President Obama’s comments concerning the building of a mosque near ground zero may have brought the issue into the national spotlight. During an Iftar dinner Friday night which began the Muslim religious season of Ramadon. Obama made remarks supporting the building of the mosque.
On Saturday Bill Burton, a spokesman for the President, told reporters Obama was simply affirming the Constitutional right of all Americans to be treated fairly.
Historically Muslims have built mosques in places of conquest such as the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This has upset many of the families of the victims of 911 and other opponents who see this as an attempt by Muslims to put their stamp of victory in New York.
Obama’s remarks have created political controversy as some Democrats disagree with what he has said and fear that Republicans will use the issue to put Dems on the spot. A Democratic primary candidate from Florida, Jeff Greene, stated that, “President Obama has this all wrong, and I strongly oppose his support for building a mosque near ground zero, especially since Islamic terrorists have bragged and celebrated destroying the Twin Towers and killing nearly 3,000 Americans.” In fact several Republicans have brought up the issue questioning whether it is appropriate to support such a move.
The controversy has forced Democrats to get off message on local issues and potentially lose focus with the voters. Both parties are sensitive about the swing vote and this could cause a change of heart with some that Democrats would not want to see.
