Is DeSteph fueling the fire?

Councilman appeals to NY mayor

As much as I admire Virginia Beach Councilman Bill DeSteph’s prowess as a populous fiscal official, I must admit I disagree with his opinion that prompted a letter to New York City’s Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

Follow up:

“Therefore out of respect to the families of the 911 victims and their memory we strongly urge the elected officials of the City of New York to oppose the building of this mosque at Ground Zero and urge them to insist that Feisal Abdul Rauf and his followers look elsewhere to carry out their plans.” - Bill DeSteph

Rauf ‘s project calls for a 13-story community center including a mosque, performing art center, gym, swimming pool and other public spaces. It is collaboration between the American Society for Muslim Advancement and the Cordoba Initiative. The 25-year Cordoba Initiative aims to improve relations between Muslims and the West.

The letter, written on Virginia Beach letterhead and prompted at the request of two unnamed New York officials, expresses DeSteph’s opinion in the cumulative sense as “We the citizens of Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth of Virginia” but is singularly signed by DeSteph. Whether or not it is proper protocol is a question that needs to be hashed out between DeSteph and the city council and Commonwealth officials. Alternately, DeSteph certainly has the right to freely express his opinion.

My reservation is that this passionate approach is futile in the sense that unless Rauf’s project is suspended voluntarily, the project cannot officially or legally be obstructed. The project has the backing of the Community Board of lower Manhattan. It does not require city permission to go ahead.

In conclusion, I renounce any needless frustration that may fuel the fire for further hatred, bigotry or prejudice.