Overwhelming majority oppose mosque near Ground Zero
(CNN) - A proposed mosque to be built two blocks from the World Trade Center has little support nationwide, a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll suggests.
According to the new survey out Wednesday, nearly 70 percent of all Americans oppose the controversial plan to build the mosque just blocks away from the solemn site in lower Manhattan while just 29 percent favor the construction.
Broken down by party affiliation, 54 percent of Democrats oppose the plans while 82 percent of Republicans disapprove. Meanwhile, 70 percent of independents said they are against the proposal.
The poll also showed opposition did not vary widely by age.
"Support for the controversial project is slightly higher among younger Americans than older Americans, but even among those under the age of 50, six in ten oppose the plan," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.
Plans to build the $100 million, 13-story 'Cordoba House' three blocks from the site of the attacks on September 11, 2001 have sparked an emotional debate throughout the city. The developer, Sharif El-Gamal, describes the project as an "Islamic community center" that will include a 500-seat performing arts center, a lecture hall, an exhibition space, a swimming pool, a gym, a culinary school, a restaurant and a prayer space for Muslims.
From CNN Politics
- 'No legitimate basis' for 2021 DOJ memo on school board threats, House GOP alleges in new report
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Manhattan DA's office slams House GOP inquiry, says it was motivated by Trump creating 'false expectation' of imminent arrest
- GOP House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman gives Blinken until Monday to turn over Afghanistan document or face subpoena
- Georgia's governor signs ban on certain gender-affirming care for minors
- Blinken says State Department is working to deal with 'unprecedented demand' for passports
I honesty believe that our President, Mr. Obama disliked Americans. Dislikes America. Has no pride in American values or is able to understand ,the compassion needed in regard of the Ground Zero Mosque. Then the Federal government is sent a Imam who Supports Hamas to tell other Muslin nations about America. He has not spoken well about America in the past, why would he now? IT IS A SLAP IN THE FACE, TO AMERICANS! I question President Obama's judgement in this case!
The key wording here is "blocks away" – This mosque is not on the site as so many reports say Nor is it "at the site" as others have reported.
If true facts were given us by news outlets, Americans might have a better understanding aobu wht goes on. Instead we mus endure 24/7 tabloid treportig so that ratings and profits continue to sore.
It's not the Muslims ruinng america- its the media.
I wonder what all those opposed to the mosque would think if someone wanted to build a church near the site of the Oklahoma City bombing. Now before you get your knickers in a twist, think about it. The 9/11 bombers were not real Muslims, any more than dearly departed Timothy was a Christian. 9/11 had nothing to do with Islam and everything to do about regional political conflict and America's extremely lop-sided role in that conflict. Islam is not about terrorism, destruction, etc. It is a peaceful religion. And it is far more inclusive than Christianity ever will be. People who denigrate Islam clearly know nothing about it.
We're supposed to be a nation that prides itself on religious tolerance, even though there is scant evidence of late to support that pride. Where is that tolerance for our fellow citizens (and yes, we're talking about American citizens).
Others have stated that we should allow the Mosque as soon as Saudi Arabia allows churches. This argument makes no sense at all. Saudi Arabia has nothing to do with any of this. And do we really want to compare ourselves to that barbaric dictatorship? Taking cues from them for how we act as a country is certainly nothing I would hope for.
And for the record, I'm a Christian (with many Muslim friends).
Those claiming an Islamic Center is insensitive are buying into the stereotype that the extremists want them to. That was the point of 9/11. An anticipated effect would be to polarize society. And now people are buying into it and basically surrendering the intellectual and emotional playing field to terrorists. Bin Laden wanted an over-reaction from everyone, forcing all Muslims to side with the extremists against Western society; and many people in our country are falling victim to it. I am not endorsing its' placement there, but the arguments from the side saying it shouldn't be there are just playing into the extremists hands.
If they can not build a center of worship, then there is no such thing as religious freedom in this country and freedom of religious is dead. Next we will be telling Jews and Roman Catholics they can not build buildings. The attack is working. American as we knew it is breaking down.
But, but, but it is just the racists that don't support this trophy of the "religion of peace".......
It looks like the WTC and they want bto open it on 9-11, nah, no reason to think this is a trophy of some kind even though they have DONE IT BEFORE.
Bloomberg and you gutless progressives, keep your heads buried in the sand, we don't mind a mosque, JUST NOT HERE.
Bloomberg 2012 – ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...
Unbelievable that only 54% of Democrats oppose the NYC mosque. Unbelievable.
Go ahead and build it, just keep in mind that fair is fair, and we feel the same way about your mosque as you feel about Isreal, including the right for it to exist.
At your peril.......
The mosque will be built regardless of what the majority wants; so much for the majority rules.
I'm guessing that the 30% in favor are the Tea Partiers, since they are so "Pro Constitution" and wouldn't dare let anyone deny someone of their first amendment right.
I am so ashamed of this country. And please save the "if you don't love it . . leave it" responses. Here's MY response to that, unless you don't abide by the U.S. Constitution, YOU should leave this country. The right to peaceful assembly is protected under the 1st amendment. Unless of course, you believe that the 1st amendment should be selectively applied. If so, then you are the most hypocritical of all U.S. citizens. Has it occurred to you that your right to assemble and protest the mosque's construction is protected under the SAME amendment as someone else's right to erect it?
well, then the over-whelming majority is a bunch of bigots.
I agree with Greg Gutfeld's idea for the area. If this mosque is allowed, purely for the sake of tolerance, then there should be a gay bar opened next door that will cater to Muslim homosexual men. All in the sake of tolerance, you see.