Filmmaker Michael Moore backs Ground Zero mosque

Prominent filmmaker Michael Moore has weighed in on the proposed Islamic Community Center in New York City, by upping the ante: It should be build on Ground Zero, the site of 9/11 attacks, not near Ground Zero. "I want it built on Ground Zero. Why? Because I believe in an America that protects those who are the victims of hate and prejudice," Moore writes in an open letter on his website. "I believe in an America that says you have the right to worship whatever God you have, wherever you want to worship. "And I believe in an America that says to the world that we are a loving and generous people and if a bunch of murderers steal your religion from you and use it as their excuse to kill 3,000 souls, then I want to help you get your religion back. And I want to put it at the spot where it was stolen from you," he added. The liberal filmmaker is also urging his supporters to contribute money to help fund the mosque project and is pledging to match up to $10,000 in donations. "C'mon everyone, let's pitch in and help those who are being debased for simply wanting to do something good. We could all make a huge statement of love on this solemn day," Moore writes. The religious leader behind the plans to erect an Islamic center and mosque a few blocks from New York's ground zero told CNN Wednesday night that America's national security depends on how it handles the controversy. "If we move from that location, the story will be the radicals have taken over the discourse," Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf told CNN's Soledad O'Brien on "Larry King Live." "The headlines in the Muslim world will be that Islam is under attack." The project is slated to include a variety of facilities, including a prayer room, a performing arts center, gym, swimming pool and other public spaces. It is planned for a site two blocks from the World Trade Center.

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