freedom with an asterisk

9/11 Kin Want Freedom Museum Cancelled

- By MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN, AP Writer
Monday, June 20, 2005


(06-20) 17:01 PDT New York (AP) --


Dozens of relatives of people killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks are opposing plans for a freedom museum at ground zero, saying it would spoil the site's solemnity by injecting controversy and political debate.


Relatives representing 14 family groups gathered at the site Monday to condemn plans for the International Freedom Center, which officials said would place the terror attacks in a historical context.


"It doesn't belong at a memorial," said Charles Wolf, whose wife, Katherine, died in the World Trade Center collapse. "You wouldn't put a debate about Nazism and authoritarianism at Dachau."


Officials charged with rebuilding the World Trade Center site said the center will host discussions on historical and current events, exhibits on global freedom movements and a service program encouraging activities that could range from joining the Peace Corps to enlisting in the U.S. military.


The center's use of advisers that include some critics of U.S. policy has prompted criticism from conservative commentators in recent weeks.


Center President Richard J. Tofel said that while the causes of the Sept. 11 attacks would not be up for debate, the center would not bar criticism of the United States and its actions.


"Part of the way we celebrate freedom is to acknowledge that even the greatest societies in the world and those that have made the greatest contribution to freedom are not perfect," he said.


The center would be part of a cultural complex set to open in 2009 at the northeast end of the trade center site.