Ted Olson, Former Bush Solicitor General And Husband Of 9/11 Victim, Backs Obama On Mosque

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Ted Olson, Former Bush Solicitor General And Husband Of 9/11 Victim, Backs Obama On 'Ground Zero Mosque'

The Huffington Post | Nick Wing First Posted: 08-18-10 04:31 PM | Updated: 08-18-10 05:08 PM



Ted Olson, former George W. Bush solicitor general, attorney behind the case against California's gay marriage ban, and husband of a woman who died aboard the plane that crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11, said Wednesday that President Obama was right about his analysis of the "Ground Zero Mosque" as a constitutional right protected by the First Amendment.

Olson's wife, conservative commentator and lawyer Barbara Olson, perished on September 11 aboard American Airlines Flight 77, the plane that was hijacked and flown in the Pentagon.

Asked on MSNBC about his opinion on the plans to construct a 13-story Islamic community center two blocks away from Ground Zero, Olson gave a response that served as a rather high profile departure from what has become the conservative norm on the issue.

"Well it may not make me hap-- popular with some people, but I think, probably, the president was right about this," Olson told MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell. "I do believe that people of all religions have a right to build edifices, or structures, or places of religious worship or study where the community allows them to do it under zoning laws and that sort of thing, and that we don't want to turn an act of hate against us by extremists into an act of intolerance for people of religious faith. And I don't think it should be a political issue. It shouldn't be a Republican or Democratic issue, either. I believe Gov. Christie from New Jersey said it well, that this should not be in that political, partisan marketplace."

Watch Olson on MSNBC: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/18/liz-cheneys-keep-america-_n_686697.html

[sabrina 1]

1. He has surprised me a lot lately, Maybe he has had an

epiphany of some sort or maybe he was always a decent guy who just got caught up in the rightwing mania that his wife was so involved with.

Good for him and for the President. I hope more prominent people will speak out. He is a lawyer and clearly knows his Constitution. There should be a test for all members of Congress on the constitution before they are allowed to run for office.

[Gman]

2. I swear he's got stage 4 cancer

why else would he be trying to make things right now?

[indepat]

5. I'm beginning to wonder if Ted might have been born again in a progressive body

:)

[dkf]

3. He said it might not make him happy...that doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement.

And I don't know anyone who thinks stopping the mosque is constitutional. That isn't the point. If the goal is to create good will this was seriously misdirected. If the goal is to exercise legal rights with no concern for being sensitive to the community then this is perfect.

[JerseygirlCT]

26. I really don't understand what is misdirected

unless we're supposed to conform to prejudice so that some will not feel uncomfortable.

The people wishing to build this community center have as much to do with 9-11 as you or I do.

The discomfort only points out the need for a community center designed to improve understanding and tolerance.

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Who is that guy and what has he done with Ted Olsen?

[JerseygirlCT]

9. I don't know...

maybe we've just happened on a true conservative and constitutionalist? I think they're about as rare as little green men from Mars, but who knows?

[flyarm]

6. Check out what Harry Reid says.......

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive ...
Aug 16, 2010 ... Majority Leader Harry Reid is breaking ranks with President Obama over the issue of ... Reid breaks with Obama, opposes mosque near Ground Zero .... The more we oppose mosques by equating terrorism with Islam the more we ...

politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/16/reid-breaks-... - Similar



Sen. Harry Reid Opposes Mosque at Ground Zero - The Note
Aug 16, 2010 ... Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid opposes construction of the Cordoba House ... Republicans, who largely oppose the mosque near Ground Zero, ...

blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2010/08/sen-harry-reid-oppo...


Personally, I don't think the Mosque will ever be built..no card carrying Union construction guy/gal from NY/NYC will ever work on it. Not contruction workers, the electrical union, Plummers union..no operating engineers..

Buttt.. if they some how get it built..no firemen will ever pass the occupancy requirements.

Seems many posting here are unaware of how strong the Unions of NY are! psssssssssss..they are damn strong..Strongest in the nation!

Take that to the Bank.

[JerseygirlCT]

7. Are you saying the union guys/gals are bigots?

Because refusing to work on this Islamic community center would indicate that's exactly what they are.

[flyarm]

8. I am not saying that at all..don't put words in my mouth!

don't you dare!

I am saying they will not cross any picket line or go against the cops or Firemen unions!

They will stand with the fireman unions and Police unions..the NYC and NJ/NY unions stick together! like glue...stronger than glue!

[JerseygirlCT]

10. If those were your words, I don't need to put anything in your mouth

Any union member who refuses to work on this building simply because it's a *Islamic* community center is not being strong or brave. He or she is caving into bigotry, pure and simple.

We are not at war with Islam. Islam is not the enemy. And the sort of rank prejudice that seems to be acceptable when applied to Muslims should not be tolerated. It's wrong. Period.

[flyarm]

11. You just take "YOUR WORDS " INTO THE NY UNIONS AND TELL THEM THAT..

you might not come out alive!

Many many of those Union guys/gals pulled arms and legs and fingers out of the rubble..they transported body parts..

You march right in there and tell them you think they are bigots..go right ahead. i dare you!

[JerseygirlCT]

12. You really seem to be missing something very simple and very important

and I truly hope you don't speak for those union folks.

9-11 was a dreadful thing. And those responders are tremendous heroes.

BUT there is NO connection between the people who caused that horrific tragedy and the people who want to build this community center. Using a common faith to conclude that any Muslim is a terrorist is a terribly ignorant and prejudiced thing to do.

I know it's easier to feel as if you've put some sort of face on "the enemy" and can kick the people who wish to build a community center that fosters tolerance and understanding and feel some sort of catharsis. But it would be wrongly placed.

I'll say it again: Islam is not the enemy. Making enemies of all Muslims is very much like the rationale demonstrated by the perpetrators of 9-11.

[flyarm]

13. I am not missing a damn thing..My co-workers were flying on those planes..

3 of whom were friends of mine..two of my neighobrs lost their kids in those buildings..I am not missing a fucking thing..

I have deliberatly not said what My opinion of this is..so save your bs for someone who wants to suck it up with you..I have no opinion..but i sure as fuck know those unions..because my dad and my uncles all were top dogs in those unions..and now it is my brothers and my cousins as top dogs in those unions..what I am telling you...if you care to listen and not think you know it all...is they will not cross the Police or firemens unions..never..ever!

Unlike you who sit on your computer..they have balls of steal..they cleaned up dead bodies..for damn near a year...and more for some of them..they will not cross the firemen or police unions!

[JerseygirlCT]

14. You are absolutely missing the point

and your angry responses only underline that.

Anyone who decides to punish these people (those who wish to build this community center) because they share a faith with the perpetrators of 9-11 are simply reacting to the most base and unjustified scapegoating.

That includes the many people who suffered horribly from 9-11. They don't get a pass on scapegoating because of their own pain. Causing other innocents to suffer because you've been hurt is not right.

So regardless of their actions on that day or after it, regardless of the heroism and strength they showed during those very dark days, an attempt to block the lawful construction of this building *simply because those wanting it built are Muslims* is wrong.

[flyarm]

15. It seems to me you are missing the point..

I am not angry I am stating a fact..a fuckng fact!

I stand with the constitution..but I have no opinion of this ..I see both sides of this..both sides.

But I stand with my constitution ..

That is me..

My point that You are ignoring ..the union guys will not cross each other..end of story!

Not the NY /NJ unions ..count on that!

You got a bitch..go talk to Harry Reid and Howard Dean..they are opposed to the Mosque being built at that site ..not me!

[JerseygirlCT]

16. Which circles us right back to my first point

Whether you agree with them or not, if they are refusing to work on this building out of some sense that Islam is the enemy, then they are making scapegoats of innocent people who are trying to both practice their faith and help the community toward greater tolerance.

Knee-jerk prejudice is a bad thing, no matter who indulges in it.

Glad to hear you are not among those who do.

And Harry Reid is wrong. No surprise there; he often is. We could use a Democrat as Senate majority leader.

[flyarm]

18. No, you are still wronng..dead wrong..

understand this..the Union people are brothers..if one brother is hurting and won't work there..the others will follow suit..they protect each others backs.

And the Firefighters and NYPD do not act knee jerk.

They lost their brothers..if you can't understand that..then this is the end of conversation..they are each others brother..they lost their brothers..

63% OF NY'ERS ARE AGAINST THIS MOSQUE BEING BUILT THERE..ARE THEY ALL BIGOTS? or are they each others brothers and sisters?

They watched the damn place burn for almost a year..they breathed dead bodies for almost a year..some, their brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers.

If you don't undertand the sensitivity..then you understand nothing about 9/11.

Take up the bigotry with these guys.........not those who cleaned up the dead bodies and the rubble, many times putting their own lives at risk and many who put their health at risk and suffer today! With little to no help from either party, nor our government. Yes our same Government that lied to them about the risks.


Profiles in Cowardice: Harry Reid Calls on Muslims to Worship Somewhere Else | The Seminal

http://seminal.firedoglake.com/diary/65565

Over at TPM, David Kurtz reports that a spokesperson for the man who would like to be the Democratic leader of the United States Senate has issued a statement in which he courageously calls on Muslims not to build a worship center anywhere that he might find inconvenient for his election:

'The First Amendment protects freedom of religion. Sen. Reid respects that but thinks that the mosque should be built some place else. '

Well, that clinches it for me. The Democrat’s Senate leader apparently believes religious freedom and tolerance are okay if they don’t interfere with his election, and he doesn’t seem to want to be a leader. Way to motivate the base, Harry.


Howard Dean Joins Harry Reid, Wishes Muslims Weren’t So Insensitive | The Seminal

http://seminal.firedoglake.com/diary/65929


Sen. Harry Reid Opposes Mosque at Ground Zero - The Note
Aug 16, 2010 ... Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid opposes construction of the Cordoba House ... Republicans, who largely oppose the mosque near Ground Zero, ...

blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2010/08/sen-harry-reid-oppo...

[Jennicut]

20. Why, allowing bigotry is just fine. After all, all Muslims supported

Al-Qaeda! I see you are sympathetic to some in the NY Unions that may feel this way. Lots of people went through pain on 9/11. It is no excuse to act like a bigot and not understand nuance nor the right to express your religion. You either get it or you don't. I know how some unions can be...my husband is in one. But acting like a bigoted idiot is not acceptable. Politicians and those that helped out during 9/11 both need to get it and some just don't. My Mom's cousins are from NYC. I get what that city went through, but it doesn't make it okay to be intolerant. Just like not all Christians were sympathetic to Timothy McVeigh.

[flyarm]

23. do not put words in my mouth..that is not what i have said ..

again..now i will say it to you..you are 100% wrong..I am stating a fact. That does not mean I agree with it!

But it is a fact. In fact after I posted this a man was on CNN and said the same thing I said here.Sorry I missed who it was.


He said basically what i have said here..without the Unions..nothing gets built in NYC.

That is a fact.

That does not mean I support it..it is a fact of life in NYC.

I do not sympathize or otherwise.

I stand with my constitution of the USA..how many times do I have to say that???????????? or did you bother to actually read what I wrote?????????? Before attempting to put words in my mouth that I did not say?????????

I know these Unions..I am simply stating the fact that one union will not go against the other.

Do not put words in my mouth..you have no right to do that nor are you correct..not even close!

[JerseygirlCT]

25. You did start your original comments with

"Personally"...

That usually implies the opinions are yours.

You have also consistently supported the bigotry of the unions, insisting that their brotherhood somehow overshadows it.

The man you saw was long-time GOP strategy guy Ed Gillespie. Just so you know whose opinions you are mirroring.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

22. What do peaceful Muslims have to do with 9/11?

Answer: absolutely nothing.

Scapegoating an entire group of people for the actions of a few is the height of bigotry, no matter how you try to justify it. And you forget to note that Muslims were among the innocent victims of 9/11, including first responders and WTC workers.

[JerseygirlCT]

24. You continue to connect 9-11

to the people who wish to build this community center. (It's not a mosque, by the way).

There is no connection.

And yes, anyone who makes a connection is indulging in prejudice and scapegoating.

It's really that simple.

Would they be refusing to build a church there? Or a synagogue?

Are you aware that many Muslims also died on that day, in those towers?

[flyarm]

29. ya know this used to be a place you could discuss things..it is no longer.

let me say it again..I stand with my constitution..got that..can you get that?? are you capable of cognitive thinking or reading????????????

Let me say it again, I am among the 20% in this country who believes in the constitution in this regard and in all regards and believe this Mosque has every right under our consitution to be built any where it is chosen to be built.

Do I understand the sensitivities? Yes I do..my co-workers died there..I have stood there as a representative of my airline with the families who lost their children, their mothers, their fathers. Does that mean I believe my constitution should be ignored because of sensitivities?..NO.

There were Muslims on thos planes..do they have differing opinions on this, yes they do. Two vitims families were on CNN last night , both had lost loved ones on 9/11 and they both had differinng opinions on this Mosque. Are they not allowed their differing opinions and their differing sensitivities? Damn right they are.

Does that supercede our constitution?..in my OPINION..NO.

Did you read that?? did you comprehend that..I said NO.

Do I believe Muslims in this country are being scapegoated for something they had nothing to do with..YES. Do I believe that is unfair..YES I DO. I understand the sensitivity in both regards.


Can we get past remedial reading now????????

Nothing supersedes our constitution in my belief. NOTHING! It is the law of our land. I believe in the Rule of law.

Can I make that any clearer???????????????

I just wish our leaders in our government cared about our constitution as much as I do! Past and current.

Do I believe others feel as strongly about our constitution as I do..NO. ( that is obvious, 80% of Americans do not believe this mosque should be built near Ground Zero..20% believe it should) Are all Americans Bigots? No. But many people in this country understand the "SENSITIVITY" of doing so.

Do I believe Families of victims of 9/11 have strong sensitivites regarding losing their loved ones on 9/11 at Ground Zero..YES.

Do I believe many families who lost loved ones at Ground Zero..the graveyard of their loved ones .. have sensitivities you nor I could ever understand (and I pray I never have to) ..YES

I will never judge them.

Do I think they are right or wrong about their sensitivites..It is not my RIGHT TO JUDGE THEM. I have not walked in their shoes, I don't wake up with the nightmares they do, I do not live and breathe losing my child, my mother, my father, my husband or wife. Do I recognise the pain in their eyes?..I damn well do!

But do I believe their sensitivities supercede our constitution..NO..but I do believe we would be a better nation if we understood their pain, and their anquish over this.

It is easy to sit in an Ivory Tower..or message board, and critisize others when you have not walked in their shoes, nor lost a loved one at Ground zero, and to have watched airplanes with your loved ones in them smash into a building and die a brutal death, or watch the buildings your child or mother, your father, or husband or wife crash to the ground with them in it.

Somethings don't have to make sense to others who have not experienced the pain of losing someone in a very trumatic way.
These people have been through a trauma you will never understand , and I hope you never have to.

If you do not understand that, and the sensitivity these people live with, then I feel very sorry for you!

[JerseygirlCT]

30. We were discussing

It seems the lack of a salient point has left you with only stuttering and insults.

I think I understand you perfectly well:

1. You understand that constitutionally, there is no impediment to building this center.

2. You believe that some in the various building unions in NYC will refuse to work on this center, and that because of that, others in other unions will likewise support some sort of boycott effort.

3. You believe that because some members of these unions were present during 9-11 or involved in the clean-up, that they are necessarily therefore free of prejudice, or that their horrific experiences makes their prejudice unimportant, regardless of who it may harm.

[UTUSN]

17. Fine. I hate him. I will always hate him. n/t

[BlueMTexpat]

19. Ted Olson is a good lawyer whom I respect a lot, even though

I certainly did not agree with his arguments in Bush v. Gore. Still, it was the USSC that "selected" Bush, not Olson. That was practically a foregone conclusion once they agreed to hear the case - which should never have happened.

In some ways, he reminds me of John Dean, who also had an epiphany after wandering in the wilderness for a long time. I generally like what he has been saying and doing in the past few years. Good for him!

[applegrove]

21. Maybe he is becoming a democrat after all the trauma of loosing his wife.

[CTyankee]

28. I was thinking the same thing. Something DID change the guy OR

maybe we just have a bad feeling for him because of his role in Bush v. Gore. I didn't know that much about the guy before that case. He may have been pro gay rights and tolerant with regard to other religions all along. Does he have a track record that suggests otherwise?

[applegrove]

31. I don't know anything about him. I knew his wife as a conservative pundit and she wasn't

nearly as obnoxious as most GOP pundits are.

[lunatica]

27. Ted Olson epitomizes the worst in this country and the best in this country

How he can rationalize what he did to get the Supreme Court to select Bush over Gore is truly beyond me. Yet as bad as that was, and its consequences are the fucking mess Bush has made of this country, he's done something I think is just as important by proving the un-constitutionality of prop 8. The worst and the best because both have had and will have a profound impact on this country.

edited for spelling