President Obama Covering All of His Bases...

While watching the oval office speech delivered by President Obama, it seemed like he was trying to cover all the hot topics and hit all the main points rather then talking about what a true failure the American mission in Iraq has turned out to be. We have not been able to accomplish much, but President Obama was proud to point out that we were able to stop the conflict-- a promise he made in the campaign. Congratulations on keeping your promise! But we would like to see some results from a war that has lasted nearly ten years and cost $1 trillion and 4,400 troops' lives. That is a price too high for failure!

President Obama spend a great deal of time discussing the economy and the middle class in America. In the speech that was supposed to be about the Iraq withdraw of troops, felt more like a candidate speech. I expected more out of a great speaker like Obama.

Mosque Near Ground Zero

The controversy over the mosque near ground zero has lasted for over a month now. It is on every news station; it is in every newspaper. Not too many people disagree that Muslims have the right to build the mosque; however, the argument starts when the location of it comes into the conversation.

Many people, who have lost family and loved ones in the 9/11 attacks and some without any personal connections to the tragedy, have been protesting against the building of the mosque only a few blocks from where the twin towers stood only nine years ago. On August 14, the news loudly broadcasted that President Obama is in support for the mosque, and he believes that the Constitution allows Muslims to build it anywhere they would like. President Obama said that Muslims have the same right to freedom of religion as everyone else in America. Not many people are arguing their right to practice religion; it is simply the location of their place of worship that has so many people worked up. President Obama, however, did not comment on whether the location was a smart idea.

Another supporter of the mosque is New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He agreed with President Obama, and he welcomed the President's White House speech as a "clarion defense of the freedom of religion." On Saturday a reported asked President Obama about the current issue during his trip to Florida, the President replied: "I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making a decision to put a mosque there. I was commenting very specifically on the right that people have that dates back to our founding."

I agree with President Obama's view. Although I honestly do not believe that the location was chosen randomly or without a hidden motive; it is still Muslim's Constitutional right to be able to build a mosque and worship where ever they choose to do so. The newest controversy began when rumors of possible public funding slipped into the headlines. This is a story I would love to flow and watch unfold. I do not believe the mosque should be able to receive any public funding, and that should go towards all religions. Public funds should not be mixed in with religion.

I see this story staying in the headlines for years to come. People will be protesting and talking and writing about it until the day the center is officially open. This is not a controversy that can be solved over night, and there is no side the politicians could pick to please everyone.