IFC shelved

The so-called "International Freedom Center" will not be built at the World Trade Center site after all:

In a story first reported by NY1, Governor George Pataki has cancelled plans to build the controversial International Freedom Center at the World Trade Center site - and representatives of the center say the location change has forced the entire project to be scrapped.

The center had drawn criticism from some 9/11 victims' family members because it would not focus exclusively on the terror attacks. Family members also said the IFC could potentially contain exhibits that were anti-American.

Pataki said Wednesday that he's given the center a chance to clarify its intentions, but there's just too much opposition.

In a statement, Pataki said: “The creation of an institution that would show the world our unity and our resolve to preserve freedom in the wake of the horrific attacks is a noble pursuit. But freedom should unify us. This center has not.”

I have no problem, in principle, with a museum like the IFC. I just don't think Ground Zero, the site of a tragedy that shook America (and not just America) to its core, is the right place for it.

(Hat tip: Ranald Hay)

Posted by damian at September 29, 2005 07:15 AM | TrackBack