The "people who count" (ie the folks who live in Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, etc.) are rather blase about such things. Flag-waving patriotism isn't very big in NYC. The slight majority of folks who polled against the mosques are largely comprised of 1. Orthodox Jews in the outer boroughs 2. Elderly lower middle class white gentiles in marginal neighborhoods. 3. Hispanics, particularly evangelicals, also in the outer boroughs.
One thing you learn in New York is that only the people with what used to be called "juice" ie influence get things done or changed. In other words, there is nothing to stop the mosque from being built.
Makes me want to cry.
You’re ignoring the fact that it has become a national—even an international—issue. It’s a factor in the governor’s race. And to me it has the feeling of just having gotten started. The anger is contagious.
I know what you're saying, but remember how stunning it was for a few months after 9/11/01? Flags were everywhere, in every window. People have either forgotten, moved away or "moved on"... sad.