Hatch stands up for Park51 (Ground Zero Mosque)

Politico ^ | August 30, 2010 | Maggie Haberman

[La Lydia]

Breaking ranks with fellow Republicans who have widely criticized President Obama’s First Amendment defense of the proposed Islamic center near ground zero, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch weighed in Monday:

HATCH: Let’s be honest about it, in the First Amendment, religious freedom, religious expression, that really express matters to the Constitution. So, if the Muslims own that property, that private property, and they want to build a mosque there, they should have the right to do so. The only question is are they being insensitive to those who suffered the loss of loved ones? We know there are Muslims killed on 9/11 too and we know it’s a great religion. … But as far as their right to build that mosque, they have that right.

I just think what’s made this country great is we have religious freedom. That’s not the only thing, but it’s one of the most important things in the Constitution. [...]

There’s a question of whether it’s too close to the 9/11 area, but it’s a few blocks away, it isn’t right there. … And here’s a huge, I think, lack of support throughout the country for Islam to build that mosque there, but that should not make a difference if they decide to do it. I’d be the first to stand up for their rights.

[Yossarian]

Forgive my ignorance: What is the “S JC”? Thanks.

[kabumpo]

Senate Judiciary Committee

[Yossarian]

Duh. Thanks.

[Pollster1]

We know there are Muslims killed on 9/11 too

That's true. At least 19 of them.

[Jimmy Valentine]

"There goes any integrity or worthliness he had."

When was that again? I don't remember this RINO ever having any of either.

[Diogenesis]

Does he own some BAIN stock and made money here, too?

"(The GroundZero Mosque) cleared its final hurdle ….
developers plan to build the $100 million center which will include a mosque.
Since its incipient stages in July 2009, when a Muslim-run real-estate development
company purchased the damaged, vacant building and land where the new center
will be built, the project has sparked controversy and debate.
.... the tattered building that was bought by the Muslim real estate company had
been owned by a subsidiary of Bain Capital, a company Romney founded in 1984.
So it’s OK if his company can profit off the sale of the land ."

[Melchior]

It is soothing to note that Hatch (Utah’s Howdy Doody) will soon follow Bennett into retirement. The Tea Party will see to it.

[Valin]

“It is not about religious freedom, IT’S ABOUT RESPECT”

I don’t understand why so many people don’t seem to get this point.

[Valin]

Moran!!!