Outrage: Ahmadinejad to visit Ground Zero? Update: Despite NYPD rejection, visit may still be on
posted at 3:21 pm on September 19, 2007 by Allahpundit
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If it happens, if this Holocaust-denying terrorist filthbag is allowed to use the remains of the Trade Center for a photo op, the rage on the right will burn so white hot that even the anti-amnesty activism this summer will pale by comparison. It’s not clear from the Sun’s article whose responsibility it is for approving the visit, although the NYPD and Secret Service would both be involved in the security detail. As I recall, the last time he visited New York his visa only allowed him to travel within a radius of a few blocks between the UN and his hotel. And of course the U.S. could deny him a visa to enter the country at all if it so chose. So in some sense, at least, it’s up to State to okay this.
The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has requested to visit ground zero during his visit to New York next week, police commissioner Raymond Kelly said today.
The Iranian mission to the U.N. made the request to the New York City police department and the Secret Service, who will jointly oversee security during the president’s two-day visit. Mr. Ahmadinejad is scheduled to arrive September 24 to speak to the U.N. General Assembly as the Security Council decides whether to increase sanctions against Iran for its uranium enrichment program.
Mr. Kelly said the NYPD and Secret Service were in discussions with the Iranian mission about the logistics for the possible visit, and whether it will take place at all. He said Mr. Ahmadinejad would not be allowed to descend into the pit for safety reasons related to ongoing construction there.
Not to go all nutrootsy here, but there are one or two influential people who allegedly read this site so let me issue a formal warning to them on behalf of myself and, I suspect, most of our readers: if Bush and Rice let him go down there, especially in the wake of Petraeus and Crocker reporting the threat Iran poses to American soldiers in Iraq, you have no idea how grave the political fallout will be. Consider this an alert from the grassroots early warning system. You ignored the warning we gave you this summer about the amnesty bill. For your sake, don’t ignore this one.
Update: Here’s Bloomberg’s contact information:
PHONE 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside NYC)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html
And here’s State’s:
202-647-4000
TTY:1-800-877-8339
Update: Mitt is the first to pounce.
“Ahmadinejad’s shockingly audacious request should be met with a vehement no. It’s inconceivable that any consideration would be given to the idea of entertaining the leader of a state sponsor of terror at Ground Zero. This would deeply offend the sensibilities of Americans from all corners of our nation. Instead of entertaining Ahmadinejad, we should be indicting him.”
Update: Says the Times, “It was unclear whether the police, the Secret Service or another agency would have final authority on the request. Mr. Kelly said the issue raised by the Iranian Mission had more to do with the logistics of dealing with a large security detail that would be expected to accompany Mr. Ahmadinejad than with his right, like any foreign visitor, to travel freely in the city.” Except that he’s not just “any foreign visitor,” is he? If they can’t restrict his movement then the solution is simple: cancel his visa. Case closed.
Update: Looks like police commissioner Ray Kelly had himself a change of heart. Standby for details.
Update: They’re dancing away from the cliff:
An advance team for the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, asked earlier this month that he be allowed to lay a wreath at the World Trade Center site during the opening of the United Nations General Assembly next week, but the request was denied, New York City police officials said today.
The request, which was made at a meeting that included the Secret Service and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was denied for reasons of security and safety, police officials said, adding that Mr. Ahmadinejad’s aides had asked that he be allowed into the pit, where construction is taking place.
Earlier today, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly had said that Iranian officials had made a “formal request” that Mr. Ahmadinejad be permitted to visit ground zero and that the department, in coordination with the Secret Service, was discussing the matter with officials of the Iranian Mission to the United Nations…
A short while later, around 4:15 p.m., the Police Department’s spokesman, Paul J. Browne, said that Mr. Kelly had misspoke and that police commanders had already decided that a visit to ground zero by Mr. Ahmadinejad was not feasible.
Update: Way to show leadership, George.
President Bush, moving quickly to respond to news that the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has asked to visit ground zero, had a spokesman issue a statement aimed at Mayor Bloomberg that said – in so many words — deal with it.
“This is a matter for the City of New York resolve,” a spokesman for the National Security Council at the White House, Gordon Johndroe, said. He added pointedly: “It seems odd that the president of a country that is a state sponsor of terror would visit ground zero.”
Here’s the inevitable condemnation from Giuliani. If this thing does happen, expect Rudy to milk it even more fervently than he did the “Betray Us” incident. He’ll be down there with an army — almost literally — of protesters.
Update: The university that houses the most notorious Middle Eastern Studies department in the country, which gave Iran’s ambassador to the UN a platform last year to dismiss accusations of Iranian terrorism as Fox News propaganda, which capitulated to fear for Walid Shoebat’s safety by closing his appearance on campus to the public, and which counts among its former presidents Dwight Eisenhower, who famously visited Nazi concentration camps himself so that he could personally bear witness to what happened there, is now set to host the world’s most famous Holocaust denier on Monday. Perfect.
Incidentally, will the public be barred from Ahmadinejad’s speech like they were barred from Shoebat’s? If not, why not?
Update: MM says this travesty may happen yet, as the Secret Service will provide security even if the NYPD doesn’t. Fine. That puts the ball back in the feds’ court, and they’re much more pressurable than NYC is. See how the RNC does next year in fundraising, boys. I’ll run the photo of Ahmadinejad at Ground Zero every time I write about the election. And again, I won’t be the only one.
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I thought this was a joke when I read it. How sickening that the request is even being dignified with an official response from any official channel.
WriterMom on September 19, 2007 at 4:29 PM
Spoken like a true paisan. I like it.
steveegg on September 19, 2007 at 4:29 PM
so what is Hillary’s stand on this?
bnelson44 on September 19, 2007 at 4:30 PM
Golly… I wonder what the Democratic candidates are going to say. Perhaps they’ve responded already, but I haven’t seen anything just yet.
I predict he won’t get anywhere near Ground Zero.
D2Boston on September 19, 2007 at 4:30 PM
New York City has rejected the offer - whew. What reamins to be seen is if he has the balls to go down there on his own.
Last time, he could only go from the UN to his hotel. Has New York City offered a wider radius without providing security?
Agrippa2k on September 19, 2007 at 4:31 PM
UPDATE - AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN. NEW YORK REJECTS REQUEST.
Source: Hannity Radio Show / ABC News
Agrippa2k on September 19, 2007 at 4:32 PM
OT — Allah, you got honorable mention on Rush’s show today for the coverage of … something. Can’t remember. Tazer Boy?
Jaibones on September 19, 2007 at 4:32 PM
Head out of the clouds, E. The left wants communication and understanding. If his visit is blocked, the left will crow about how the evil Bushitlerhalliburtonites are ruining any chances for peace in the world…
eeyore on September 19, 2007 at 4:32 PM
It would be the same as inviting Hitler to Buchenwald.
MaiDee on September 19, 2007 at 4:32 PM
Johah Goldberg, brilliant, as usual.
Entelechy on September 19, 2007 at 4:33 PM
I think it would have been more appropriate if New York had responded: Nuts!
Seems fitting.
Meric1837 on September 19, 2007 at 4:33 PM
Next move is Condi’s: reject the VISA application on the grounds that we cannot provide for his protection while in New York, due to the outrage over his inflammatory request.
Let him be in Tehran when the Red Rain falls.
Jaibones on September 19, 2007 at 4:34 PM
Sorry, Jonah, of course
Entelechy on September 19, 2007 at 4:34 PM
Absolute insanity. What’s next . . . Harry Reid honoring him with a state dinner?
rplat on September 19, 2007 at 4:35 PM
In every debate, from both sides, these kinds of “what if” questions s/b asked.
Entelechy on September 19, 2007 at 4:35 PM
I suspect they might have if this had not gone public. Once people know about it, it becomes too difficult to provide the necessary security in an environment like Manhattan.
Big S on September 19, 2007 at 4:36 PM
Think Strategic People!
As a conservative and Republican, I want Ahmadinejad to visit ground zero along with a delegation of prominent Democrat supporters of the current Iranian regime. What better way to crystalize the choices in the 2008 election than a photo-op with this terrorist at ground zero along with his friends like Pelosi, Kennedy, Reid, Durbin, Murtha, and all the rest of the fifth columnists that have been supporting Iran’s actions against our troops?
highhopes on September 19, 2007 at 4:37 PM
eeyore on September 19, 2007 at 4:32 PM
Think beginning of Nov. ‘08. They can’t win without the independents and a few delusional repubs.
Entelechy on September 19, 2007 at 4:37 PM
This is sickening. Check out these poll results on CBS 880 AM radio:
Should Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad be allowed to visit Ground Zero while he’s in NYC next week?
Yes———-48%
No———–52%
What the hell is wrong with the people in this country!? God help us.
IrishEi on September 19, 2007 at 4:38 PM
If they can’t restrict his movement then the solution is simple: cancel his visa. Case closed.
12thman on September 19, 2007 at 4:38 PM
Seems like it was all a screw up. Mayor’s office saying that the request was rejected a MONTH ago.
The Police commissioner seems to have made a mistake (yea right).
Agrippa2k on September 19, 2007 at 4:38 PM
Have some sympathy people, Dinner Jacket can’t get around in about a third of Iran without someone trying to riddle him full of holes or blowing him to tiny bits.
But on the other hand, with all the construction and what not, elgeneralisimo could see that he might perish in a tragic track-hoe accident… he just has that feeling…
elgeneralisimo on September 19, 2007 at 4:40 PM
WTF are these wackjob dhimmis thinking???!?!?? Do they honestly think we’re to stoopid to understand the implications of this act?
Let me be clear to all who wish to deny the truth about true Americans:
We are an independent lot.
We’ll do as we’re told, but only when it makes sense.
We only tolerate so much incompetence by our government.
We may be dumb, but we’re not stupid.
We speak our minds, pray if we want, and own guns. (please notice the last part)
We fight like siblings over the dumbest topics, but the important ones galvanize us.
We don’t forget what you promise…if we do, someone reminds us & it pisses us off all over again.
We believe in the RULE OF LAW and the SOVREIGNTY OF THE US.
We like flying the flag, Mom, and apple pie.
We want the UN out of the US.
We don’t like politicians.
We don’t like phonies. Period.
WE ARE ANGRY. WE WILL NOT SUBMIT!
I dare you to ignore us, for it is at your peril…
DON’T TREAD ON ME!
(AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Miss_Anthrope on September 19, 2007 at 4:41 PM
The commentators are only considering the fact that he didn’t personally send out the order to bring down the towers. They don’t actually draw the fact that Iran has been killing our troops in Iraq.
amerpundit on September 19, 2007 at 4:42 PM
Sorry for the rant…missed the update about the no-go.
Miss_Anthrope on September 19, 2007 at 4:43 PM
Great stuff, boys. I love the fatalism. I love the conspiracy and the acceptance of evil. Well done.
Jaibones on September 19, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Apology not accepted. Righteous rant, Miss A.
Jaibones on September 19, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Not south of Central Park, but there are plenty of tall buildings. Too many to secure, anyway…
I’d say more, but I don’t want to get
bannedarrested.ticticboom on September 19, 2007 at 4:51 PM
Point taken. But, for sake of argument (given the updates) I fear it would have been very old news by then, and I am confident Shrillary and the rest would soon have been able to come up with some deft deflection, invisible through anti-Bush glasses, to be able to neither support nor condemn the visit, but allow it to slide.
eeyore on September 19, 2007 at 4:51 PM
Glad the NYPD seems to be reconsidering.
We might have had to break out the big guns - like tell Bloomberg Ahmadinejad was a smoker who cooked with trans fats.
Slublog on September 19, 2007 at 4:52 PM
huh?
samuelrylander on September 19, 2007 at 4:52 PM
Sorry, no context…
Huh?
samuelrylander on September 19, 2007 at 4:53 PM
hah like how you threw in the arghh at the end to go along with national talk like a pirate day :)
offroadaz on September 19, 2007 at 4:54 PM
Will he visit the Holocaust Museum in DC on his next journey?
natesnake on September 19, 2007 at 4:55 PM
Why doesn’t someone have the cajones to just come out and say “No” aka “cold day in hell” instead of dancing around it being logistically impossible.
NO. Next question?
tree hugging sister on September 19, 2007 at 4:55 PM
See, I was right. No worries, people.
Aww thanks. I assume you’re totally smoking hot, of course.
Enrique on September 19, 2007 at 4:59 PM
I liked your rant. I, for one, do not have a problem with being righteous when it comes to my country. We’ve let the RINOS and social experimenters run roughshod long enough. If what you said frightens people….. Good! As far as New York deciding against the Visa, what a “duh” decision.
MNDavenotPC on September 19, 2007 at 4:59 PM
drop him off in the worst part of NY
jediwebdude on September 19, 2007 at 5:00 PM
I’m with ya 1,000% on this AP.
[Miss_Anthrope on September 19, 2007 at 4:43 PM]
LOL. No apology necessary. Let me apply that in the context of NYS and NYC, too. New York is not a playground for Bush and Condi. There is no way Amadinnerjacket gets to go where he wants and God help any NY politician that stands idlely by while a bunch of federal dunces have brainfarting contests.
Write your local NY pols, folks.
Dusty on September 19, 2007 at 5:00 PM
Would you believe that 45% of the people answering this poll think he should be allowed to visit?
Connie on September 19, 2007 at 5:05 PM
“Paul J. Browne, said that Mr. Kelly had misspoke and that police commanders had already decided that a visit to ground zero by Mr. Ahmadinejad was not feasible.”
Not feasible is not good enough. Make sure to put your pols on notice that it is not acceptable because the likelihood of a stunt is high and a visit will be prohibited.
Dusty on September 19, 2007 at 5:06 PM
Remember the Iraqi people hitting Sadams statue with their shoes. They also step on whatever they want to show hatred towards.
This fool stepping on Ground Zero will be his way of showing his hatred for those who died there.
And, if he has his way, something disgusting will be done to the Wreath before he lays it at the site.
Helloyawl on September 19, 2007 at 5:06 PM
Yea, he wanted to lay a wreath at Ground Zero. Not in memory of our citizens killed, but for the 19 who did the killing. All the while, he’d be snickering at how stupid we are.
StephC on September 19, 2007 at 5:06 PM
It would be terribly ironic if one of his EFP’s happened to cause him a “problem” while in NYC. I’m not advocating anything, merely pointing out the possibilty for irony.
trubble on September 19, 2007 at 5:07 PM
Probably to commemorate the “Magnificent 19″
infidel4life on September 19, 2007 at 5:08 PM
How could this outrage even be considered? Has Kelly gone mad?
katieanne on September 19, 2007 at 5:12 PM
Maybe this was Homeland Security’s plan to see if airport personnel would notice who they just let into NYC?
;O)
OhEssYouCowboys on September 19, 2007 at 5:15 PM
Those who know…OT - don’t want to get banned by our deity.
On a very serious note, love your posts, articles and comments. Admire independence more than anything - must fight, you too, to slow down that socialism!!!
Entelechy on September 19, 2007 at 5:15 PM
I say let him go….and when he gets out of the car present him with a package of disarmed IRG IEDs. Then kick him into the hole.
Limerick on September 19, 2007 at 5:17 PM
Pretty lame response from the White House! Geez. The State Dept. shouldn’t even let him in the country.
Death to the Iranian regime!
CP on September 19, 2007 at 5:26 PM
THIS….IS……SPAAAARTAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
Kid from Brooklyn on September 19, 2007 at 5:26 PM
Dubya punts. Will the last U.S. American to leave please turn out the lights?
Kid from Brooklyn on September 19, 2007 at 5:27 PM
According to The New York Times, he’ll be speaking at Columbia University. Typical. The kids there probably consider him a reasonable voice against the “Jewish lobby” and Bush’s “fascist state”.
amerpundit on September 19, 2007 at 5:28 PM
Why are they letting this nut in the United States anyway. Expect riots if he comes to ground zero. Dosn’t everyone think its time for the UN to consider moving……OUT OF THE UNITED STATES…….
ahkjr33 on September 19, 2007 at 5:33 PM
The eunichs in the White House respond. PC rules.
Rudy shows that cojones still exist, in some men.
How the media and the leftie contenders spin this will be the real circus.
Entelechy on September 19, 2007 at 5:36 PM
That reminds me of the “African Methodist Church” allowing Fidel Castro to speak to the congregation. A Communist speaking in an alleged Church … is just about the same as a police-state, megalomaniac speaking at a University. I’m just waiting for Chavez to speak at Columbia … while David Horowitz has his life threatened if he appears on a college campus.
This country is lost.
OhEssYouCowboys on September 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Doing the groveling real Americans won’t do.
infidel4life on September 19, 2007 at 5:39 PM
Wow George, you really are trying to rocket your approval numbers into negative digits aren’t you?
I can only emagine what Reagan would have said and it sure as hell would not be “you deal with it”
FireFly on September 19, 2007 at 5:44 PM
Umm, George, show some cojones please. That’s what I always admired about W., but that’s slowly going down the drain.
mjk on September 19, 2007 at 5:45 PM
That was weak, George.
j0 on September 19, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Is he trying to beat congress to absolute zero in the polls or what?!?
Show some fking balls, W. You of all people should be condemning this in the strongest possible terms, and you sure as shinola shouldn’t need our outrage to goad you into it.
thirteen28 on September 19, 2007 at 5:48 PM
Give Bush a break, he was busy trying to find NYC on a map of the United States. These things take time.
OhEssYouCowboys on September 19, 2007 at 5:50 PM
The poll at the WCBS link has 40% saying he should be allowed to visit the site. WTF.
BadgerHawk on September 19, 2007 at 5:52 PM
Quite honestly, one thought springs to mind in reaction to this disgusting possibility. However, it is not prudent to say it outright.
I’m pretty sure you all know what I mean. It would be catastrophic, but this guy has pushed us well over too far.
MadisonConservative on September 19, 2007 at 5:53 PM
The poll on Michelle’s site has 51% wanting to send him to Gitmo.
infidel4life on September 19, 2007 at 6:00 PM
You mean if some deranged lone wolf sniper shot Ahmadinejad in the head and chest from great distance on the campus, imitating the two lone wolves of unknown denomination who went on a killing spree around the Washington area a while back?
Yeah, that would be catastrophic.
Niko on September 19, 2007 at 6:07 PM
What I can’t believe is that it took over two hours for a commenter to get to Sparta on this thread.
I mean, copious threats, diplomats, a big hole, and Dinnerjacket’s even Persian, for crying out loud!
Merovign on September 19, 2007 at 6:11 PM
So, he’s coming to Columbia University.
I would expect no less from the school where the Minutemen were shouted down last October as the police stood by and did nothing.
I’ve no words left to describe how disgraceful and corruptible Columbia University has become.
Hawkins1701 on September 19, 2007 at 6:11 PM
Mark Levin is flipping out over the Columbia thing…
IrishEi on September 19, 2007 at 6:15 PM
1) Encase him alive in an airtight, plastic block, say 4×4×10.
2) Let him suffocate while encased in the plastic block.
3) Put a nameplate on it: “The Monster who Caused 9/11″.
4) Put him on permanent display at the WTO site.
jimbo2 on September 19, 2007 at 6:28 PM
By allowing Ahmadinejad to speak, Columbia is tacitly approving of the US servicemen’s deaths caused by Iran.
darwin on September 19, 2007 at 6:32 PM
He’s still going, reports ABC News.
amerpundit on September 19, 2007 at 6:36 PM
“fallout” = understatement
Kaptain Amerika on September 19, 2007 at 6:36 PM
I can only quote Eisenhower’s concentration camp visit on Amadinnerjacket’s visit to Columbia and his disgusting holocaust denial:
“I made the visit deliberately, in order to be in position to give first-hand evidence of these things if ever, in the future, there develops a tendency to charge these allegations merely to “propaganda.”
NeoConSnakePlissken on September 19, 2007 at 6:38 PM
Exactly as AP put it
Cry Havoc…
juanito on September 19, 2007 at 6:50 PM
I will never understand how this country can let a animal like that even step foot on US soil.
again it’s sickening.
j0 on September 19, 2007 at 6:52 PM
He shouldn’t be allowed in the country. I understand that might make certain state department offcial’s jobs harder, but so what. If you are going to let him in he should be on a limited visa that only allows him within a few blocks of the U.N. If he violates that, arrest him and deport him.
Buford on September 19, 2007 at 7:14 PM
This is a nightmare waiting to happen. Can you imagine a scenario of American citizens trying to bum-rush Ahmadinejad and our Secret Service would be forced to kill Americans, at Ground Zero, to protect a terrorist? Un-freaking-believable that his visit would be allowed..
Guardian on September 19, 2007 at 7:17 PM
Like I said, Columbia tried this almost a year ago to the day. They canceled due to “security concerns.”
link
Big S on September 19, 2007 at 7:42 PM
Bring him to Broadway and Liberty and then unveil our memorial to the Shah and SAVAK.
sibobr on September 19, 2007 at 7:45 PM
It certainly seems ODD to me that our president would allow the president of a country that is a state sponsor of terror to even come to the US in the first place.
Hey, the buck stops in the Oval Office, Mr. President. Did you forget?
INC on September 19, 2007 at 7:50 PM
They will sneak him in there… I have lost all respect for Condi Rice. I no longer trust this government to do anything that takes BALLS.. PATRIOTS TO THE FRONT!!
build the wall on September 19, 2007 at 7:51 PM
Well if he does go I hope the National Pork Association shows up on the same day inviting folks to do their best hog calls and maybe setup a petting zoo with about ten-thousand pigs.
Maxx on September 19, 2007 at 7:57 PM
Universities shouldn’t endorse the words or the character of the people who speak on campus. In this case Columbia would be giving its students exposure to someone who, unfortunately, has a very large impact on the world’s priorities.
Perhaps it will spur interest among American college students in the anti-government activism among Iranian students.
dedalus on September 19, 2007 at 7:57 PM
IED time on his exit route. WooT! Payback is a bitch.
Static on September 19, 2007 at 8:00 PM
So white hot that it could melt steel. Can’t a few thick-necked, wrestler types with wrenches and crowbars make their way through his bodyguards and persuade Ahmadinejad to part with some of his teeth?
This is New York for freaks sake! Where’s Travis Bickle when you need him?
Thomas the Wraith on September 19, 2007 at 8:00 PM
“Incidentally, will the public be barred from Ahmadinejad’s speech like they were barred from Shoebat’s? If not, why not?”
From Drake Tungsten at AoSHQ
“The answer is yes. Columbia sent out an email to students today about the Ahmadinejad speech and it mentions that only Columbia student/staff/faculty with current IDs and invited guests will be allowed into the event.
I would’ve posted this over at HA, but they don’t allow you to post without registering or register to post. Lame.”
lowandslow on September 19, 2007 at 8:04 PM
If I were Bush, I wouldn’t have let him into New York to attend any UN meetings. Which he did, correct me if I’m wrong.
Dork B. on September 19, 2007 at 8:08 PM
This is just too good not to spread. I found it via Gates of Vienna:
http://turbanbomb.blogspot.com/2007/09/surrender-up-yours.html
ticticboom on September 19, 2007 at 8:24 PM
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