Obama's stand on mosque draws mixed reaction on LI
President Barack Obama speaks before singing the Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010, a bill that is designed to help create jobs and invest in the manufacturing sector. (Aug. 11, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
Within hours of President Barack Obama's stated support for the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero, three Long Island community members weighed in on his position.
For some, like Antoina Fontana, who lost a son in the aftermath of 9/11, the president's words stung with insensitivity.
"He's not a New Yorker. He hasn't lost a child," she said. "I am very shocked that he felt that he had to speak up about this. I think there is a lack of compassion - all of a sudden, nine years later, it doesn't matter anymore?"
Others supported the president's stance and pointed to the need to respect religious freedoms.
"I think the president is supporting the Constitution," said Ghazi Khankan, a board member of the American Muslim Alliance. "I think those who are opposing the mosque are really ignorant of Islam. We have to do away with this kind of hate."
John Feal, founder and president of the Feal Good Foundation, said:
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