The politics surrounding the proposed construction of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City continue to simmer, with Republican Rep. Dan Lungren of Gold River firing the latest shot.
Lungren criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, who on Wednesday said it was time to "ask who is funding the attacks against the construction of the center."
Lungren said Pelosi's words are from someone "who has lost touch with the idea that American freedom of expression is sacred - even when it runs counter to the beliefs of our liberal elites."
"When the speaker of the House -- the person presently third in line to take the helm of this nation -- had the temerity to call for an investigation of those who think building a mosque in the shadow of the site of our greatest national tragedy is an inappropriate idea, I now think her feelings about dissenting Americans are no slips of the tongue," Lungren said.
"It is time for the speaker to back off - she needs to retreat (from) her threat against free thinking Americans," Lungren said.
For his part, Lungren said he opposes construction of the mosque at the proposed site.
"Whatever the purported intentions of those who intend to build this structure, the fact remains that those who perpetrated the cowardly act of death and destruction - and their admirers - will view the placement of the mosque as a vindication of their cause," he said.
"The gross insensitivity of this decision which is displayed toward the victims of the 9/11 terrorists--and their still grieving families--cannot be underestimated," he added. "Let me be clear: Those who wish to build their mosque may have the legal right to do so but they have no moral or ethical right to go forward."
PHOTO CREDIT: People watch construction at The World Trade Center site Monday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/ Getty Images)
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