Obama Promises That A Mosque Will Be Built At 9/11 Site Before He Leaves Office According to reports, President Obama has been publicly speaking out in favor of a proposed Muslim community center and mosque right near ground zero in Manhattan. According to Obama, who spoke out at a White House dinner celebrating Ramadan, as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. Obamas press secretary followed the comments by claiming that the president was not attempting to get involved in local decision making. I understand the emotions that this issue engenders, Obama continued. Ground zero is, indeed, hallowed ground. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are. Aides to the president claim that he has very strong feelings about the proposed mosque, but the White House was hesitant to weigh in until local authorities had made a decision. Such was the case when NYC removed a final construction hurdle, and the Mayor spoke in favor of the project. Still, the community center has been the cause of uproar among Americans living in New York. Some claim that this is not an issue of religion, but rather one of safety and security. And Sarah Palin has called the project an unnecessary provocation. Lets not forget, though, that Obama has been strongly in favor of the Muslim community since he first took office. In fact, when he was initially running for office, he promised to improve relations with the Muslim world. He even vowed for a new beginning which would include steps like closing Guantanamo Bay. What do you think? Is this an outrage? 