Republican Bob Turner is hoping he can win a tight race to fill the congressional seat left vacant by Anthony Weiner by exploiting the memory of the 9/11 tragedy. A commercial produced by this darling of the Tea Party movement with scenes of the devastation aired last week. It is reason enough for Queens voters to question his judgment.
Turner’s ad accuses his opponent, state Assemblyman David Weprin, and President Barack Obama of supporting plans to build an Islamic center near the ruins of the World Trade Center.
“It has been 10 short years. Everyone remembers. Some, though, want to commemorate the tragedy by building a mosque on Ground Zero,” the narrator says. “President Obama thinks that’s a good idea. And so does Congressional candidate David Weprin.”
Bull. Obama and Weprin have made it clear that they think building the Islamic center and mosque near the World Trade Center is not a good idea. They understand that the plan is controversial and they would like to see Park51 moved to another location.
But the president and Weprin realize the center’s backers have a constitutional right to build at this location. And, unlike Turner, they understand the American tradition of religious tolerance.
On Sept. 13, two days after the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, a special election will be held to replace Weiner. The district is likely to be eliminated by redistricting. Nevertheless, we cringe at the thought of Turner representing Queens on Capitol Hill.
Queens is home to people of all religions. Attacking any for the purpose of political gain is reprehensible. Turner is exploiting the memory of 9/11 heroes and pandering to the pain many voters still feel.
Koch Goes Off the Deep End
Earlier this month, former Mayor Ed Koch endorsed Turner in an effort to “send a message” to Obama about his policies toward Israel. It did not matter to Koch that Weprin has been a staunch supporter of Israel.
Nor apparently did it matter that Turner is connected to the Tea Party, which opposes the liberal ideals Koch has fought for all his life.
We respect Koch and all he did for the city. We urge him to reconsider his endorsement.
