In one of the most outrageous appeasement gestures in a year full of them, the Empire State Building was illuminated in green to celebrate the Islamic holiday of Eid.

Quite a few LGF readers emailed and called the building managers about this, and also contacted New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to express dismay. Today a reader forwarded the reply he received from the mayor, who apparently believes that the best response to terrorists is to celebrate diversity.

Thank you for your recent letter regarding the lighting of the Empire State Building in commemoration of Eid-al-Fitr and the end of Ramadan.

While this was a private decision made by the Empire State Building Company, I admire their choice to celebrate this important event with our entire City. People have always come to New York from all over the world, bringing different customs, traditions, and faiths. This incredible diversity is one of the things that makes New York the greatest city in the world.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, our City united as never before - and we remain united today, across all ethnicities, races, and religions. I can think of no better response to the terrorists than demonstrating our determination to stand together as New Yorkers and as Americans, celebrating the unity we have found in our diversity.

Sincerely,
Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor