President Obama staunchly defended the construction of an Islamic community center near Ground Zero, after rabid opposition from the right and craven silence from the rest of his party.

This mosque was never going to be blocked, but President Obama could have done what most Democrats did: play it safe and say nothing. Instead, he did the right thing--took a politically unpopular stance and spoke out against public opinion.

"This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are."

Whether or not you have been disappointed by what President Obama has done or has failed to do, if you appreciate what he did yesterday, you should visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ and tell him so. You'd be surprised at how much difference things like that can make.

Edit: I'll just add this (and I said this in my letter): I agree that it is a sad day when this must be considered an act of political courage. But despite the cowardly, irresponsible silence from the rest of his party, he spoke out strongly when he could have just let this blow over. That's why I wrote to thank him, and that's why I think you should too.

Edit 2: thekingslayer4747 posted an insightful article from 538 that clarifies a point about public opinion of this issue.

Final edit: People who are saying that Obama "retracted" or "walked back" his statements are wrong:

... Even the AP, more accurately, refers to the president "expanding" on his statement, though perhaps better to say 'countering willful distortion.' The CBS version of the AP story says he "expounded" on the issue.

Here's exactly what Obama said on Friday:

But let me be clear: as a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances.