Whatever you may think of the proposed mosque and community center, lost in the heat of the debate has been a basic question — should government attempt to deny private citizens the right to build a house of worship on private property based on their particular religion? That may happen in other countries, but we should never allow it to happen here. This nation was founded on the principle that the government must never choose between religions, or favor one over another.
~ Michael Bloomberg (born: 1942-02-14 age: 70) mayor of New York City. 2010-08-03

Bloomberg’s speech on religious tolerance for Muslims wanting to build a mosque in New York City is a classic. It is all the more amazing knowing Bloomberg is a Republican, a group not known for religious tolerance.