The following is a letter from New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg in response to my Blog written as an open letter to the Imam actively supporting Cordoba House at the World Trade Center site. [Understanding Islam – Part 40 – An Open Letter to Imam Rauf, June 17, 2010]  It was most likely a form letter, but it is appreciated and makes it clear that the cries to stop this plan are being heard.  Whether they are being heeded is another question.  My response to the Mayor follows his letter. 

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From the Mayor

Dear Friend:

Thank you for writing to share your thoughts and concerns about the proposed mosque and Islamic cultural center to be built at Park Place and Broadway in Lower Manhattan, several blocks north of the World Trade Center site.

 Our Administration strongly supports the right of faith groups to open houses of worship, or community centers, in whatever location they choose, provided it complies with all applicable laws.  New York has long been America’s most tolerant and diverse City, welcoming the best, brightest, and hardest-working individuals from around the world – no matter their identity or beliefs.  As a City, we win by choosing to uphold the principles of freedom and respect that lie at the foundation of this tradition – and that the terrorists attacked on September 11, 2001.  Winning the war on terrorism requires us not only to defeat our enemies, at home and abroad, but also to continue upholding the values that make America great.  

 Last month, the local community board voted by an overwhelming margin (29-1) to endorse the project.  Of course, the approval process has many steps yet before it is finalized, and many questions remain unanswered.  I understand that this is a particularly sensitive issue, and I am hopeful that more dialogue about the center will increase the understanding and cooperation that is so integral to the vitality of New York City.    

Thank you again for writing to share your opinions on this matter.

Sincerely,

Michael R. Bloomberg

Mayor

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My Response
Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

Thank you for your response to my Open Letter to Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf on the subject of the mega-mosque at ground zero.  I love the Constitution and America.  I am thankful everyday for the freedoms we enjoy and the multiculturalism America embraces.  But, as I believe I share with the majority of this Nation, I have concerns and a strong desire to preserve our freedoms and Country from an invasion by deceptive forces that want to undermine our society.  The time now is for preventative measures. 

Freedom of religion is good.  Freedom of ideology is to be questioned.  This is where the problem with Cordoba House arises.  Islam is not only a religion; it is an ideology hiding behind the mask of religion, and if the test of our hate laws were applied, it would be in violation.  The Quran provides many examples where the followers of Islam are encouraged to commit violent acts in the name of Allah.  Such was the destruction of the WTC.  It was an act of hate.  Cordoba House, with the backing of the largest funding sources for hating America (Saudi Arabia and Iran) is a symbol of the goal of Islam.  These are the same sources that are funding organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, the PLO, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, CAIR, and many others.  This 13 story structure will be as a billboard posted to call all the vigilantes for Allah to come forward and eliminate the infidels.  When Imam Rauf openly supports Sharia Law, we know then the intent of the teaching and the education to be practiced in this Center for Islam.

The co-founder of the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Omar Ahmad, is recorded to have said: “If you choose to live here (in America, as a Muslim)…you have a responsibility to deliver the message of Islam….Islam isn’t in America to be equal to any other faith, but to be dominant….Islam the only accepted religion on earth.”  The Islamic Law that supports the objective is Sharia and the total disregard for human rights, exemplified by the abasement and oppression of women, is not the beacon America wants shining in its face.  Mosques have been allowed, the same funding sources used, in many locations in your wonderful City, but the location at the WTC goes too far.

This is more, it must be said, than a City of New York issue; it is a National concern.  The destruction on the WTC was an attack against America.

Muhammad declared a fatwa against the Jews (fight them and kill them) in the 7^th Century – and it is still in effect. (Hadith 4:52:177).  Let’s not bring this diabolic hatred any closer to our shores that it has already come.  The Quran outlines rewards for killing the non-believers (Sura 33:26-27).  The Quran clearly makes their claim of an ongoing hate against, especially, Jews and Christians in Sura 60:4.  In Sura 8:12 Muslims are supported and encouraged to ‘cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve” (in Allah), suggesting beheading and other horrific acts.  Where is the religion in all of this?  If Islam does not believe in freedom of religion, how can this House of Islam possibly be in compliance with our Laws? 

What must be understood is the totalitarian political formula that is being put forward behind the mask of ‘religion.’  Sharia is the Law they wish to promote at Cordoba House (being put forward in mosques and madrassas already in America) that intends to change the culture of America.  This is not in compliance with applicable laws as we know them.   

 We need to understand Islam as the ideology it is, not as the religion it is using as a front for its subversive activities.  Let not the Cordoba Initiative and the want to build a Mosque at ‘ground zero’, calling it a Center for Education, be seen for other than what it is, a celebration of the growth of Islam in America, and a symbol of the success of the ‘pure’ at planting in effect a flag at the base of free enterprise.  This Victory cannot be erected and seen by American’s as a daily reminder.

I am among multitudes praying you and other representatives of the people of this great Nation, as well as democracies of the World, will Understand Islam for what it is, what it hides, what it denies, how it deceives, and what damage it can cause to freedom.  By understanding you will do the right thing. 

God Bless This Nation.