411 Politics Fact or Fiction 08.27.10: Linda McMahon, Anti-Mosque Protests and Eating Bugs to Save the Planet
Posted by Mark Radulich on 08.26.2010
Comments only FoF is back again!
So the list of potential participants is growing and I will start contacting participants soon. This weeks edition of FoF features statements that I was thinking of doing full columns on but either chose not to or didn't have time to write. It also has some of the 411 Politics Zone greatest hits: Mosques, the economy, Middle East Peace...all the topics that cause the comment board to explode with raucous debate.
Disclaimer: The following Fact or Fiction statements are not necessarily my opinion but rather statements made (mostly) in the affirmative so you could clearly answer them: Fact or Fiction. I did my best to make this as even handed and neutral as possible. In addition, I provided video's for supplementary information in case some readers are not familiar with the topics at hand. LET'S DO IT!
1) Linda McMahon will win her race and become the first woman elected to the Senate from Connecticut.
2) The anti-Ground Zero Mosque protest movement assertions that, "It's not about Islam, it's about sensitivity and location," has lost whatever credibility it had due to a wellspring of anti-mosque movements around the country. (FYI the relevant part is at about 3:00 minutes)
3) The United Nations and senior figures want to reduce the amount of meat we eat in order to curb greenhouse gases and deal with global climate change as well solve the world's "meat crisis". A policy paper on the eating of insects is being formally considered by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in which the UN will suggest that the Western World convert from eating beef, pork and chicken to eating insects such as locusts, crickets and meal worms. Even though more than 1,000 insects are known to be eaten by choice around the world, in 80% of nations, the US will never give up substitute entirely our current meat staples for insect meat.
4) The latest round of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) will accomplish nothing and the violence between the two will continue regardless of the Obama Administrations best efforts.
5) David Rosenberg, Gluskin Sheff economist, has officially declared that the US economy is in a state of depression and not a recession. You agree with this assessment.
6) Despite being on vacation, the President should have answered the questions about Iraq and not said, "We're Buying Shrimp, Guys. Come On,".
Very un-interesting F or F but I appreciate the effort Mark, so kudos to you!
1. I'm not a great politcal prognosticator, but I'll say Fact. I think Chris Dodd left a sour taste in voters' mouths, and I think that will ultimately work in McMahons' favor.
2. Once again I'll say fact here. I'm so sick of this issue. We got 2 wars going on, economy rapidly heading for a double dip recession, unemployment to be in double digits, and we're worried about a fucking mosque?
3. Fact. We won't substitute it, nor should we.
4. Fact. I know we have the greatest president of all time in the white house and everything, but it's meaningless when it comes to these 2.
5. By definition, Fiction. We are not in a depression.
6. Non issue.
Posted By: gwpbrianw (Guest) on August 26, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Just one on #2--
Burning of the Koran Ceremony.
Are. You. Fucking. KIDDING. Me?
You can be that openly bigoted in America?
Posted By: MadmanJack (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 12:09 AM
1. Fiction- Mcmahon is a republican. Republicans are bad. The other guy supports unions and lies about his service. Its good he wasn't a real soldier becuase they are murderors.
2.Fact. Muslims are great followers of the religion of peace. Christians burn witches.
3. Fiction. Republicans should eat bugs. My union leaders and democrat leaders will still eat ribeyes but the rest of the peasants should eat cockroaches. The UN is great and america is bad.
4. Fiction. The poor muslims are being persecuted by the evil jews. Even the mighty godlike Obama cab't help here. I know Obama is godlike becuase I saw it on Msnbc.
5. Fiction. Its a recession becuase this is the summer of recovery. If its a depression, then its the republicans fault. It doesn't matter that democrats have been writing the laws for four years now.
6. Fiction.. It was rude to interupt the god like Obama while buying shrimp. Republicans need to eat bugs. The Obamas need the leisure time week after week.
Posted By: Jason Douglas (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 12:42 AM
Grant is a stupid troll, if you give a opinion different than the MSNBC talking points your a racist and whatever goes wrong is the republicans fault.
Posted By: Gary MLs five aliases (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 12:45 AM
1. Fiction
She's one of these "outside the mainstream" Republican candidates that have talked up a lot but hasn't really done much. I think her opponent will be able to hurl volleys of attacks on her due to her WWE involvement, and the way her husband behaves in public. She'll lose, maybe not big, but she will.
2. Fact
These people say it isn't about religion, and yet every reason they give is due to the religion of the people building the place. If this was a church or a synagogue, it would have already been built and no one would have cared. This anti-Islam fervor is really starting to terrify me. I am an Atheist, but they have as much right to believe and practice what they choose as anyone else. When any non-batshit crazy American Muslim gives me any reason to whatsoever to think they're evil, then I might re-think my position. I know several Muslim people in my area, and they are all as nice as can be. I'm afraid soon the right will start suggesting internment camps and the burning of mosques. In my state (Florida), we already have some asshole planning a "Burn The Quran" day on 9/11 of all days. Fuck these bigots.
3. Fact
I thought this question was a joke until I watched the video. This is completely ridiculous. I will not trade my steak and burgers for maggots and spiders. No way in hell.
4. Fact
In a statement that I'm sure I'll get flamed for, I put the blame for this impasse on Israel. Their demands for peace talks are completely unreasonable. One is that Palestine completely disarm before peace can happen. That's ludicrous. The people in Gaza are just supposed to give up their weapons, and hope Israel doesn't storm the place the next day and slaughter them all? Come on. No country would EVER do something that stupid at the request of it's enemy. The main request of the Palestinians is that Israel immediately stop building Jewish settlements on Gaza's land, and stop demolishing the houses of innocent Palestinian civilians. Israel won't budge. At all.
5. Fact
I can't find work. My mom hasn't got a raise in almost three years, and actually got her pay cut last year. The unemployment rate is near 10%. Nothing else needs to be said.
6. Fiction
Ambush interviews are bullshit. The President answers questions from the press all the time. Let the man eat and spend time with his family and ask your question at the next press conference he gives.
Posted By: MSD (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 01:19 AM
There is NO WAY Linda's going to the Senate.
Yeah, we're in a depression and it's pretty bad but not as bad as the 30's.
We need to respect the famillies of 9/11 victims and at the very least move the location of the mosque.
Yeah, Obama deserves a vacation.
If we ever adopt insect meat, that's the day I quit eating it.
Posted By: Geoff (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 01:30 AM
1. FACT.
Linda McMahon is more than just a female with over thirty years experience in small AND big business. Linda is also a Republican preaching fiscal responsibility and the repeal of disastrous debt producing health care, as well as reducing government spending which will drown out children's children's children (you read that right) in debt. With a potential control of the Senate, Republicans would unite to start changes desperately needed under an administration that believes the only way to survive is throwing money at problems. Keynesian economics are a farce, supply side economics are a proven method to fight back from a recession. Just ask the 1980's. Linda McMahon is educated, well spoken, and doesn't lie about her military service, and with all she has done for CT in terms of job creation and monetary revenue from WWE events in the state, she'd make a perfect "political outsider" in the Senate.
2. FICTION.
People are upset. The desecration of what they perceive to be hallowed ground will have consequences, and these are the consequences going on right now. 70% of the country opposes the mosque's construction, and the same number appears in New York polling. The bottom line is, it is akin to putting a monument to yourself at the site of where you killed somebody's father, and expecting the family to accept it. The location is the chief problem, if the builders relocate the site away from Ground Zero entirely the protests will stop - as it is, the protests are only ongoing because Bloomberg is ignoring the overwhelming majority opinion of the people.
3. FACT.
In the attempt to convince growing numbers of skeptics about "global warming" tragedies, this takes the cake. Anybody who does a decent amount of research can figure out for themselves that global warming is a farce made up as a massive money making machine, starting from Maurice Strong all the way to Al Gore and his cult-like following. It appears as if people have lost all sense, being surprised that it is hot in the summer, and cold in the winter. If you need to see proof that this is obviously a joke, take this proposal to replace meat with insects! If the enviornmental cases had their way, we'd all be eating dirt and bugs and driving a $40,000 Chevy Volt thst can (maybe) go 40 miles without a charge. Follow the money, people!
4. FACT.
The simple fact is, Obama is alienating Israel. He has taken a primarily anti-Israel stance ever since assuming office and I believe he honestly doesn't care about the conflict except to use the occasion to remind everybody how Islam is a religion of peace despite the Islamic nations being the most war torn nations on the planet. Bottom line? The hate has been going on for thousands of years, and this administration will not change that.
5. FACT.
The numbers don't lie, but people do. We have over eight million lost jobs, 12.6 million college graduates/graduate school graduates are without jobs, the true un/underemployment number is estimated at 22% and the following factors will worsen the economy:
1. The refusal to renew Bush tax cuts of 2001-2003 that will cost 3.8 trillion dollars to the taxpayers starting Jan 1, 2011.
2. The damage to the Gulf in tourism and fishing due to the oil spill, resulting in lost revenue and lost jobs.
3. The loss of jobs due to the oil drilling moratorium.
4. The slimming of college admissions due to being too broke to afford school, which means smaller classes and less workers in four years.
5. Out of control government spending that has caused GDP revisions and isn't changing anytime soon.
The definition of a depression might need to be changed. Once ObamaCare regulations kick in, a lot of businesses will be leaving America to tax friendly havens, costing more jobs. Ultimately, for the next several years if left unchecked, this is most certainly a depression.
6. FACT.
When isn't Obama on vacation? During the worst financial crisis in eighty years, he goes to shop for shrimp? I'm sure he had a little difficulty finding it considering that the regulations recently placed on New England fishermen have new limitations on catches affecting total income. As a President who hasn't held an official White House press conference in about a year, he could decide to put the golf club down for a few seconds to mention his plans for Iraq.
And on a related note, no President should be taking this much time off during the problems our country is undergoing. People blame Bush for everything, but Bush wasn't vacationing on 9/11 or directly afterward. When the Christmas underwear bomber nearly struck, Obama was in Hawaii. During the oil spill, he didn't even visit the site for two months. And now that people have questions about Iraq, he's off in Martha's Vineyard eating ice cream, playing golf, and preparing pricy meals the rest of us can't afford. Horrible example to set to the rest of the country.
Posted By: Black Scorpion (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 05:02 AM
1. Fiction. Narrowed gaps mean nothing.
2. Fact. It never had any credibility to begin with.
3. Fact. Change scares us.
4. Fact. It's like saying the Earth goes around the sun.
5. Fact. The only people who don't realize this are politicians and TV pundits.
6. Fiction. No president should make off the cuff statements about matters of war.
Posted By: Q:? (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 06:57 AM
Im finally gonna bite. Just hope GayML doesnt decide to lambaste me for being a "Raciz" or a rich "Whyte boy"
1) I really doubt it, just because Connecticut is always democrat. Not to mention polls dont actually matter come voting time.
2) I have a new feeling on this whole matter. Because of all this "pre buildup" for the Mosque, by the time they actually break ground the public will have forgotten about the whole thing and got back to focusing on what is important: Jwow, Snookie, Branjolina, Tiger Woods mistresses, Lady Gaga's outfits, Spencer Pratt, and Call of Duty 7.
3) Im going to get a little personal here for you all. I am an EXTREMELY picky eater. Ive never had a salad, a hamburger, taco, etc. When I get pizza I do light sauce and extra cheese, no toppings. I despise all condiments. I cut off all burnt parts and fat from my steaks. The smell of mustard makes me gag. Just to name a few things.
I eat the same few meals all the time and almost never try anything new. I dont eat fruits or vegetables except the occasional apple or plate of succotash (corn and lima beans). My diet mostly consists of Chicken breasts, pork, rare steak, and fake mashed potatoes.
All that being said (as you can probably guess), ILL NEVER EAT NO STEENK'N BUGS! I may have done that when I was a little kid, not now. Lol
4) Ive given up all hope on these two nations. Best of luck to the talks. Barring a miracle they are going to go at it til nobody is left or some new diversion distracts them. iPods for all maybe?
5) I still say it is just a bad recession. Until we have families going door to door begging for food or we have an "Of Mice and Men" situation going on, with vagabonds riding trains from town to town looking for the odd job I cant say we are in a depression.
6) If the interviewer would just leave it at that, then yeah he could have engaged him. However, answering one question just leads to another, which leads to another, and it never ends. Then more people start joining in. It turns into an impromptu Q&A. There is a time and a place for those questions. He is the president, not The Situation or Hedi Montag.
Posted By: AG Awesome (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 08:07 AM
1. Fiction. She's a republican in Conneticut. She's also inexorably tied to WWE and all of their controversies.
2. Fact. They're outright racists. Besides, who's a gives a shit? They own the land, let them build. We have more important issues to discuss.
3. Fact. Yeah, that will never happen.
4. Fact. Has Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2, or any of the other presidents who attempted peace talks between the Israelis and Palenstinians ever accomplished anything? My question is why waste anymore time on this hopeless cause? Let's just sink the so-called holy land to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea that way no one can have since no one seems to be able to peacefully share it.
5. Fact. 10% unemployment, years of no raises for working people, inflation, bankruptcy filings sky rocketing, home sales tanking, jobs being sent off shores. Sounds like a depression to me.
6. Fiction. Absolutely not. He was on his damn vacation. Otherwise, he's usually freely available for interviews.
Posted By: MattL (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 08:15 AM
That polling graph is pretty inaccurate. The most recent Rasmussen Poll has the race at 47-40 in favor of Blumenthal. McMahon has a chance to win, but it's still an uphill battle.
Posted By: Guest#3475 (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 08:43 AM
You un-americans are unbelievable. This mosque building has nothing at all to do with religion or freedom to express. This has to do with the FACT that Muslims are being totally insensitive to the death and destruction followers of the faith have caused. To allow a mosque to be built at ground zero is to turn our backs on all those who were murdered on 9/11. The issue is not the building of the mosque, the issue is where the mosque wants to be built. Why not near central park? Why not a mile away? Why not a few blocks further? Anyone who is OK with this mosque being built at ground zero is UN-AMERICAN!!
Posted By: Tony (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 10:46 AM
So the UN is still on the man made global warming scam. Haven't they ever heard of earning a honest dollar before?
Posted By: Michael (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 11:01 AM
(1) Can't answer. Outside of a few economic positions, none of which were a surprise given her status as CEO of a large company, I don't know enough about the race to comment.
(2) Fact. I think it is obvious that rationality is beginning to slip a bit, and I think those conservative leaders that ARE rational should publicly push the dialogue back to a more civil tone.
(3) Fact. Ummm... we don't want to ban together and provide health care for each other. We're certainly not going to band together to eat centipedes (Insert "Human centipede" joke here).
(4) Fiction. "Accomplish Nothing" is a very strong term. Simply getting back to the table to talk again is an accomplishment.
(5) No answer. Again... Not knowledgeable enough to answer.
(6) Fiction. It's a vacation, and there are any number of spokespersons that you can direct the question to.
BTW - Jason Douglas is really one of the more moderate voices on this site, if you analyze his specific positions instead of trying to apply a global label...
Posted By: J. Alexander Mitchell (Registered) on August 27, 2010 at 11:57 AM
1. Fiction - Too much baggage, even for a politician. People just can't see past Mae Young birthing a hand.
2. Fact - It had no credibility to begin with. It's been a blatant display of fear-mongering since the beginning and kudos to The Daily Show for showcasing the hypocrisy. Funny enough, if any group that the GOP and Fox News didn't like were planning what Glenn Beck is planning they'd lose their fucking minds. Two blocks is too close, but two steps is okay...
3. Fact - Americans won't give up meat. Fact.
4. Fact - Some things never change, unfortunately.
5. Fact - The job market and unemployment speak to this.
6. Fiction - Everyone, even the President, deserves a vacation.
Posted By: neverAcquiesce (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 12:26 PM
2 - FICTION - just because SOME people ake it about the religion, doesn't mean that's what the anti-mosque feeling is about. If a group of crazy catholics bombed an area in the name of Jesus, I wouldnt want them to build a catholic church at that spot either. It's just unneccessary, and asking for trouble. No reason you can't move a couple blocks to avoid upsetting people.
Posted By: idiots (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 01:34 PM
"When isn't Obama on vacation? During the worst financial crisis in eighty years, he goes to shop for shrimp? I'm sure he had a little difficulty finding it considering that the regulations recently placed on New England fishermen have new limitations on catches affecting total income. As a President who hasn't held an official White House press conference in about a year, he could decide to put the golf club down for a few seconds to mention his plans for Iraq."
Obama rarely takes a vacation. Bush took vacations every single week. And until any of us are in Obama's postion dealing with all these problems we should not judge him. I know I'm gonna catch hell but that's exactly how I feel.
Posted By: Geoff (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 02:00 PM
"2.Fact. Muslims are great followers of the religion of peace. Christians burn witches."
don't be a retard.
Posted By: Guest#5042 (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 02:26 PM
The simple fact is, Obama is alienating Israel. He has taken a primarily anti-Israel stance ever since assuming office and I believe he honestly doesn't care about the conflict except to use the occasion to remind everybody how Islam is a religion of peace despite the Islamic nations being the most war torn nations on the planet. Bottom line? The hate has been going on for thousands of years, and this administration will not change that.
and opposing the state sponsered repression of the Palestinians is a bad thing?
if Isreal got out of the occupied territories and started treating the Palestinans like equals instead of bugs to be crushed under their feet, then things would start moving in a positive direction.
it also doesn't help Isreal's case that they openly cater and give preferential treatment to the jewish Palestinians, and treat the christian and moslem Palestinians like garbage.
oh...right...most Americans don't realise that Palestians are almost equally Jewish, Chrisitian and Moslem...but they are all kinda brownish, so it doesn't matter.
This attitude is exactly why America is the joke of the world when it comes to their outrage over other countries human rights abuses.
you won't even resepect your own first admendemnt's declaration of universal Freedom of Religion, but attack Palestine for wanting to not have its elderly live in tents until they die and lose any land claim rights.
Posted By: Guest#6778 (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 02:37 PM
Has Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2, or any of the other presidents who attempted peace talks between the Israelis and Palenstinians ever accomplished anything?
Clinton had negotiated a ceasefire. the Bush's couldn't care less about Isreal, they are too busy kissing Saudi ass.
Posted By: Guest#8521 (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 02:39 PM
The financial news out today is downright scary but Obama can't be bothered, he is on a bike ride and then going golfing. I don't care if its another democrat or a republican, get this guy out of office.
Posted By: Guest#2262 (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 03:27 PM
"You un-americans are unbelievable. This mosque building has nothing at all to do with religion or freedom to express. This has to do with the FACT that Muslims are being totally insensitive to the death and destruction followers of the faith have caused. To allow a mosque to be built at ground zero is to turn our backs on all those who were murdered on 9/11. The issue is not the building of the mosque, the issue is where the mosque wants to be built. Why not near central park? Why not a mile away? Why not a few blocks further? Anyone who is OK with this mosque being built at ground zero is UN-AMERICAN!!"
Except I've had people who opposed the mosque tell me that it's about religion.
Don't post if you're going to be a condescending, broad-sweeping moron. Thanks.
Posted By: Guest#3436 (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 03:45 PM
You un-americans are unbelievable. This mosque building has nothing at all to do with religion or freedom to express. This has to do with the FACT that Muslims are being totally insensitive to the death and destruction followers of the faith have caused. To allow a mosque to be built at ground zero is to turn our backs on all those who were murdered on 9/11. The issue is not the building of the mosque, the issue is where the mosque wants to be built. Why not near central park? Why not a mile away? Why not a few blocks further? Anyone who is OK with this mosque being built at ground zero is UN-AMERICAN!!
Posted By: Tony (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 10:46 AM
It's already 4.5 NYC city blocks away. Also the protests are for any mosques anywhere in the country, so how does location matter?
Olberman did a great piece on this. There are two churches right near Ground Zero. Hell, I know because I work right near there and pass them on the way to my office everyday.
Plenty of Muslims died in the WTC, but I guess that doesn't fit Palin's retard hate mongering. There were actually two Christian Egyptians that came to protest the "Community Center" (not a mosque actually, again watch Olberman), and they were attacked by the white, anti-Muslim crowd because they refused to believe that brown skinned people could protest on their side.
It's just hate, plain and simple, hate for another skin color. The religion doesn't even matter, if it was a White religion it would just be written off as a bunch of extremists that don't represent the entire religion. But since the skin color is on average darker, that is what matters.
America simply will not move on from its racist roots. I personally don't think racial integration is even possible. Europe is one race but look at how fragmented that is. We can't even stay united for the same race, how can we unite with different races/skin colors?
Humans are meant to be with their own kind and attack everyone else. We are encoded this way. Those of us that aren't like that are genetic and evolutionary dead ends, and would have been wiped out in history when the invaders came and we were too stupid to attack them right away.
Posted By: Guest#2856 (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 06:08 PM
Obama rarely takes a vacation. Bush took vacations every single week. And until any of us are in Obama's postion dealing with all these problems we should not judge him. I know I'm gonna catch hell but that's exactly how I feel.
Posted By: Geoff (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 02:00 PM
Rarely takes vacation??????????
Here is a list of this year alone, notice how he put his nose to the grindstone this summer........
April 23–25, 2010 - President and Mrs. Obama are in Asheville, North Carolina for a weekend vacation.
July 16-18, 2010 - President Obama and the First Family traveled to Bar Harbor, Maine for an extended weekend vacation, including a trip to Acadia National Park and the Bass Harbor Head Light in Tremont.
August 1-9, 2010 – As Barack Obama spent his 49th birthday at the White House, Michelle Obama spent the week with Spanish Royalty at what is considered Spain’s finest 5 star hotel.
August 14-15, 2010 - Panama City Beach, Florida. The Obamas spent the night at the Bay Point Marriott.
August 20-31, 2010 - The Obamas travel to Martha's Vineyard for the second time of the Presidency bringing along the White House head chef.
BUSH, BUSH , BUSH By the way Bush isn't president and Obama had this saying about CHANGE!!!!
BTW - Jason Douglas is really one of the more moderate voices on this site, if you analyze his specific positions instead of trying to apply a global label...
Posted By: J. Alexander Mitchell (Registered) on August 27, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Yeah right.
Lots of moderates call our troops murderors, say Bush is a war criminal, write articles saying republicans want to starve children, freak out that roe vs. Wade is about to be overturned becuase Oklahoma wanted counseling before the fetus was mutilated, and go on a month long ramble becuase of a meaningless texas republican mission statement.
Meanwhile he sings the praises of the peaceful muslims and lashes out at the christian witch burners. Ignore stoning, mutilation and slavery of women in the muslim religion, its the wicken victims of bible thumpers thats the problem.
Sounds like a independant to me.
Posted By: John (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 06:16 PM
2 - FICTION - just because SOME people ake it about the religion, doesn't mean that's what the anti-mosque feeling is about. If a group of crazy catholics bombed an area in the name of Jesus, I wouldnt want them to build a catholic church at that spot either. It's just unneccessary, and asking for trouble. No reason you can't move a couple blocks to avoid upsetting people.
Posted By: idiots (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 01:34 PM
"Sure Miss Parks, you can ride on the bus - you just can't sit in the front."
Posted By: GaryML (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 07:07 PM
"2. FICTION.
People are upset. The desecration of what they perceive to be hallowed ground will have consequences, and these are the consequences going on right now. 70% of the country opposes the mosque's construction, and the same number appears in New York polling. The bottom line is, it is akin to putting a monument to yourself at the site of where you killed somebody's father, and expecting the family to accept it. The location is the chief problem, if the builders relocate the site away from Ground Zero entirely the protests will stop - as it is, the protests are only ongoing because Bloomberg is ignoring the overwhelming majority opinion of the people."
Bloomberg couldn't stop it from being built if he wanted to, because there isn't a legal justification for doing so.
As for why they don't build it somewhere else, the simple answer is that they don't own land somewhere else, and the notion that they should have to raise and spend additional money to buy new land at another location because other people were upset about something they wanted to build on their own land more than a year after the project was announced is not only ridiculous, it's un-American, and every time a polling agency releases polling data or a news show announces the results, they're only reinforcing the completely idiotic perception that the rights of any American, Muslim, Jew, Christian, Atheist or anything else, can have their constitutional rights put to a vote.
The only legal issue involved with this project is local zoning and building code. Since it's already approved on both fronts, there is literally no legal recourse with which the project COULD be stopped by the government without blatantly violating the constitution.
The reality is that freedom for everyone is messy, and people are going to be offended by things. But the fact that someone is going to be offended isn't cause enough to stop a project. If it was, we'd have to stop pretty much every project.
Posted By: Drunk On Mystery (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 10:07 PM
I don't like to get deeply involved in religious comments one way or another, since it is bound to outrage somebody these days. The issue with the mosque is not that there is a mosque being built for worship, but that there is a mosque being built near the site of the worst terrorist attack in U.S history by Islamic terrorists on a suicide run.
Guest 3778 - I'm not saying America doesn't have its hypocritical moments in the least. Personally, I don't have strong opinions on international incidents because I believe that America, at this point, needs to look out for America. When the Presidential debate is mostly made up of questions involving Afghanistan and Iraq when the candidates are running in America, you know the priorities are wrong. Our economy and jobs need to be our top priority, followed by tax cuts, capital gains tax cuts, and controlled federal spending. Israel and Palestine aren't really the top issue for most of us who live here. I do know that Israel is supposed to be an ally of the US, but the way Obama has treated Israel it seems like they are more of an enemy in his eyes.
But honestly, we Americans have a lot more on our plate and we need to focus on our own country before we focus on any others. I do hope the countries can find middle ground and a peaceable solution.
Posted By: Black Scorpion (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 04:16 AM
1. Who cares? Really? If you don't live in the district what does it matter?
2. Fiction. Are there racists sneaking into the movement? Sure. Are we so ADD as a nation that we've forgotten that all the hijackers were Muslim and that putting a mosque in place has historically been a way to claim a victory? Really?
3. Bugs? Get real. It's not going to happen.
4. What efforts by the Obama administration? Obama's clearly pro-Palenstinian and expects Israel to give up everything in favor of their sworn enemies.
5. Fact. Bush started us down the wrong road but Obama took the reigns and whipped the horses into a gallop instead of stopping and turning around.
6. Fact. The man is spending money like water on everything but fixing the problems we have. Celebrity chefs, vacations and golf and yet he can never bother to actually talk about the job he's been elected to do. Instead he has to butt into state and local matters with his opinion instead of speaking on issues he's paid to keep up with.
Posted By: Fed Up (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 05:34 AM
Yeah right.
Lots of moderates call our troops murderors, say Bush is a war criminal, write articles saying republicans want to starve children, freak out that roe vs. Wade is about to be overturned becuase Oklahoma wanted counseling before the fetus was mutilated, and go on a month long ramble becuase of a meaningless texas republican mission statement.
Meanwhile he sings the praises of the peaceful muslims and lashes out at the christian witch burners. Ignore stoning, mutilation and slavery of women in the muslim religion, its the wicken victims of bible thumpers thats the problem.
Sounds like a independant to me.
Posted By: John (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 06:16 PM
Right because you cannot be Independent AND against religion in general or point out how bad Christianity has been in history.
So in your world this is how it plays out
For Christianity and how wonderful it is = Republican/Conservative
Against religion or anyone pointing out its flaws = Liberal/Democrat
And if you an Independent best not to have an opinion on the topic lest you be labeled as one or the other.
Brilliant where did you get your political science degree from - Dumbass state college?
Posted By: comon man (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 10:47 AM
1 - FICTION - I do not think the average voter is going to go for her. The "new wave outsider" that republicans are trying to get behind is an interesting idea in theory, but at the end of the day with the economy the way it is, I do not think people are going to be willing to take a big risk on someone new. The idea the federal government should be run like a business is a REALLY bad idea and there isn't enough room here to even go into why - that is a thesis paper.
2 - FACT - IT has been nearly 10 years since 9/11 and this is the first time ANYONE in NY has had any kind of outrage over any mosque being built. This "movement" goes against everything this country stands for and the majority of these people should be ashamed of themselves. As a native Tri-state area resident this makes us look very bad. When did America all of a sudden lose its moxy to where the building of a mosque makes people lose their shit?
The funny part is this is EXACTLY the attitude the terrorists are trying to foster in this country. They are trying to get us scared and it would seem they have won. The same people who are doing this saying they are patriots are the same people who are playing into the terrorists hands by acting this way. How they do not see it is beyond me.
3 - FACT - Shouldn't have too.
4 - FACT - This crisis will never end until both sides swear off violence against one another and curb the extremest factions on both sides. Neither side trusts one another and you could have anyone as president, JFK, Reagen it wouldn't matter - this isn't getting solved as sad as that is to say.
5 - FICTION - Great depression unemployment rate was 25%. We are at about 10%. It sucks but by definition we are NOT in a depression.
6 - FICTION - This is part of the problem with this country. Just look at the replies here. People are so anti Obama they will pick at anything to just be mad at him. Let's be fair in this age of digital media, do you think he is not doing ANYTHING on vacation and not talking to ANYONE in Washington?
This isn't like when we take a vacation and we don't answer our cell phones. Just like Bush when he spent roughly 20% of his presidency on vacation I didn't care then because he was still connected and I don't care now. Anyone who does is just trying to nitpick at the man.
If there was a real brand new crises and he refused to answer then I would have a problem with it. Iraq has been with is for nearly a decade now there was now breaking news and no reason to rehash the same answers over and over again.
Posted By: saywhat (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 11:04 AM
1) Fiction-Let's see, promotes violence, degradation of women and the general decay of society on TV. She's running in the same state that continues to elect Joe Lieberman-a fervent opponent of that sort of thing-to the senate every time. Don't see it.
2) Fiction-It never had credibility in the first place. From outright lying about the location and nature of the center, to the clear islamaphobic ranting, it is what it is, and what it was not ever was credible.
3) Fact. Really?
4) Fact. Neither side has ever negotiated in good faith, so nothing will ever get accomplished. Why does everybody need to pick a side here? They are both to blame for the mess their in.
5) Who gives a crap what you call it, it sucks.
6) Fiction-The guy had other political fish to fry--namely buying shrimp to convince the American people that gulf coast seafood is safe to eat. Answering an inane, stupid ambush question would only have detracted from that.
Posted By: Guest#4456 (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 12:24 PM
I don't know about anyone else, but the moment someone accuses anyone who disagrees with them to be "un-American"--no matter what the topic, they automatically lose all credibility in my eyes. There are far better ways to make your argument, and if you cannot do anything better than attack someone's patriotism, you don't belong debating with them in the first place.
Posted By: Michael L (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Michael L For the WIN
Posted By: The Judges (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 04:50 PM
The real question in regards to the mosque is, since when did liberals care about Property Rights? Just sum it up, the folks wanting the mosque there are jerks, and move on.
Posted By: gwpbrianw (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 05:21 PM
1. Fiction. It's still a blue state, she still has too much baggage. She loses by about 5 points.
2. Fact. Not much to add. This whole thing is pure grandstanding.
3. Fact. A big juicy steak is pure bliss. A big juicy centipede is nasty.
4. True. These clowns will never stop fighting, no matter what we do.
5. Fiction, but barely. I'm not sure we ever climbed out of recession, but the statistics don't come close to a true depression.
6. Fact. The president is NEVER on vacation, no matter how often lefties complained about Bush or righties complain about Obama.
Posted By: Eric (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 05:28 PM
Right because you cannot be Independent AND against religion in general or point out how bad Christianity has been in history.
So in your world this is how it plays out
For Christianity and how wonderful it is = Republican/Conservative
Against religion or anyone pointing out its flaws = Liberal/Democrat
And if you an Independent best not to have an opinion on the topic lest you be labeled as one or the other.
Brilliant where did you get your political science degree from - Dumbass state college?
Posted By: comon man (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Since when is pointing out someones radical left statements mean I went to "dumbass" college?
If you have read the person in question, he frequently gives muslims a pass while bringing up christians burning witches. Have some context to your comments moron. If he was consistenly against ALL religion, then you would have a point. Douglas only has contempt for christians while making up excuses for muslims(or ignoring their abusive tactics all together)
I noticed you did not comment on the rest of the points I brought up showing Jasons radical left leanings, pulled from Jason Douglas articles.
Bush is a war criminal
Troops are murderors
Republican want to starve children.
Abortion is in trouble becuase some state want counseling before the "procedure"
I could go on...........
Douglas brags about voting for Obama, being a big union city worker, and wails against corporate america. All of this while never holding the democrat party, who is in charge, accountabe.
He does write four part stories about Texas republicans......Ths coming from a writer who lives in the most democrat corrupt state in the union Illinios.
I take all of that and surmise he is way left. You take one comment and twist it into something I didn't say.
Sounds like you went to dumbshit community college.
I win.
Posted By: John (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 06:33 PM
1. She will win and will promptly turn heel.
2. whats a mosque?
3. Would i need a hunting license for a fly swatter?
4. Screw that lets see if we can get Tom and Jerry to be friends.
5. Well the US wouldnt be as depressed if it got more pussy.
6. Shrimp is tasty!
Posted By: Really, Whats a Mosque? (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 07:55 PM
I take all of that and surmise he is way left. You take one comment and twist it into something I didn't say.
Sounds like you went to dumbshit community college.
I win.
Posted By: John (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 06:33 PM
Actually you did say that...and what is wrong with someone admitting they voted for Obama, what is that something people should be ashamed of? Last I checked most of the country voted for him.
By definition If Bush condoned Torture than he IS a war criminal but nothing will ever come of it. That isn't 'Radical left' those are facts.
Something MOST people like you have trouble with - then you post some drivel and then go on to say 'you win' as if you need to find some meaning in your life.
His contempt for that religion by the way is because of people of that or defending that religion REFUSING to point out any of it's ill's. I bet if some of those of that faith would come out (like many of you would like the muslim folks to come out) and say hey man this shit my religion is doing is pretty messed up and I don't agree with it, I'm sure we could all at least have some respect for you. Instead most of you...are like blind sheep.
But hey you posted "I win" so it must be true right? John you silly silly little man, your getting to be as fun to read as Grant, maybe you two were separated at birth or something.
Posted By: comon man (Guest) on August 28, 2010 at 10:16 PM
common man,
Your response is pathetic.
"and what is wrong with someone admitting they voted for Obama, what is that something people should be ashamed of? Last I checked most of the country voted for him."
Well, of your points, that was the strongest. Independants are the reason the president won the election. Something you might be interested in from Rasmuusen Strongly approve 27%, strongly disapprove 41%. The people who still support the president are the left. Independants are leaving him in droves.
"By definition If Bush condoned Torture than he IS a war criminal but nothing will ever come of it. That isn't 'Radical left' those are facts."
Silly nonsense.
Arrest him for war crimes then and see were that gets the democrat party. You sound like Rosie O'Donnell and Keith Olberrmann. Are those guys independant?
"His contempt for that religion by the way is because of people of that or defending that religion REFUSING to point out any of it's ill's."
What are you his dad? You have mind reading powers? The subject recently has been the muslim mosque. He brought up "witch" persecution from hundreds of years ago as a equal to islamic terror. Ask any womens group what is more of a threat, Sharia law or wicken abuse.
"say hey man this shit my religion is doing is pretty messed up and I don't agree with it, I'm sure we could all at least have some respect for you. Instead most of you...are like blind sheep."
Not a religious guy. Show me were I bible thump on this site.
As for Douglas, still have no snarky response from you about the following
Troops are murderors
Outrage over counseling in Oklahoma before a abortion.
republican want to starve children.
His 4 part hit piece about some meaningless Texan mission statement.
His love for the union and his city job were he admits they are failures. Failures in the most corrupt democratic state in the union.
Meanwhile the dems run everything and people like you and Jason look to Msnbc for your talking points. Bury your head in the sand all you want, you two should just wear the fact that your both left wing hacks.
Now go pray to the goverment. Thats your god.
Posted By: John (Guest) on August 29, 2010 at 12:08 AM
"This mosque building has nothing at all to do with religion or freedom to express. This has to do with the FACT that Muslims are being totally insensitive to the death and destruction followers of the faith have caused. To allow a mosque to be built at ground zero is to turn our backs on all those who were murdered on 9/11. The issue is not the building of the mosque, the issue is where the mosque wants to be built. Why not near central park? Why not a mile away? Why not a few blocks further? Anyone who is OK with this mosque being built at ground zero is UN-AMERICAN!!
Posted By: Tony (Guest) on August 27, 2010 at 10:46 AM"
Most intelligent Post I've read about this subject here.
Quote for TRUTH.
Plain and Simple.
Posted By: Facts Know Best (Guest) on August 29, 2010 at 02:12 AM
John,
You should quit being a spastic mongoloid
Posted By: Guest#6302 (Guest) on August 29, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Actually Tom since the constitution grants freedom of religion those who oppose it are technically the ones being unamerican.
Posted By: Christopher Radulich (Guest) on August 29, 2010 at 06:56 PM
STAY CURRENT