the presence of absence
FREEDOM OF RELIGION
The supporters of the project were stating that not allowing Park51 to be built would be the infringement of constitutional rights of Muslims. Barak Obama expressed his support to the project saying: "Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. " Former US president Bill Clinton also spoke in favor of Park51."I have an almost radical view on the First Amendment, I believe that people should be free to practice their faith," - said Clinton in his youtube interview.
FUNDING
Another issue that some actors were concerned with who was funding the project. "We agree with the Anti-Defamation League that there is a need for transparency about who is funding the effort to build this Islamic center. At the same time, we should also ask who is funding the attacks against the construction of the center," - stated Nancy Pelosi. However, the doubts were cleared up by El-Gamal, stating: "We will not take money from Iran. We will not take money from Hamas."
9/11 VICTIMS
Being located so close to Ground Zero site, the project evoked painful memories among relatives of the victims of 9/11 attacks. Families found it offensive, inconsiderate and said it wasn't a question of racism, but the sensitivity of those who lost their loved ones. Some of the families, however, were supporting the project, stating that there were a lot of Muslims who died in Twin towers and any house of prayer would be appropriate next to Ground Zero. Donna O'Connor, whose pregnant daughter died on 9/11, expressed the opinion that "This building will serve as an emblem for the rest of the world that Americans ... recognize that the evil acts of a few must never damn the innocent."
COMMUNITY NEEDS
The proposed center, as claimed by developer of the project, is a necessity in the local community. After the closure of a local mosque, Muslims were lacking a room for prayer. The center will also accommodate other functions and would benefit the Manhatanners, both Muslim and not.
SYMBOLISM
Many actors were questioning what Park51 presents as symbol. Those opposing the project were claiming it would be there as a trophy for a terrorists. Supporters diagreed, saying it would symbolize the intercultural and multifaith tolerance and will contemplate the presence of pluralism and liberty in the United States.
LOCATION
Debates over the location of the mosque were caused by its proximity to the Ground Zero - Park51 was going to be placed just 2 blocks away from here the tragedy of 9/11 occurred. The questions were whether or not it is too close for Ground Zero, where are the borders of Ground Zero and does Park51 belong to landmark area.
NAME
One of the first debates over this controversy as surrounding its original name - Cordoba House. Developers claimed it meant to invoke 8th–11th century Córdoba, Spain, which they called a model of peaceful coexistence between Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Others, nevertheless, were claiming that this name is religiously offensive. Newt Gingrich believed it symbolized the Muslim conquerors' victory over Christian Spaniards, as the Muslims had converted a Cordoba church into the third largest mosque in the world.
POLITICS
The debate involved various politicians, who claimed that Park51 might be linked to Islamic terrorists, standing behind 9/11. Sara Palin called it a provocation, while Mark Williams, ex-Tea Party spokesman, said the mosque would be used as prayer room for terrorists. Others, however, claimed that the protest against Park51 shows the religious and cultural intolerance to Muslims and is infringing their legal rights. “Islam did not attack the World Trade Center - Al-Qaeda did," - stated Michael Bloomberg.
Actors and their concerns
Key arguments
PARK51