I am no Geller acolyte or apologist.

To reiterate, I am not opposed to the center, I would just like to see it elsewhere. I am also not as sanguine as the rest of you about the goals of those who want to build this center. Its leader, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf may not be a member of the Taliban, but he is far short of a model of tolerance. Here are real quotes:

US Caused 9/11
On 60 minutes Rauf said: “United States policies were an accessory to the crime that happened (on 9/11)…Because we have been accessory to a lot of innocent lives dying in the world.”

He reiterated later, “in fact, in the most direct sense, Obama bin Laden is made in the USA.”

Terrorism is the natural reaction to US Policies:

“The U.S. must acknowledge the harm they have done to Muslims before terrorism can end.”
“Islamic terrorists do not come from another moral universe… they arise from oppressive societies that he feels Washington had a hand in creating.”

On his refusal to criticize Hamas:

“I’m not a politician. I try to avoid the issues. The issue of terrorism is a very complex question. I’m a bridge builder. I do not want to be placed in a position where I am the target of one side or the other.”

These statements match the sentiments of CAIR, the unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation case. Worst yet, he is purported to be a man of G-d, yet he cannot find the words to condemn terrorism because it is “complex”.

As for the source of funds, if it is to be 100% raised in the US, please provide your sources.

What would satisfy me? A statement as follows: As an American Muslim, I am horrified by the acts taken in the name of my faith. As I leader of my community, I encourage all of our members to assist our government in making sure that such an act can never happen again in our names. Further, we must vocally disassociate from any movement that uses terror. Likewise, we call on those nations who self-identify as Muslim societies to respect the religious rights of others as well as to promote and encourage the growth of a civil society where all citizens have equal rights and standing.

Don’t hold your breath.