Is The Ground Zero Mosque Fiasco All About The Money?

[Javaman]

(I've been saying this all along)

http://blogs.forbes.com/rickungar/2010/09/12/is-the-ground-zero-mosque-fiasco-all-about-the-money/?utm_source=alertsnewpost

Just one year ago, it was a relatively low-value piece of Manhattan real estate once used as a factory for manufacturing coats. Today, it is one of the most contentious pieces of property in the world.

snip

Just ask Hisham Elzanaty, the man who is part of the investment group who purchased the land last year for 4.8 million dollars.

"If someone wants to give me 18 or 20 million dollars today, it’s all theirs. I’m a businessman. This was a mere business transaction for me."


More at link.

[Ian David]

1. This would explain why Fox "News" has been playing for both sides. n/t

[Wednesdays]

2. I suspect any property in that section of Manhattan is worth a fortune

I wouldn't be surprised if there is way more to this story than they're telling us.

On edit: Also, I suspect Big Money is behind the reason why there still isn't anything built at Ground Zero, after nearly 10 years. It's still just a big empty hole in the ground.

[el_bryanto]

3. I don't think so

I don't think there's any conspiracy from Imam Rauf; and I think that from those who ginned up opposition to the Cordoba Center it really is about Islamophobia.

Bryant

[Javaman]

4. I think it goes hand in hand.

while I think the Iman didn't have a direct connection with the price of the real estate, I do believe that various other parties involved (that were stated in the article) see a financial benefit from a "controvercy".

That area of Manhattan is some of the worlds most expensive real estate. Anyone thinking that there isn't money involved in this deal is very naive.

[el_bryanto]

5. There is money involved in every land deal

But what you seem to be insinuating (and I could be wrong) is that the primary focus of those involved in creating this controversy are doing so in order to drive up the price of the land? I don't agree with that; I think it has a lot more to do with genuine Islamophobia and the mid-term elections. I do agree that there may well be people behind the scenes eager to take advantage of this mess.

Bryant

[Javaman]

6. I don't necessarily believe it created it, but it certainly gave rise to

the opportunity for the rich to make a killing

Given the shark like atmosphere in NY real estate among the big players, I think someone saw a golden moment to jack up the price.

the bigots/racists/tea baggers are nothing but willing and unwilling tools for their known and unknown corporate bastard funders.

like the Koch brothers for example.

[el_bryanto]

7. That could well be; but they seem happy to play that roll

And in my opinion the anti-Islam feeling that many who oppose the Cordoba center seem to feel is probably the bigger issue in the grand scheme of things. The Cordoba center isn't the only Mosque being protested and Imam Rauf isn't the only Muslim being hassled.

Bryant

[Javaman]

8. Oh I agree.

this mess created was a monster.

While I do believe the initial protest by these idiots was genuine in their bizarre world view, the media (read: fox news) in conjunction with the wealthy real estate elements ginned up the controversy for their own benefit. As a result, the wide spread stupidity shown by these bigots spread to the other area's of the nation.

It still amazes me how the media fairness act fails to gain traction in congress among the dems, but then again, I'm sure fox and their ilk have very strong lobbyists.