Bloomberg backs mosque

NEW YORK – New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg says it would be “a sad day for America” if opponents successfully kill plans for a mosque proposed near the World Trade Centre site.Bloomberg has been among a few outspoken elected officials supporting the plans for an Islamic centre and mosque two blocks from ground zero.On Friday, President Barack Obama also backed the right for the developers to build a mosque there. He added over the weekend that he was not commenting on the wisdom of building a mosque close to ground zero.Some have said it is insensitive because the terrorists who struck the buildings in 2001 were Islamic extremists.Bloomberg applauded Obama yesterday for backing the mosque. He declined to read what he called nuances into the president’s additional remarks on Saturday. (AP)