the face of young girls that want an education. Where are the world wide protests against the Taliban by "good" Moslems.
Well that's proof it shouldn't be done. Michael Moore is a fat liar that hates America. He is a fine example of a liberal nut job. Michael Moore's thought process is exactly the same as Obama, Pelosi, Biden and really Reid. Reid is trying to hide his true beliefs to get re elected. These people have all but ruined our country and won't rest until they do. November can't get here soon enough.
Moore is an idiot.
You arent helping michael, sigh.
I agree with Mr. Moore. It's all about the symbolism with these religious fanatics. Take away the fuel and the fire dies out. Any attempt to limit religious liberties in our country is a win for the bad guys.
Go Michael! I really dont care where the Mosque is but the extremists and their hatefulness towards the Muslim community is a complete disgrace.
These people are egged on by Beck, Palin and the rest of the wing-nuts.
What can you say, Their leaders bring out the best in them. Pure Hatred.
It carries over to Blacks, Gays, Mexicans and anyone else that isn't a white christian.
Such hate filled people.
Moore is a far left radical who is too much of a nit wit to see that these Mosque fanatics are planning to rub this mosque in our face as radical Islamists do when they are trying to appear dominant. The name Corboda means domination-- at the sight of so many tragic deaths . This is NOT about religion..its about jihad and planning a staging area for it in America. Moore should be drummed out of the USA – hes a disgrace, Let him go and live in a Muslim country if he loves them so much..see how long he lasts... He does not , nor has he EVER, represented the will of the American people.
He has a valid point, but his saying it just might be more pot-stirring. I can hardly wait to see the vitriol that will surely erupt in this column and elsewhere, though I devoutly wish it wouldn't.
Michael Moore is becoming increasingly irrelevant and predictable. Whenever there is a prominent news item he tries to get attention by throwing himself into the middle of it with open hostility to the majority of Americans. His last book about the superior healthcare system in Cuba was a joke. When his weight problem and lack of fitness becomes a medical emergency, I wonder if he will fly off to Cuba for treatment at one of the people's hospitals.
Michael is an i d i o t ...
Has he ever read a book about theology?
I agree wholeheartedly.
"The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries." James Madison
Republicans stirring up fear and hate to gain seats in Congress is unconscionable. When did it become ok for our elected representatives to publicly attack us, whether we be Muslims, people out of work, on Social Security and Medicate, etc.? They truly have no decency left.