Mayor Bloomberg has strongly supported the the Islamic Center being planned near Ground Zero and has also strongly criticized those who have used anti-Islamic rhetoric and justifications for opposing the proposed center. See here for an article re his support: http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2010/08/03/mayor_bloomberg_on_mosque. I think that this is an important step from the Mayor, who has not always taken sympathetic positions vis a vis his Muslim constituents. He is certainly receiving a lot of criticism and negative feedback for taking this step.
As a result, it is important that his office also receive positive feedback from each and every person who agreed with his comments in support of his Muslim constituents. To that end, please consider sending a note of support to his office at this email: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html.
Doing so will help the Mayor’s office and pollsters get a balanced view of the relative popularity of his position and demonstrate that there are many who agree with his views. If we don’t articulate our support, his office (whose staff will go on to advise future mayors/politicians) may conclude that the political costs of his position were higher than is actually true, which will discourage him and other politicians from taking such positions in the future. And of course, we as a community should have the decency to thank those who make sacrifices on our behalf.
Please take a moment to send an email to the mayor’s comment line at http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html and to pass this email on to any others who supported the Mayor’s position. It’s free, it’s easy and it’s in our own best interest!
Basic Form Letter (please modify before sending)
Dear Mayor Bloomberg: I commend you for your support of the Islamic center being planned downtown. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments in favor of the separation of church and state and against unfair treatment of New York’s peaceful, mainstream Muslim constituents. I am proud that New York has set an example of patriotism that embraces diversity, openness and cosmopolitanism over bigotry and parochialism. You have made your legacy as one of NYC’s great mayors!
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