I have watched this bogus "controversy" generated over the last few days about Obama's statements regarding the community center/mosque two blocks from Ground Zero. (That, btw, is the truth about what's going on, not some mosque built on Ground Zero.)
It shouldnt surprise me, but the NYT -- and presumably, other news outlets -- have helped create a controversy where none exists, all along adopting the right-wing talking points as gospel.
Take this thing one step at a time.
It started here:
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NYT, August 13, 2010
Headline: Obama Strongly Backs Islam Center Near 9/11 Site
Opening words: WASHINGTON — President Obama delivered a strong defense on Friday night of a proposed Muslim community center and mosque near ground zero in Manhattan
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So, I take this to mean what it says, that Obama said something such as "The Muslim community must be allowed to build the community center and mosque. That would be "strong."
Or, maybe the NYT is using the word "strong" as hyperbole. They do that a lot.
Or, third option: Obama said no such thing.
I started skimming the article looking for the "strong defense." Then I read it more closely. Then I read it again.
Number three is the truth. The statement doesn't exist. Here is Obama's "strong defense...of a proposed Muslim community center and mosque.''
I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground zero is, indeed, hallowed ground....(but)
this is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are....as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”
I stopped reading, and said out loud "What the f**k???!!?!"
There is NOTHING in that statement that says "I support the community center" in any way, shape or form. He is talking about tolerance, and freedom of religion. He is calling for respectful discussion that honors other people's belief. He said nothing about supporting this project.
But then, the thugs came in, spouting their lies, and the NYT lapped it up the next day:
The debate over the proposed Islamic center in Manhattan only intensified on Saturday, as the conservative blogosphere lighted up with criticism of Mr. Obama, and leading Republicans — including Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker; Representative John A. Boehner, the House minority leader; and Representative Peter T. King of New York — forcefully rejected the president’s stance.
Mr. Gingrich accused the president of “pandering to radical Islam.” Mr. Boehner said the decision to build a mosque so close to ground zero was “deeply troubling, as is the president’s decision to endorse it.” And Mr. King flatly said the president “is wrong,” adding that Mr. Obama had “caved in to political correctness.”
Ok, let's again take the words. Gingrich says he is pandering to radical Islam (I'm sorry, I have to repeat because so much of it is untrue. Boehner said Obama "endorse(d)'' the plan. And King said Obama is "wrong."
Which means, this is what they support:
This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must NOT be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is NOT essential to who we are....as a citizen, and as president, I DO NOT believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.
That is what the right wing thinks? (probably)
So, I figure, the NYT will call them out. Well, ok, that was absurd to believe. But then,
NYT, August 14, 2010.
Headline: With Remarks on Mosque, Obama Enters Risky Debate
First words: Faced with withering Republican criticism of his defense of the right of Muslims to build a community center and mosque near ground zero, President Obama quickly recalibrated his remarks on Saturday
I was disappointed that Obama would back down on such truthful words. Which means, of course, that I am a friggin moron, because once again, the NYT lied.
Here is Obama's "recalibrated" statement:
“I was not commenting, and I will not comment, on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque there,” Mr. Obama said. “I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding. That’s what our country is about.”
Once again, out loud, I said "WTF?"
Obama said the SAME FRIGGIN THING!!! TWICE!!! With slightly different wording. And NEVER did he come in on the side of anything. Other than attesting to this country's stated commitment about freedom of religion.
What the hell is the matter with these people? I'm an old journalist, and I joined the profession to help people understand the world they live in, so they can make decisions in a democracy. Why be part of this profession if all you're doing is making stuff up?
Grrrr....I'm angry.
On the other hand -- if we were fox news-esque, we could now say that Gingrich & Co. have come down opposed to religious freedom.
Oh wait. that is what they said.
Play it up. Everywhere on the internet. Then return to hating the NYT