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Debra Burlingame: Rauf Threatens National Security
Please visit this web page. You can view the entire video of Debra Burlingame commenting of the Imam's remarks on CNN. There are also some very good videos by families and others concerning this project.
http://stopthe911mosque.com/
Debra Burlingame: Rauf Threatens National Security
by Editors on September 9, 2010
The New York Post reports on Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf’s appearance last night on Larry King Live:
In his first US interview since returning from a State Department-funded tour of the Mideast, the controversial imam added, “If you don’t do this right, anger will explode in the Muslim world.” Rauf predicted such a backlash would be even harsher than the global protests that resulted over cartoon images of the Prophet Mohammed in a Danish newspaper.” [full CNN transcript here]
Debra Burlingame responded by email this morning:
The so-called “Ground Zero Imam,” Feisal Abdul Rauf, said in an extensive CNN interview last night that if he moves the mosque and Islamic center to a location farther away from Ground Zero, this will cause violence in the Muslim world. “They are watching this issue very closely.” He said that [t]his is now a “national security issue” and that the violence will be “worse than the Danish cartoons” crisis because “the U.S. has a big footprint.” He referred to our troops, our embassies and Americans traveling all over the world; in other words, targets.
This is a thinly veiled threat that we should not let him get away with it. If we do, he will have established himself as the de facto ambassador to the Muslim world, and he can continue to use extortion to regarding US foreign or domestic policy. We will have created a monster.
Note, also, that he rejected the notion that Park Place is sacred ground because there are strip clubs in the vicinity. Families, our response should be that we didn’t get to choose where our loved ones were torn to pieces.
He said the building is not located “at Ground Zero proper” and that “no bodies were found there.” This shows a fundamental lack of sensitivity, a lack of understanding of the savage nature of the attack, and a lack of compassion for the emotional trauma victims’ loved ones have been through as they sought their loved ones remains on the rooftops, under the streets and in buildings outside the perimeter of what he called “Ground Zero proper.”
http://stopthe911mosque.com/
Debra Burlingame: Rauf Threatens National Security
by Editors on September 9, 2010
The New York Post reports on Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf’s appearance last night on Larry King Live:
In his first US interview since returning from a State Department-funded tour of the Mideast, the controversial imam added, “If you don’t do this right, anger will explode in the Muslim world.” Rauf predicted such a backlash would be even harsher than the global protests that resulted over cartoon images of the Prophet Mohammed in a Danish newspaper.” [full CNN transcript here]
Debra Burlingame responded by email this morning:
The so-called “Ground Zero Imam,” Feisal Abdul Rauf, said in an extensive CNN interview last night that if he moves the mosque and Islamic center to a location farther away from Ground Zero, this will cause violence in the Muslim world. “They are watching this issue very closely.” He said that [t]his is now a “national security issue” and that the violence will be “worse than the Danish cartoons” crisis because “the U.S. has a big footprint.” He referred to our troops, our embassies and Americans traveling all over the world; in other words, targets.
This is a thinly veiled threat that we should not let him get away with it. If we do, he will have established himself as the de facto ambassador to the Muslim world, and he can continue to use extortion to regarding US foreign or domestic policy. We will have created a monster.
Note, also, that he rejected the notion that Park Place is sacred ground because there are strip clubs in the vicinity. Families, our response should be that we didn’t get to choose where our loved ones were torn to pieces.
He said the building is not located “at Ground Zero proper” and that “no bodies were found there.” This shows a fundamental lack of sensitivity, a lack of understanding of the savage nature of the attack, and a lack of compassion for the emotional trauma victims’ loved ones have been through as they sought their loved ones remains on the rooftops, under the streets and in buildings outside the perimeter of what he called “Ground Zero proper.”
I have always been on the conservative side of politics. The exception for running the line would be that I am not religious and I believe a woman has the right to have an abortion. (I dont like abortions, or abortions as a form of birth control, but it's not for me to decide.) Other than that, I am pretty conservative but I am open to any ideas. Im not closed minded.
I watched the interview 2 times in a row, to make sure I am hearing things right. The "threat" that some heard, I view as more of a promise. I'm not going to quote the Imam, but I believe he said that moving the mosque basically would be all over the Muslim papers. I think that will feed the radicals of the Muslim faith. I dont see it as a threat, I think the guy just told the truth.
With that being said, I do understand the sensitivity. Part of me still feels as if this is slightly insensitive. Take into account that the mosque is going to be in a building that already exists, 2 blocks away from ground zero, the Imam has been in that community for 27 years......he spoke clearly about Christians, Jews, and Muslims all having the same basic beliefs.... its the radicals that he is concerned about on both sides of the issue.
Ok, this Imam might be lying.... he may be facilitating something truly sinister. The simple fact of the matter is, the Christian politicians stirring the pot lie to us on a regular basis. Our news media puts a twist on evry story to fit their agenda.
One way or the other, I don't care. I see the concerns on both sides.
I watched the interview 2 times in a row, to make sure I am hearing things right. The "threat" that some heard, I view as more of a promise. I'm not going to quote the Imam, but I believe he said that moving the mosque basically would be all over the Muslim papers. I think that will feed the radicals of the Muslim faith. I dont see it as a threat, I think the guy just told the truth.
With that being said, I do understand the sensitivity. Part of me still feels as if this is slightly insensitive. Take into account that the mosque is going to be in a building that already exists, 2 blocks away from ground zero, the Imam has been in that community for 27 years......he spoke clearly about Christians, Jews, and Muslims all having the same basic beliefs.... its the radicals that he is concerned about on both sides of the issue.
Ok, this Imam might be lying.... he may be facilitating something truly sinister. The simple fact of the matter is, the Christian politicians stirring the pot lie to us on a regular basis. Our news media puts a twist on evry story to fit their agenda.
One way or the other, I don't care. I see the concerns on both sides.
Absolutely agree, It HAS gone too far.
It was because I wanted to hear it? Wow, how sad. I guess I'm the one being hateful now. No, not hateful, concerned maybe, a little scared but I will place my trust in God.
Why is it when we express concern we are yelled at and called names? I really don't thnk that's necessary and it's pretty insulting. I'm done here. When people can't politely talk about issues or express concern without attacks then it's gone too far.
Why is it when we express concern we are yelled at and called names? I really don't thnk that's necessary and it's pretty insulting. I'm done here. When people can't politely talk about issues or express concern without attacks then it's gone too far.
I have now watched this interview twice (it was on again last night in it's entirety) and I have to say, I didn't take any threat from him at all. Notice he spoke about "our country" meaning he too was American and concerned for it's well being as well. It would seem to me he is trying to handle this in such a way as everyone comes out ok.
As for the comment about "radicals" I most definately took that to mean all radicals, on both sides (yes, they exist on both sides) and what I took was that the radicals on each side were doing a pretty good job of stirring things up. I happen to agree with that.
We also need to remember that the Imam is not the developer..two different people here folks. The developer is a real estate guy who bought the property and wants to have this centre built there.
I think I for one have had enough of all of this nonsense. Honestly. To me this is no longer much of anything except an issue to use in the upcoming elections. And sadly as a result people are getting hurt. Families and friends of 911 victims and what so far seems to be a moderate religious group who haven't done a thing wrong.
As for the comment about "radicals" I most definately took that to mean all radicals, on both sides (yes, they exist on both sides) and what I took was that the radicals on each side were doing a pretty good job of stirring things up. I happen to agree with that.
We also need to remember that the Imam is not the developer..two different people here folks. The developer is a real estate guy who bought the property and wants to have this centre built there.
I think I for one have had enough of all of this nonsense. Honestly. To me this is no longer much of anything except an issue to use in the upcoming elections. And sadly as a result people are getting hurt. Families and friends of 911 victims and what so far seems to be a moderate religious group who haven't done a thing wrong.
10. If I should ever, God forbid, perish in a terrorist incident, and you or some nutty group uses my death as your justification to attack or discriminate against anyone in my name, I will come back and haunt you worse than Linda Blair marrying Freddy Krueger and moving into your bedroom to spawn Chucky. John Lennon was right when he asked us to imagine a world with "nothing to kill or die for and no religion, too." I heard Deepak Chopra this week say that "God gave humans the truth, and the devil came and he said, 'Let's give it a name and call it religion.' " But John Adams said it best when he wrote a sort of letter to the future (which he called "Posterity"): "Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it." I'm guessing ol' John Adams is up there repenting nonstop right now.
Friends, we all have a responsibility NOW to make sure that Muslim community center gets built. Once again, 70% of the country (the same number that initially supported the Iraq War) is on the wrong side and want the "mosque" moved. Enormous pressure has been put on the Imam to stop his project. We have to turn this thing around. Are we going to let the bullies and thugs win another one? Aren't you fed up by now? When would be a good time to take our country back from the haters?
I say right now. Let's each of us make a statement by donating to the building of this community center! It's a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization and you can donate a dollar or ten dollars (or more) right now through a secure pay pal account by clicking here. I will personally match the first $10,000 raised (forward your PayPal receipt to ***@****). If each one of you reading this blog/email donated just a couple of dollars, that would give the center over $6 million, more than what Donald Trump has offered to buy the Imam out. 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.
I lost a co-worker on 9/11. I write this today in his memory.
Michael Moore is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker and author. He directed and produced Roger & Me, Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, and Sicko. He has also written seven books, most recently, Mike’s Election Guide 2008
Friends, we all have a responsibility NOW to make sure that Muslim community center gets built. Once again, 70% of the country (the same number that initially supported the Iraq War) is on the wrong side and want the "mosque" moved. Enormous pressure has been put on the Imam to stop his project. We have to turn this thing around. Are we going to let the bullies and thugs win another one? Aren't you fed up by now? When would be a good time to take our country back from the haters?
I say right now. Let's each of us make a statement by donating to the building of this community center! It's a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization and you can donate a dollar or ten dollars (or more) right now through a secure pay pal account by clicking here. I will personally match the first $10,000 raised (forward your PayPal receipt to ***@****). If each one of you reading this blog/email donated just a couple of dollars, that would give the center over $6 million, more than what Donald Trump has offered to buy the Imam out. 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.
I lost a co-worker on 9/11. I write this today in his memory.
Michael Moore is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker and author. He directed and produced Roger & Me, Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, and Sicko. He has also written seven books, most recently, Mike’s Election Guide 2008
I guess this guy pretty much sums it up for me:
I am opposed to the building of the "mosque" two blocks from 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. 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.
There's been so much that's been said about this manufactured controversy, I really don't want to waste any time on this day of remembrance talking about it. But I hate bigotry and I hate liars, and so in case you missed any of the truth that's been lost in this, let me point out a few facts:
1. I love the Burlington Coat Factory. I've gotten some great winter coats there at a very reasonable price. Muslims have been holding their daily prayers there since 2009. No one ever complained about that. This is not going to be a "mosque," it's going to be a community center. It will have the same prayer room in it that's already there. But to even have to assure people that "it's not going to be mosque" is so offensive, I now wish they would just build a 111-story mosque there. That would be better than the lame and disgusting way the developer has left Ground Zero an empty hole until recently. The remains of over 1,100 people still haven't been found. That site is a sacred graveyard, and to be building another monument to commerce on it is a sacrilege. Why wasn't the entire site turned into a memorial peace park? People died there, and many of their remains are still strewn about, all these years later.
2. Guess who has helped the Muslims organize their plans for this community center? The JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER of Manhattan! Their rabbi has been advising them since the beginning. It's been a picture-perfect example of the kind of world we all want to live in. Peter Stuyvessant, New York's "founder," tried to expel the first Jews who arrived in Manhattan. Then the Dutch said, no, that's a bit much. So then Stuyvessant said ok, you can stay, but you cannot build a synagogue anywhere in Manhattan. Do your stupid Friday night thing at home. The first Jewish temple was not allowed to be built until 1730. Then there was a revolution, and the founding fathers said this country has to be secular -- no religious nuts or state religions. George Washington (inaugurated around the corner from Ground Zero) wanted to make a statement about this his very first year in office, and wrote this to American Jews:
"The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy -- a policy worthy of imitation. ...
"It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens ...
"May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants -- while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid."
3. The Imam in charge of this project is the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. Read about his past here.
4. Around five dozen Muslims died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Hundreds of members of their families still grieve and suffer. The 19 killers did not care what religion anyone belonged to when they took those lives.
5. I've never read a sadder headline in the New York Times than the one on the front page this past Monday: "American Muslims Ask, Will We Ever Belong?" That should make all of us so ashamed that even a single one of our fellow citizens should ever have to worry about if they "belong" here.
6. There is a McDonald's two blocks from Ground Zero. Trust me, McDonald's has killed far more people than the terrorists.
7. During an economic depression or a time of war, fascists are extremely skilled at whipping up fear and hate and getting the working class to blame "the other" for their troubles. Lincoln's enemies told poor Southern whites that he was "a Catholic." FDR's opponents said he was Jewish and called him "Jewsevelt." One in five Americans now believe Obama is a Muslim and 41% of Republicans don't believe he was born here.
8. Blaming a whole group for the actions of just one of that group is anti-American. Timothy McVeigh was Catholic. Should Oklahoma City prohibit the building of a Catholic Church near the site of the former federal building that McVeigh blew up?
9. Let's face it, all religions have their whackos. Catholics have O'Reilly, Gingrich, Hannity and Clarence Thomas (in fact all five conservatives who dominate the Supreme Court are Catholic). Protestants have Pat Robertson and too many to list here. The Mormons have Glenn Beck. Jews have Crazy Eddie. But we don't judge whole religions on just the actions of their whackos. Unless they're Methodists.
I am opposed to the building of the "mosque" two blocks from 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. 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.
There's been so much that's been said about this manufactured controversy, I really don't want to waste any time on this day of remembrance talking about it. But I hate bigotry and I hate liars, and so in case you missed any of the truth that's been lost in this, let me point out a few facts:
1. I love the Burlington Coat Factory. I've gotten some great winter coats there at a very reasonable price. Muslims have been holding their daily prayers there since 2009. No one ever complained about that. This is not going to be a "mosque," it's going to be a community center. It will have the same prayer room in it that's already there. But to even have to assure people that "it's not going to be mosque" is so offensive, I now wish they would just build a 111-story mosque there. That would be better than the lame and disgusting way the developer has left Ground Zero an empty hole until recently. The remains of over 1,100 people still haven't been found. That site is a sacred graveyard, and to be building another monument to commerce on it is a sacrilege. Why wasn't the entire site turned into a memorial peace park? People died there, and many of their remains are still strewn about, all these years later.
2. Guess who has helped the Muslims organize their plans for this community center? The JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER of Manhattan! Their rabbi has been advising them since the beginning. It's been a picture-perfect example of the kind of world we all want to live in. Peter Stuyvessant, New York's "founder," tried to expel the first Jews who arrived in Manhattan. Then the Dutch said, no, that's a bit much. So then Stuyvessant said ok, you can stay, but you cannot build a synagogue anywhere in Manhattan. Do your stupid Friday night thing at home. The first Jewish temple was not allowed to be built until 1730. Then there was a revolution, and the founding fathers said this country has to be secular -- no religious nuts or state religions. George Washington (inaugurated around the corner from Ground Zero) wanted to make a statement about this his very first year in office, and wrote this to American Jews:
"The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy -- a policy worthy of imitation. ...
"It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens ...
"May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants -- while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid."
3. The Imam in charge of this project is the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. Read about his past here.
4. Around five dozen Muslims died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Hundreds of members of their families still grieve and suffer. The 19 killers did not care what religion anyone belonged to when they took those lives.
5. I've never read a sadder headline in the New York Times than the one on the front page this past Monday: "American Muslims Ask, Will We Ever Belong?" That should make all of us so ashamed that even a single one of our fellow citizens should ever have to worry about if they "belong" here.
6. There is a McDonald's two blocks from Ground Zero. Trust me, McDonald's has killed far more people than the terrorists.
7. During an economic depression or a time of war, fascists are extremely skilled at whipping up fear and hate and getting the working class to blame "the other" for their troubles. Lincoln's enemies told poor Southern whites that he was "a Catholic." FDR's opponents said he was Jewish and called him "Jewsevelt." One in five Americans now believe Obama is a Muslim and 41% of Republicans don't believe he was born here.
8. Blaming a whole group for the actions of just one of that group is anti-American. Timothy McVeigh was Catholic. Should Oklahoma City prohibit the building of a Catholic Church near the site of the former federal building that McVeigh blew up?
9. Let's face it, all religions have their whackos. Catholics have O'Reilly, Gingrich, Hannity and Clarence Thomas (in fact all five conservatives who dominate the Supreme Court are Catholic). Protestants have Pat Robertson and too many to list here. The Mormons have Glenn Beck. Jews have Crazy Eddie. But we don't judge whole religions on just the actions of their whackos. Unless they're Methodists.
If you took a threat out of what he said, it is because that is what you WANTED to hear. Your not spewing hate? Sorry! I guess that is what you call love? and in the name of God as well! And I am not talking politics here either, you need to wake up!
I just watched the video. Thank you for sharing that, Sara.
I guess I'm flabbergasted as to why all of a sudden Sara is spewing hate when our country is being threatened (and I wouldn't even call it a "veiled threat"!) and bullied to agree with this or ELSE.
Why does no one else see this?!
I guess I'm flabbergasted as to why all of a sudden Sara is spewing hate when our country is being threatened (and I wouldn't even call it a "veiled threat"!) and bullied to agree with this or ELSE.
Why does no one else see this?!
You know, I thought about replying to you until I realized one thing. You have no factual arguments to offer. Nothing. Just name calling. I'm not spewing hate and you know it. You're just falling back on the old liberal "call them names and they'll shut up".
You need to go back and watch it again. Then tell me who are the radicals? He wouldn't answer it though he was asked 3 times. He wouldn't name Hamas as a terrorist group. And yes, he said basically if we do not give in to Muslim demands, we will be attacked. That's blackmail.
You need to go back and watch it again. Then tell me who are the radicals? He wouldn't answer it though he was asked 3 times. He wouldn't name Hamas as a terrorist group. And yes, he said basically if we do not give in to Muslim demands, we will be attacked. That's blackmail.
I watched the video and took no such thing away other than the fact that his words would not change anyones mind, since they already had them made up before his interview. I think until you separate the religion from the constitution, your just not gonna get it. period. But go ahead and spew the hate until you get your wish and we are all in the midst of a holy war. Seems to be what people so desparately want to happen. Go for it! I know where I am going, so no matter to me.
For any who did see the interview, surely you noticed how he dodged the questions as to who the radicals were in this country. I think he is calling the 70+% of Americans opposed to the location of the mosques the radicals.
And Please note that he and his wife are driving the rhetoric. His wife doesn't seem to understand that those of us who don't want the mosque built there are not Islamaphobes. She stated that anyone opposed to it's location hates Islam. The Imam and his wife will determine what is heard in the Muslim world.
And are we supposed to roll over and play dead every time we're threatened? Some think so. I don't. We need to hold to our principals. And all the bodies have not been found. As the building was damaged in the attack, there could very well be remains there. We just don't know. The landing gear of one of the planes definitely hit that building. For that reason, it is sacred ground for America. And building a mosque that celebrates the same religion that killed so many on that spot just ain't right!!
If you think it's right, let me ask you a question. Do you think we should put in an "American Cultural Center" in Hiroshima?? Right where the Enola Gay dropped the bomb. If you don't think so, why not? Or how about a "German cultural center" right next to Auschwitz? If no, why not? To me it is all the same. Total disregard and insensitivity to the victims.
And Please note that he and his wife are driving the rhetoric. His wife doesn't seem to understand that those of us who don't want the mosque built there are not Islamaphobes. She stated that anyone opposed to it's location hates Islam. The Imam and his wife will determine what is heard in the Muslim world.
And are we supposed to roll over and play dead every time we're threatened? Some think so. I don't. We need to hold to our principals. And all the bodies have not been found. As the building was damaged in the attack, there could very well be remains there. We just don't know. The landing gear of one of the planes definitely hit that building. For that reason, it is sacred ground for America. And building a mosque that celebrates the same religion that killed so many on that spot just ain't right!!
If you think it's right, let me ask you a question. Do you think we should put in an "American Cultural Center" in Hiroshima?? Right where the Enola Gay dropped the bomb. If you don't think so, why not? Or how about a "German cultural center" right next to Auschwitz? If no, why not? To me it is all the same. Total disregard and insensitivity to the victims.
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