The one with the most participants would be my suspicion.

Religion doesn't make people good or bad. A proportion of people are going to be good or bad, and their religion will just reflect that proportion.

It doesn't matter which way Obama comments on this, as one side or the other will use it against him. If he supports a mosque/multi-cultural centre near the World Trade Center site then he'll be accused of pandering to Muslims, but if he doesn't he'll be accused of being anti-Islamic and intolerant.

I don't believe Obama should be involved in the decision-making process, nor should he be required to explain his view of the issue. It's a New York City planning application, and as such, is subject to NYC planning regulations. I don't believe any politician outside NYC should be influencing the planners decision, especially in trying to involve a sitting or former President.

Well that's the thing, Obama isn't involved in the decision making process and he was not required to explain his view of the issue. Sure, other politicians across the country were coming out with their opinions on the matter, but the president was not obliged to wade in. Nevertheless, he chose to do so, at the annual White House Ramadan dinner. How transparent is that?

On the other hand, when asked directly about it he cant dodge the question without appearing weak and dithery.

I thought his answer was very reasonable, he basically said they have a constitutional right to freedom of religion and that its up to the local planing process to decide whats right. Of course, how the media chooses to distort this is quite interesting too.

Exactly, he was asked his opinion and gave a very sensible response. He was deliberately put in a difficult position and handled it well, but whatever his answer had been, someone would have criticised Obama for it.

Every US President is a target for anyone with an agenda, though it also applies to pretty much any politician too.

Probably Christianity, or bits of it, with Islam a close second. I hate organised religion with a f*****g passion.

Amen to that

I do agree. It irks me that he chose to give his opinion at that particular function. It's just such overt, shameless arse kissing.

but he is a muslim innit nobodys seen his birth certificate have they his middle name is hussein what more evidence do you need that he is one of them and anyway the guvmint is so corrupt and the muslims are taking over the world and we have a black muslim president and the sky is falling on my head and wheres my tin foil hat and my big rifle

Amen indeed.

But I think we should form a church... "The Church of Common Sense and Decency"

One where folks come every Sunday to chew the fat, catch up with the neighbours, and generally remind each other that's it's alright to be nice to each other. Kind of like real church, but having to pretend about believing in fairy stories.

Put down the Daily Mail and step away slowly.

It could be called......a pub?

That rules out this religion.

That would be the "Common Sense" part of the philosophy...!

Well well, who would have thought I could be a religionist.

I smite you, you and you!