“Some of the comments that have been uttered about Islam do not reflect the sentiments of my government or the sentiments of most Americans. Islam, as practiced by the vast majority of people, is a peaceful religion, a religion that respects others. Ours is a country based upon tolerance and we welcome people of all faiths in America.”
Remarks by President George W. Bush in a statement to reporters during a meeting with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan
The Oval Office, Washington, DC
November 13, 2002
I never thought that the modern GOP would need to take a page from the playbook of George W., though these modern T-Baggers have decided to ignore the only decent things their former leader did. The ideas of tolerance and acceptance are now hated ideals in the GOP. Un-Christian perhaps, rude and ignorant as well, or perhaps they have just become susceptible to demagogues like Sarah Palin.
Losing an election is hard, believe me, we had to endure two Bush victories (both under wide-spread allegations of fraud). However the things that make us American are not embodied in telling Muslims to get lost. They are embodied in the simple fact that our nation has faced so much diversity that we understand that those who attacked this great nation do not represent an entire religion.
If anything, allowing a mosque near ground zero is the ultimate expression of how truly great this nation is!