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In an effort to explain the differences between Islamic extremists and those planning to build a Muslim center near Ground Zero, Governor David Paterson inadvertently hit a sore note with some religious leaders last week. But on Monday he said he’s reached to those he may have offended.

"I didn’t think I had anything to apologize for, but in a situation, where they may have mistaken the intent of remarks, I wrote them a letter to clarify," said the governor.

Talking to reporters in Albany, Paterson went on to say that while some of those who oppose the building of the mosque have valid concerns, he also agrees with the Imam behind the development.

"Some are absolutely bigoted. There is no doubt about it. Some criticism is politically motivated," Paterson said.

Political scientist and SUNY Albany Professor Jose Cruz says the governor’s comments are just the latest in a cacophony of opinions surrounding the issue and does little to push conversation toward a solution.

"What’s objectionable is not so much that it’s become politicized but that it has become the subject of so much demagoguery," Cruz said.

Cruz says the intense debate is nothing new to American history and is simply the growing pains of a nation still finding its identity.

"This particular situation could be a defining moment for American politics in the direction of freedom, equality, tolerance," Cruz said.

It’s still very unclear how the debate will end, but Paterson says the Muslim developers do have the right to build near Ground Zero. He also says calls for them to relocate are taking the conversation in the wrong direction.

"If we are going to approach them then we should make an appeal not a demand," Paterson said.

Meantime, there’s no doubt many eyes around the globe are on New York as they wait to see the resolution of this cultural and political struggle.