Posted on 09/28/2005 7:00:36 PM PDT by ConvservativeVet
Pataki Nixes WTC Freedom Center
September 28, 2005
In a story first reported by NY1, Governor George Pataki has cancelled plans to build the controversial International Freedom Center at the World Trade Center site - and representatives of the center say the location change has forced the entire project to be scrapped.
The center had drawn criticism from some 9/11 victims' family members because it would not focus exclusively on the terror attacks. Family members also said the IFC could potentially contain exhibits that were anti-American.
Pataki said Wednesday that he's given the center a chance to clarify its intentions, but there's just too much opposition.
In a statement, Pataki said: “The creation of an institution that would show the world our unity and our resolve to preserve freedom in the wake of the horrific attacks is a noble pursuit. But freedom should unify us. This center has not.”
The governor asked the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to work with the IFC to explore other locations for the center, but representatives of the center have decided to scrap the idea completely.
In a statement, the IFC said: “We are deeply disappointed that the will could not be found to continue the development of the International Freedom Center at this hallowed site. We do not believe there is a viable alternative place for the IFC at the World Trade Center site. We consider our work, therefore, to have been brought to an end.”
Both the current mayor and his predecessor are weighing in on the decision as well. Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a statement which reads: "Although I understand Governor Pataki's decision, I am disappointed that we were not able to find a way to reconcile the freedoms we hold so dear with the sanctity of the site."
Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, on the other hand, was much more blunt, saying "The governor has made the right decision."
Just last night, members of a 9/11 family council told Lower Manhattan officials to step up the search for a new location for the IFC, with some saying it should go to the site of the Deutsche Bank building.
IFC officials submitted an expanded report last week clarifying the details of their plan at the request of officials in charge of the rebuilding efforts following the 9/11 terror attacks. Officials hoped the additions would help convince critics that its plans will be respectful of 9/11 victims, while placing the terror attacks in the context of other world events.
The 27-page report details the center's design, which includes an exhibit to show visitors how cities around the world paid respects after the 9/11 attacks.
Other galleries would focus on the origins of freedom, and leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
george Pataki FINALLY grew a spine on this one.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1493116/posts
Governor Pataki Says No to IFC at Ground Zero!
OKAY. Home team takes Game One. But watch out, just like Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction" it'll be comin' up outta the tub at least one more time.
What a noble fine statesman like.....zzzzzz
Remember moderates give cover to the extremists.
Totally agree!
Finally, some GOOD NEWS today about something...
I prayed really hard that that center would not be allowed to go in there....
Turn the lights out and these roaches will be back.
I agree with Guiliani. It should only be to honor the WTC victims.
I agree with Guiliani. It should only be to honor the WTC victims.
This just shows that people like us can accomplish thing when we apply pressure and keep it there.Hillary must be out next target
IMHO, ground zero should be left empty. Put a huge flag poll in the center of it with a huge American Flag. Let it be a place for all to visit, and just gaze at. No museums or anything else are needed. Put back a lot of rubble around the flag. Make it look like it did shortly after 9/11.
And every night at colors, a color guard and bugler play evening colors lower the flag, and each morning let them play morning colors and raise that magnificent flag.
That is all that site needs. That is all America and foreign visitors need to see. Remeber Pearl Harbor, and remember 9/11.
He was all we had to work with.
He knows there are more America haters in NY than patriots.
Pretty good move for a RINO. Thanks Governor Pataki.
Pataki's stock just rose.
Good deal. Any museum should be like the one at OKLAHOMA CITY.
Light it 24/7 and leave the colors up and I like the idea.
Kinda sad when "republican" Pataki has to be slammed over the head numerous times with a Soros-backed liberal-to-the-hilt "freedom (let's bash the US) center" at the site of ground zero, opposed by the bulk of the 9/11 families as well as anyone who has ever voted for a Republican in their lifetime, before he releases a lame statement that he tried to give them the chance to "clarify" their intentions but there's just too much opposition. Read: I'm sorry IFC, I don't have a backbone to "clarify" what you really represent, but luckily there's enough opposition that I can deny you without looking like a real bad guy to liberals. By the way, I'd like to be President! Did anyone see me go to China or whatever? (cricket...cricket)
My state needs to be dragged to the woodshed for a severe beating.
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