This video demonstrates what really irritated me about how the press covered this event. For example on CNN they would frequently summarize the positions of the pro- and anti-Park 51 demonstrations and for the anti- it would always be something like, “while they believe Imam Rauf has the absolute right to build it, they feel proceeding would be disrespectful to the victims of 9/11 and therefore Rauf should choose not to exercise his right.” That’s of course a way too charitable and moderate paraphrasing of their position.

These folks are in fact terrified of Islam and Muslims. All the propaganda on the topic they consume make them see Muslims as a dangerous, conspiratorial, monolithic group that secretly intends them harm. Many, if they could, would support denying Muslims constitutionally protected rights.