http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Friday endorsed plans for a Muslim mosque two blocks from ground zero in New York City, declaring that "Muslims have the right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country."
Speaking at a White House dinner celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Obama said all Americans have the right to worship as they choose.
"That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances, Obama said. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable."
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Obama acknowledged the fiery emotions the planned mosque and cultural center have stoked.
"Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground," the president said.
"But let me be clear: as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances.
Obama said Islam is not the enemy, al-Qaida is.
"We must never forget those who we lost so tragically on 9/11, and we must always honor those who led our response to that attack — from the firefighters who charged up smoke-filled staircases, to our troops who are serving in Afghanistan today," he said.
"Our enemies respect no religious freedom. Al Qaida's cause is not Islam — it is a gross distortion of Islam. These are not religious leaders — they're terrorists who murder innocent men, women and children. In fact, al Qaida has killed more Muslims than people of any other religion — and that list of victims includes innocent Muslims who were killed on 9/11."
Obama said that Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America.
If there were a blood-bath today in which millions of dhimmis were killed and more deported, I'd stand on the side-lines cheering. I'd wave a flag. I'd be damned happy about it. I'll vote, like any other normal guy. But I'll vote for the most terrifying rectifier I can find.
Truepeers asks me when the killing will stop. I say it should never stop. There will always be more to kill off. There will always be enemies. We must be eternally vigilant and kill our enemies wherever we find them. Always kill them. Never stop killing them.