Obama wades into the deep end...

President Obama speaks on the controversy surrounding efforts to build a mosque near Ground Zero in lower Manhattan. I agree with him on this. And given how unpopular this position is, you have to give him (and Michael Bloomberg) credit for standing up for what's right. Like the ACLU has found, there's often little gratitude for those who defend the rights of the outsider or the downtrodden. It's just amazing to me that people are willing to extend our freedoms only to those who are in favor, especially given how fickle public sentiment is.

But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure.

Obama's raises the issues at the 2:27 mark.

(Video link)