Letters: Not happy about mosque at Ground Zero

MY FAMILY and friends ask, "Why do you bother?" Bother to state my opinion on what I read in the papers, and hear on the news.

Why? Because I care that our forefathers fought in wars many sacrificed their lives for democracy and freedom. My grandfather in World War I, and my father in World War II, went over there. They didn't ask, "Why?" - they just did.

If there was the mere mention that a foreign religious structure be built in or around the Arizona in Pearl Harbor, they would have turned their aim and fired. The 9/11 cowardly sneak attack is no different. Whoever you are up there in New York who want to build that mosque near hallowed ground, go ahead, because you have to live with your disrespect.

Frank Graff, Sea Isle City, N.J.

Signe, Imam Rauf, whom you avidly claim to be "moderate," openly preaches the "virtues" of sharia, such as the subjugation of women and non-Muslims, stoning adulterers to death, and death for apostasy.

He's also been quoted as saying that he'd like to see sharia implemented in America. (I can't wait to see Signe in a burka!)

He's lied about his commitment to religious dialogue, telling non-Muslim Americans his mosque will be dedicated to peace and harmony, while telling Arabic-language media that he doesn't believe in dialogue. He's also lied about the funding, telling these same Arabic media that, besides funding from U.S. Muslims, funding will also come from Arab and other Islamic countries.

Rauf blames the West, not Islamic jihadists, for jihad terrorism. After 9/11, Rauf openly stated that American foreign policy had to be held as an accessory to those attacks. Signe, if this is a "moderate" mosque, what's next, a KKK "reconciliation" center on 16th Street in Birmingham, Ala.?

And you took another cheap shot at Republicans. According to Gallup, more than 50 percent of Democrats don't want it built there, either. Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid don't want it near Ground Zero, yet

you continue to attack Republicans on this issue.

Keith A. Barger, Philadelphia

This isn't a constitutional issue, it's one of respect. There are many areas to open a mosque, but to choose the 9/11 location is a slap in the face to every American. I don't remember seeing a Benihana steakhouse at Pearl Harbor.

Mitchell Spritzler, Philadelphia

President Obama's recent statement that "people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government" is false.

Not long ago, the White House demanded that Georgetown cover up the "IHS" monogram representing Jesus' name above the president's head during a speech at the Jesuit university.

He's also on record as saying that America is "no longer a Christian nation." Clearly, the president has an anti-Christian bias that will eventually end up destroying America if the people continue to support him and his radical anti-life social policies that include the advancement of abortion, homosexuality and embryonic stem-cell research.

Chris Taylor, Philadelphia

A man's religion is his choice. Muslim, Catholic, Protestant or Jewish, we all pray to the same God and a person's faith shouldn't be compromised.

A mosque is to be built by Ground Zero. President Obama forcefully endorsed building that mosque. He is correct in saying Muslims have the right to practice their religion wherever they want. But he is making a blatant issue of this project. He doesn't care what the people think.

I'm a veteran. I will serve my commander in chief in a respectable manner, but I am against his issues.

George J. Walton, Upper Darby

It's confusing to hear the president say we should be tolerant of Muslims wanting to build a mosque close to Ground Zero because of our constitutional right of "free speech." Yet we deny Christians the tolerance to say a prayer at a graduation or sporting event. Sounds like we should be tolerant of Muslims when they want to build a mosque when Muslims forbid the building of churches or synagogues.

Joe Tursi, Upper Darby

Those who are in favor of this mosque so close to where the Twin Towers once stood are insane.

Radical Islam is trying to take over America. It's bad enough that the president sides with Muslims over Americans. Research the agenda of these radicals. It isn't much different from that of the '60s radicals who influence this president.

The Obamas side with terrorists and radicals over Americans. He is paying for this imam to traipse over to the Mideast. Mayor Bloomberg is also a disgrace.

The same people who oppose a cross or Star of David being displayed are all gung-ho for a building that will house terrorists who'll continue to plot to destroy America. The media should be ashamed of their part in this.

Patricia Dougherty, Philadelphia