Obama's Islamic-Center Stance: Why the GOP Shouldn't Run Against It (BS! The GOP should and will!)

Time ^ | 8/16/2010 | Mark Halperin

[tobyhill]

Dear Republican Party:

Your moment is now.

This weekend, President Obama defended the right of Muslims to build a community center and mosque two short blocks from Ground Zero, despite cries of insensitivity from some New Yorkers and accusations of mischief from some pundits. This finally gives you an opportunity to add a powerful national-security cudgel to the message of economic woe you have been pushing as the midterm election approaches.

The political potency of the issue is obvious. Polls overwhelmingly show the President has put himself on the wrong side of public opinion. Opposition to the new facility arouses acute emotion and creates near total unity among relatives of 9/11 victims, first responders, Republican officeholders, potential 2012 presidential candidates, Tea Party members, the Fox News–talk radio–Drudge Report echo machine and many of the highly coveted swing and occasional voters whom you will need at the polls to win in November.

[WilliamofCarmichael]

Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied in Istanbul in support of secularism in Turkey

"We want neither Sharia, nor a coup, but a fully democratic Turkey."

Islamophobe!

So how come Muslims in Turkey (99+ percent Muslim) can "run" against Islamism and sharia law and Republicans should not?

Why do we have to welcome Islamists -- as Justice Jackson said sixty years ago, "The Bill of Rights is not a suicide pact."

Read and see more

Long live secularism in the constitutional democratic Republic of Turkey! Though these reports are three years old the struggle continues. Wish them well -- and pray for the U.S. of A. we have our own version of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

[Carley]

Whoops......there goes another journOlist!!!!

[cizinec]

I disagree with Krauthammer’s idea of using the law to stop it. We should oppose the mosque. It is, however, their property. If they want to use it to show the American people what kind of religion Islam really is, then at least more people will realize what these muslims are really about. This mosque has changed the view of some of the more clueless of my acquaintances.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

TIME’s up.

[marstegreg]

“As I said, Republicans, this is your moment. As a famous New Yorker once urged in a very different context: Do the right thing.”

How stupid do they think we are????? He is kidding, right?

[Haiku Guy]

I think they should focus on the people behind the mosque. There is where the problems lie. It's not about worship. This is an "in your face, America" move supported by tax dollars and the POS in the WH.

I do not agree. It should not be permissable for the government to step in and say that one form of Islamic worship is permissable and another is not. It is not the US government's job to fine-tune the Islamic message and vet their religious leaders.

Besides, a so-called moderate could build this mosque, only to turn it over to a fire-brand the day the last stone is placed. There is no guarantee that the political philosophy of the institution will not change.

The fact is that, even in it's most moderate and mild form, Islam calls for the destruction of our Constitution and the imposition of Sharia Law. It is an incompatible and hostile political system, and is not entitled to First Amendment protection.

[ardara]

Because Bloomberg rather than Giuliani is Mayor.

[rawcatslyentist]

" If the GOP attacks BO’s brazen support of our enemies, they may close all the Christian churches in Saudi Arabia. Oh...nevermind...."

Here's a pic they mushroom feeders will never give to their fungi.

[raybbr]

I do not agree. It should not be permissable for the government to step in and say that one form of Islamic worship is permissable and another is not. It is not the US government's job to fine-tune the Islamic message and vet their religious leaders.

Not sure how we disagree. Are you saying the U.S. should ban all Islamic worship or allow all types no matter how dangerous?

I said the GOP should focus on the people behind this mosque and reveal their true nature. No where did I say they shout stop the mosque. I think that should be up to the local residents.

[expatguy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2571311/posts

[FreeStateYank]

I think not, Mr. Halperin. Your statement has just been 'refudiated' by the comments by the Hamas guy. Zahar said Muslims around the world, including those who live in this country, are united in a common cause. Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/hamas_nod_for_gz_mosque_cSohH9eha8sNZMTDz0VVPI#ixzz0wlhfj4y0 It's not about 'tolerance', it's about world domination and stinking up the globe with Sharia nonsense.

[reagan_fanatic]

Tell you what Halperin - we’ll follow your advice when you obtain a promise from the muslims that they will allow a Christian church to be built in Mecca.

In the mean time, STFU.

[livius]

It is an incompatible and hostile political system, and is not entitled to First Amendment protection.

All of your points are excellent, and I think this one is particularly worth focusing on.

[kabar]

Mark Halperin, noted GOP supporter who has the best interests of the party at heart. LOL

[MNDude]

Time Magazine, thank you for your concern

[Texas resident]

Of course one of obama’s media outlets is giving advice to keep this issue down.

GOP ought to make this into “obama’s islamic center”.

Short message that hits the mark.

[MizSterious]

Hah! Translation from liberal-ese to real English: Dear Republicans, please don’t run on this issue because we know it’s going to bury the Democrats.

Obama stepped in it, big time, by exposing his true self. Mark and his friends need to come to grips with the fact that Obama is THEIR guy, promoted as some god-like character that would save the world. So now Obama has shown himself for what he is—and this is something they’ll have to live with.

Meanwhile, I hope and pray the ‘Rats lose both the House and Senate.

[popdonnelly]

Who the Hell is Mark Halperin that he should be telling people what to do? Go back to your navel-gazing, Mark, people have had enough of your self-appointed expertise.

[nhwingut]

Halperin’s next column...

Dear Republicans, Please don’t run on Obama’s economy. Do the right thing. Give up.