By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-919272.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Remarks by United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi about a proposed Islamic center and mosque near ground zero are keeping Democrats on the defensive.
The controversy grew once graphic ads and videos began popping up. And then political rhetoric mounted on both sides of the political aisle after Pelosi said she wants to know who is funding opposition to the mosque. Republicans wasted no time framing her remarks as a call for a federal investigation.
U.S. Representative Brian Higgins condemned what he called efforts to exploit the situation for political expediency.
Regardless of what is fanning the flames, Americans who have been asked are overwhelmingly opposed to the center - or at least the planned location of it.
Polls show that more than sixty percent of Americans do not think the Mosque should be built so near the site that claimed thousands of lives. Higgins said peaceful Muslims are victims of terror too.
Higgins said he hopes that once the rhetoric dies down, people will realize what is at stake.
"I think most thoughtful Americans really look to see what's at stake here they will understand that the peaceful practice of religion is something that is verym, very important to the fabric of this nation's founding," said Higgins.
The Congressman said he is not worried about the controversy affecting the elections. Higgins said jobs will be the key issue this fall.