‘Time to be Courageous’

Speaking in front of the historic county courthouse, State Senator Leibell made a case for religious tolerance in the Muslim world. Diana Culhane Tuesday afternoon, in front of the historic County Courthouse steps in Carmel, and a crowd of about 30 supporters, State Senator Vincent Leibell criticized the proposed mosque near Ground Zero, the site of the September 11 terrorist attacks in Manhattan.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf wishes to construct what would be known as the Cordoba House, a $100-million Islamic cultural center and mosque, two blocks from the site where 2,752 people lost their lives to radical Islamists.

President Barack Obama has said that the Muslims have a right to build a mosque there, but he would not comment on the “wisdom” of the project. Leibell let the crowd know that he thinks a mosque near “hallowed American ground” shows a complete lack of wisdom and sensitivity.

Supporters of the proposed mosque say that it will demonstrate to the rest of the world how advanced America’s religious tolerance is. “We do not need to prove our religious tolerance to anybody,” Leibell said. “Around the world and around this nation, are cemeteries filled with our sons and daughters, who gave up their young lives, fighting for those same principles.”

Leibell praised Governor David Paterson for his efforts in attempting a compromise. “[Paterson] graciously said ‘Let me find you an alternative site,’ and he was rebuffed, ‘We don’t even wish to speak to you [was the response].’”

The senator said that the $100 million would be better served elsewhere. “To those who wish to construct a 100 million dollar mosque in lower Manhattan, let me give you an alternative thought,” he proposed. “I would like you to commit that money to seeing religious tolerance and the protection of women and children throughout the Muslim world.”

Leibell pointed out the different houses of worship in the vicinity of the Courthouse. “I would like the same commitment from these people: that these churches, as well as Jewish temples, could be built in Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan,” he said. “When they have done that, when they have made the commitment I am calling for today, then I will believe that they are interested in religious freedom and cultural diversity.”

The senator made it clear that he is going to be outspoken on this issue. “I don’t want today to be politically correct,” he said. “When we are going to be politically correct … We will do that all the way to the cemetery as a nation … This is a time to stand up and be courageous.”

Leibell is the ranking minority member on the Committee of Homeland Security, Veterans, and Military Affairs. A few months ago, he spoke and debated on the state senate floor concerning the issue of holding trials for accused terrorists in Manhattan. “We sent a resolution to the Attorney General [Eric Holder] in Washington. “I didn’t win any friends in the Justice Department,” he said. “But we have made a significant amount of progress there.”

Although Leibell is running for county executive, he did not mention the campaign. Leibell will face Legislator Mary Ellen Odell in the September 14 Republican primary.