Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is the supposedly moderate leader of the Ground Zero mosque, itself supposedly dedicated to a moderate version of Islam. Defenders of the mosque tell us that Rauf and his project will help beat back Islamic extremism and that any opposition to the mosque is a victory for extremists who would like to silence Rauf’s moderate version of the religion.

Well, already knew that the narrative was baloney. Rauf has been on record for quite some time as a supporter of the barbaric sharia law and apologist for Islamic terrorism. The imam has even asserted his belief that the United States deserved the 9/11 attacks.

New audio lends credence to the assertion that Rauf isn’t quite as moderate as the media and other Ground Zero mosque supporters tell us. You can listen to the full four minute-plus audio over at National Review but here’s the money quote from a speech given by Rauf on July 12, 2005:

‘The United States has more Muslim blood on its hands than al Qaeda has on its hands of innocent non-Muslims.’

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Rauf believes the United States is more brutal and murderous than Al Qaeda — the same terror organization responsible for the mass murder of thousands of innocent people at Ground Zero. Now Rauf wants to build a victory monument, er, mosque where? Ah, yes, at Ground Zero

Contrary to the claims of supporters of Rauf, the imam is hardly moderate. He may not strap a suicide vest to his body and detonate himself in a marketplace, but he sympathizes with — or at least excuses — those who do. The fact that the president and others stand by as Rauf builds a monument to Islamic extremism at Ground Zero is a disgrace.