Mosque Opponents Leaving Ground Zero Shops Alone
The controversy over plans to build an Islamic cultural center and mosque in New York City two blocks from where the World Trade Center once stood became more of a national issue after President Obama commented on the issue Friday night.
Emotions, of course, are particularly intense in New York City
At his easel in front of the location for the proposed Islamic cultural center, an artist who wants to remain anonymous - giving only John Q. Public as his name - is speaking loudly with his brush for the many New Yorkers who oppose the project, CBS News Correspondent Jim Axelrod reports.
"They have a right to build it constitutionally, but that doesn't mean it should be built right here on this battlefield," he said.
The strong feelings produced by the mosque have been hanging over New York this summer.
"If we shut down a mosque and community center because it is two blocks away from the site where freedom was attacked, I think it would be a sad day for America," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters.
Some victims' families say the Islamic center would pervert the mood at Ground Zero, but two blocks from what Mr. Obama called "hallowed ground" are a number of businesses - strip joints, stores selling X-rated DVD's - striking a far different tone than the families want.
Retired New York Fire Department Deputy Chief Jim Riches, who lost his firefighter son Jimmy on 9/11, said that's different.
"I'm not for all those buildings, but, you know, they didn't murder my son," said Riches. "Muslims murdered my son. That's why I'm offended at this being here."
What really complicates the issue is that there already is a vibrant Muslim community near Ground Zero. Two blocks from the proposed site of the Islamic cultural center, there is an operating mosque.
Seven hundred thousand Muslims live in New York City's five boroughs, including 10,000 in lower Manhattan, where there are 87 Muslim organizations and businesses.
But this is an issue being driven by emotions on both sides, not numbers. On Monday, the anonymous artist put it best:
"It is a sensitive, provocative, confrontational issue," he said.
Where supporters of the center say they want to build bridges, opponents see them burning bridges instead.
More Mosque Coverage
Reid: Ground Zero Mosque Should be Somewhere Else
GOP to Hammer Obama, Dems on Ground Zero Mosque
GOP Pundit: Obama's Mosque Talk "Dumbest Thing"
Obama: Mosque Remarks about Rights, Not My Views
Obama's Stance on NYC Mosque Draws Fire, Praise
Obama Defends Ground Zero Mosque
Obama: Ground Zero Mosque within Muslims' Rights
GOP Candidate: NYC Mosque "Hot Bed For Trouble"
Conservative Leader: No More Mosques in U.S.
Anti-Mosque Bus Ad Approved by NYC Transit
Ground Zero Mosque Supported by Jewish Activists
Group to Challenge Ground Zero Mosque Decision
NYC Panel Clears Way for Ground Zero Mosque
Proposed Mosque Near Ground Zero Stokes Debate
Palin "Refudiate" Tweet on NYC Mosque Draws Fire
Mosque Plans Ignite Fears in Staten Island
