Build Islamic center on Ground Zero, says Moore
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/08/art.moore.file.gi.jpg caption="Moore is urging supporters to help fund the planned controversial Islamic Center near Ground Zero."]
(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.
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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?